The EU strategy for islands and a new framework for coastal regions were presented during a high-level conference in Paphos, as Cyprus marked the symbolic conclusion of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
President Nikos Christodoulides announced the European Commission’s initiatives, describing them as key milestones for islands and coastal communities across Europe.
He said the Cyprus Presidency may be ending symbolically, but it also “opens another chapter” through the launch of these strategic EU policies.
Focus on islands and coastal regions
The President welcomed participants to Paphos, describing the city as an example of the potential and challenges faced by islands and coastal communities within the European Union.
He stressed that the initiatives provide, for the first time, a structured and comprehensive framework to address the specific needs of these regions.
According to him, the policies align closely with recent European Council conclusions and Cyprus’ national priorities.
Strategic importance for the EU
Christodoulides highlighted that around 17 million Europeans live on more than 4,000 inhabited islands, while approximately 95 million live in coastal regions spanning 70,000 kilometres.
He added that 17 EU member states include island regions, while 22 have coastal areas, underlining their importance for cohesion, security, environment and economic development.
From northern countries such as Sweden and Finland to southern states including Spain, Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, he said these regions form a unique geographical and strategic network across Europe.
Challenges facing islands and coastal areas
The President pointed to several challenges affecting these communities, including connectivity, climate change, energy and water security, rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
He said these issues directly affect competitiveness, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture and the daily lives of citizens in these regions.
Despite the challenges, he noted that island and coastal living offer unique natural wealth, biodiversity and cultural identity.
Cyprus contribution and EU vision
Christodoulides said the new strategies align with Cyprus’ national agenda, citing policies in blue economy development, aquaculture growth and energy infrastructure upgrades.
He highlighted investments exceeding €150 million in Cyprus’ electricity grid modernisation, aimed at improving energy security and supporting the transition to renewables.
He concluded that supporting islands and coastal regions strengthens the EU as a whole and contributes to a more competitive, secure and strategically autonomous Europe.
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