EA President Nanette Maupertuis welcomes the EU Strategy for Islands presented by the European Commission
EA President Nanette Maupertuis welcomes the first-ever EU Strategy for Islands, a milestone long called for by island regions. This marks an important political recognition that islands require a more coherent, tailored, and ambitious European approach. For too long, island territories have been addressed only partially through broader frameworks that, to date, fully capture their specific needs and potential. A dedicated strategy is therefore a vital step forward, offering the opportunity to place islands where they belong.
The EA President Ms Maupertuis had a detailed bi-lateral meeting with executive Vice President Rafaele Fitto on the 12th May where these issues were amongst the issues discussed including the ‘right to stay initiative’.
Recognition must now become action in the next EU budget. That means a Strong Cohesion Policy that continues to reduce disparities and support balanced development across all territories. It means island-proofed EU policies, so that legislation and programmes are systematically assessed against the realities of island life. And it means investment tools that match islands’ realities, designed to address their scale, constraints, and opportunities with flexibility and effectiveness. The EU Strategy for Islands must now be backed by the political will and financial means to turn ambition into tangible results for island communities across Europe.