The European Commission has presented two new strategies aimed at addressing the challenges faced by coastal communities and islands in the European Union, while excluding the outermost regions such as the Azores and Madeira. The coastal plan covers 95 million people, or 21% of the bloc’s population, who live along 70,000 kilometres of EU coastline across 22 member states, including Portugal. It seeks to support a more dynamic, competitive and diversified blue economy through activities such as fishing tourism and offshore renewable energy. The Commission also wants to strengthen climate change adaptation, improve environmental, economic, social and security resilience, and protect maritime culture, heritage and local identity. European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costa Kadis, said coastal regions are on the front line of climate change. The islands strategy concerns 17 million residents on more than four thousand islands in 16 member states, including Cyprus, Ireland, and Malta, and aims to improve connections, sustainable tourism, energy security, public services and social inclusion. A separate plan for the outermost regions, including the Azores and Madeira, is expected at the end of the year, while European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Rafaelle Fitto, said the proposal for the next EU multiannual financial framework (2028-2032) recognises the need to respond to the special needs of islands.
