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EU Islands & Coasts Get Major Development Boost
26 Jun
Summary
- EU launches two strategies to support island and coastal communities.
- Initiatives focus on transport, energy, housing, and climate resilience.
- Strategies aim to address the 'cost of insularity' and economic diversification.
The European Union has unveiled two pioneering strategies designed to uplift its numerous islands and coastal communities. These initiatives aim to provide a comprehensive approach to the distinct challenges faced by over 100 million EU citizens in these regions.
The strategy for islands focuses on four main pillars: enhancing transportation and digital infrastructure, addressing climate change impacts and energy needs, combating population decline and housing shortages, and boosting security and crisis preparedness.
Simultaneously, the strategy for coastal communities seeks to diversify economic activities and create new employment opportunities. Proposals include a blue carbon credit program for wetland conservation and the OceanEye project for advanced ocean observation.
These efforts address the 'cost of insularity,' a term describing the higher expenses for transport, housing, and services on islands due to their distance from mainland markets. Funding details will emerge from member state proposals following the EU's budget announcement, with projects like desalination plants and housing prioritized.
