European commission launches new strategies for coastal and island communities

On Friday, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides presented two new European Union strategies for islands and coastal areas during a high-level conference in Paphos. The event marked the conclusion of the six-month Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. These frameworks represent the first integrated approach by the EU to manage the unique challenges and opportunities of these regions. Statistical data presented indicates that 17 million people reside on over 4,000 inhabited EU islands, while 95 million people live across 70,000 kilometres of coastline in 22 member states. Key challenges identified for these regions include connectivity, climate change, coastal erosion, energy and water security, and the necessity of maintaining local infrastructure. The strategies were developed following extensive consultations with experts and stakeholders and build upon the European Ocean Pact adopted in June 2025. President Christodoulides noted that while these regions are geographically peripheral, they remain central to European economic, environmental, and security policy.