SEArica Conference on Islands & Cohesion Policy

SEArica Conference on Islands and Cohesion Policy

Organised with the support of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions

Thursday 28 April 14h00-16h00 Brussels time

Online conference with interpretation in English, French, Spanish and Italian

Please find the recording of the meeting: HERE 

The COVID-19 crisis has had a severe impact on the islands of the European Union, whose economies were already vulnerable on account of their insularity and other permanent structural challenges. Characterised by a physical ‘disconnection’ from the mainland, islands are in fact dependent on maritime and air transport and their economic markets concentrate in the primary and tertiary sectors.

EU islands are also on the front line of climate change and are particularly exposed to natural disasters. The islands of the European Union, although legally recognised as disadvantaged territories, do not always benefit from the specific aid provided for in the Treaties.

The Committee on Regional Development of the EU Parliament (REGI) is preparing an INI report on EU islands and cohesion policy, calling for a better response to their demographic, economic and environmental challenges. After the vote within the REGI Committee and in view of the plenary debate (foreseen for June), this SEArica webinar will focus on the following key points:

- Characteristics and specificities of islands that generate additional costs

- State aid schemes and measures to reduce the development deficit

- The need to protect a unique biodiversity and to fight against climate change and natural disasters: islands as pioneer territories of the EU

- Possible creation of an Islands Pact, with a view to defining a common EU policy on island matters

Hosted by MEP François Alfonsi, SEArica Vice-Chair for Islands, the webinar will bring together the main supporters of the INI report within the EP and insular regions to provide insightful contributions and discuss the follow-up of the report. The Conference will be held online using ZOOM, interpretation will be provided in English, French, Spanish and Italian, and information on how to connect will be sent to registered participants.

Opened by Tonino Picula, SEArica Chair, with the participation of Younous Omarjee, REGI Chair, Josianne Cutajar, SEArica Vice-Chair for SMEs and Digitalisation, Stelios Kympouropoulos & Alicia Homs, SEArica Vice-Chair for Biodiversity and Ocean Literacy

Please find the recording of the meeting: HERE