EU unveils plan to support islands and coastal communities
12 reported
The European Union’s executive arm has introduced two first-ever strategies aimed at helping the bloc’s islands and coastal communities, EU officials said Friday. The plans focus on improving transportation links, ending energy isolation, and building more homes. Some 17 million people live in more than 4,000 islands across the EU, including three island member states: Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus. Another 95 million people live along the coasts of 22 member states. European Parliament Vice President Younous Omarjee stated that islands have been overlooked in the past but that this is now ending. The strategies aim to replace piecemeal approaches with a comprehensive plan to address unique challenges, according to European Commission Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto. No specific projects or funding details have been announced yet, as proposals will come from member states once the bloc’s new budget is unveiled.
What’s reported
The EU executive arm unveiled two first-ever strategies for islands and coastal communities on Friday.
Key initiatives include improving transportation links, ending energy isolation, and building more homes.
Some 17 million people live in more than 4,000 islands across the EU, including Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus.
Another 95 million people live along the coasts of 22 member states.
European Parliament Vice President Younous Omarjee said islands have been overlooked in the past but that this is ending.
European Commission Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto said the strategies offer a comprehensive approach instead of piecemeal efforts.
Costs for transport, housing, and public services are higher on islands due to distance from mainland markets and dependence on air and maritime connections.
The island strategy has four pillars: improving transportation and digital infrastructure, tackling climate change and energy needs, addressing shrinking populations and housing shortages, and bolstering security and crisis preparedness.
No specific projects or funding details have been announced; proposals will come from member states after the new EU budget is unveiled.
Fisheries Oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis said EU coastal communities contribute 265 billion euros ($302 billion) annually to the bloc’s budget.
The coastal strategy includes a blue carbon credit program, the OceanEye project for ocean observation, and promoting dual-use technologies for fishing and tourism.
The strategy also aims to make coastal communities more resilient to climate change through investments with the European Investment Bank.
Key figures
Younous Omarjee, European Parliament Vice President
Raffaele Fitto, European Commission Executive Vice President for Cohesion and Reforms
Costas Kadis, Fisheries Oceans Commissioner
Sources: abcnews.com
