EC: adoption of first-ever EU strategies for islands and coastal communities

The European Commission adopted two dedicated strategies, one for EU islands and one for EU coastal communities, setting out for the first time a coordinated European approach to support both types of territories and unlock their long-term potential, announces the institution on 10/06/2026.

Indeed, the Commission specifies that :
• 17 million people are living on more than 4,000 islands across 16 EU Member States ;
• and 95 million people are living along the 70,000 km of EU coastlines and in coastal areas across 22 EU Member States.

The Commission proposes therefore "an approach addressing economy, connectivity, energy, environment, demography and security in an integrated way, aiming to transform the challenges faced by these territories into opportunities and lasting strengths".

"Europe's coastal and islands communities are at the frontline of climate change, marine and coastal biodiversity loss, and marine pollution, which impact their long-term resilience and economic growth. Some also face additional pressures".

The two strategies will work in tandem, integrating a "tailored…