Representatives of European islands gathered in La Palma on 23-24 April 2025 to shape a new EU strategy for islands
Representatives of European islands gathered in La Palma, Spain, on 23-24 April 2025, to shape a new EU strategy for islands and outermost regions. During the Annual Assembly of the CPMR Islands Commission, the main topics were the future of European islands and key sustainability issues.
Same diagnosis, different symptoms
The Islands Movement participated in the conference as a member of the European Small Islands Network (ESIN). Ivan Matić moderated a panel on social and cultural sustainability, emphasizing: “Without reliable and island-specific data, there will be no effective responses to the symptoms.”
Photo: Press CPMR
The Island Movement actively cooperates with the Archipelago Institute from Finland, preparing the testing of a new data collection method on Croatian islands — the first such project in the Mediterranean.
A new direction for islands and the most remote regions
Fernando Clavijo Batlle, Prime Minister of the Government of the Canary Islands, emphasized: “The islands are guardians of the ocean, sea and tradition. They need specific protection and fair opportunities.” Filip Reinhag, president of the CPMR, added that the European Commission’s announcement on the strategy represents a historic opportunity to strengthen the advocacy of the island’s needs.
The proposed EU strategy for the islands will emphasize their unique strengths, but also their challenges, calling for an integrated approach of all EU policies.
The Canary Islands, as the outermost region, proved to be the ideal place to discuss the future Strategy for the outermost regions, with the aim of turning geographical limitations into advantages for sustainable growth.
Common goals
Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis, President of the Assembly of Corsica, emphasized in her speech: “It is time for the islands and the outermost regions to become a European theme.”
In a common spirit, 50 island representatives unanimously adopted the Final Declaration of La Palma, with recommendations for European institutions to ensure a fair, inclusive and sustainable future for all European islands.
Source: cpmr-islands.org
Photos: Press CPMR