Nicosia: "Geography should never become a ceiling on people's ambition, on economic opportunity, or on Europe's commitment to fairness," declared Malta's Prime Minister, Robert Abela, during his speech at the High-Level Conference "Strengthening EU Islands and Coastal Communities" held in Paphos on Friday. Vice-President of the European Parliament, Younous Omarjee, hailed the event as a "historic moment," referring to the adoption of the Strategy for Islands and the Strategy for Coastal Communities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Prime Minister Abela emphasized the unique challenges faced by island communities, noting that while these islands have diverse circumstances, they encounter similar pressures, such as distance, higher costs, and dependence on reliable connections. He highlighted that for island member states, these pressures are structural realities that are more immediately felt due to the absence of a mainland to depend on during disruptions.
Prime Minister Abela stressed the importance of connectivity for islands, describing it as basic infrastructure essential for maintaining economic activity and access to markets. He pointed out that weak connectivity leads to rising transport costs, unreliable supply chains, and limited options for families and businesses. Despite these challenges, Abela recognized the islands' openness and adaptability, which have allowed them to quickly respond to shocks in sectors like energy, transport, tourism, and trade.
Abela also addressed the higher transition costs faced by islands in achieving clean energy objectives, citing their dependence on imported fuels and limited technological options. He emphasized the need for policies that reflect the unique realities of islands, arguing that equal treatment should not necessarily mean identical treatment.
The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that while geography will always shape island life, it should not limit ambition or economic opportunity. He called for strategies that genuinely reflect island realities from the outset of policy design, ensuring that island citizens have the necessary tools to support European ambition.
Vice-President Younous Omarjee echoed similar sentiments, describing the strategy for islands as the culmination of a long political process. He highlighted the European Union's recognition of insularity and the need for tailored solutions to address the distinct challenges faced by island regions, which differ from those in continental Europe.
Omarjee advocated for viewing Europe as an archipelago, emphasizing the opportunities in the blue economy and the challenges posed by climate change, energy pressures, and access to services. He also underscored the importance of enabling young people to remain on their islands to address demographic challenges and build a prosperous future.
The Vice-President noted the significance of Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, expressing confidence that it would continue efforts to transition from strategy to implementation.