EU parliamentary study highlights challenges in coastal and island regions

A new study commissioned by the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development (REGI), titled 'Revitalising Inclusive Blue Economies,' has identified significant socioeconomic and environmental challenges facing EU coastal, island, and outermost regions. These areas, home to approximately 95 million people, are currently struggling with demographic pressures, aging workforces, and a lack of specialized skills in critical sectors like fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport.

The report highlights how climate change, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. Economic development is further hindered by limited access to financing and weak innovation ecosystems. Specifically, the fisheries sector has seen a 15% decline in employment within the EU, reflecting a broader trend of youth withdrawal from traditional maritime professions. These issues are compounded by high transport costs and remote geographical positioning, which reduce the overall resilience of local labor markets.

In addition to evaluating the impact of the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy, the study provides strategic recommendations to guide future interventions. These findings are intended to shape the Cohesion Policy framework for the 2028-2034 period, aiming to foster more inclusive and sustainable growth across the union's vulnerable maritime territories.