The Island Dimension in European Cohesion, Competitiveness and Sustainable Development Policies

Key points

The EESC:

• believes that EU islands face persistent structural disadvantages, i.e. geographic, economic, demographic and climate-related constraints such as isolation, melting ice, high transport and energy costs, housing pressure, labour shortages and over-reliance on tourism;
• is of the view that islands are essential for the EU’s geopolitical positioning, migration management, maritime security and energy transition. Their marine ecosystems and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) underpin the Blue Economy and biodiversity objectives. Despite recognition in EU treaties and political statements, islands’ unique challenges are not adequately addressed in the EU’s sectoral policies. Islands have the potential to be laboratories of innovation and sustainability, demonstrating solutions for climate adaptation, renewable energy, marine conservation and sustainable tourism;
• recognises that there is a need for a systemic approach. Effective EU policy for islands and island territories in general (including outermost regions and lake regions) requires integrated, cross-sectoral strategies addressing connectivity, economic diversification, social cohesion, ecological, social and economic resilience, and geopolitical readiness;
• calls for the establishment of a dedicated Union strategy for islands (Islands Pact), supported by a specific legislative framework (Islands Act). That framework should be accompanied by a formal strategy and provide for the effective implementation of an ‘insularity clause’, with a view to systematically integrating the specific needs and constraints of islands into Union policies on cohesion, transport, energy, state aid, the environment and maritime affairs;
• stresses that improving connectivity and infrastructure in island territories is essential for territorial cohesion, and calls for improved transport and public mobility systems, enhanced digital connectivity and more resilient energy grids, with a clear focus on decarbonisation, energy autonomy;
• stresses that island regions should diversify their economies by developing a sustainable and competitive blue economy that builds on their unique assets, such as marine resources, renewable energy potential, tourism, cultural heritage and creative industries;
• emphasises that social cohesion and human capital development are central to the long-term sustainability of island communities. It calls for targeted policies to address housing shortages, labour market mismatches, skills gaps and youth outmigration, incorporating inclusive education, quality employment opportunities and affordable housing solutions adapted to islands’ specific features;
• highlights that it is urgent to make progress with environmental protection and climate resilience in island territories, which are disproportionately exposed to climate change;
• calls for the formal integration of monitoring, foresight and participatory governance into island policies, proposing a regular island implementation report to track key demographic, economic, social and environmental indicators;
• believes that EU islands must no longer be treated as peripheral territories. They are front-line regions for Europe’s sovereignty, resilience and innovation capacity. A targeted, systemic and legally anchored EU islands strategy (Islands Pact) would be essential for turning islands into engines of sustainable growth, climate resilience and geopolitical security – ensuring that island communities are able to prosper, while reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy and cohesion. This has recently been highlighted by the geopolitical centrality of Greenland in Arctic security dynamics, transatlantic relations and great-power competition, and its relevance for Europe’s strategic autonomy in defence.

Practical information

The EU Youth Test at the EESC is being applied to this opinion.  JEF Europe was chosen by a group of interested youth organisations to represent all of them during the opinion-making process.