**Cyprus Presidency Leaves ‘Concrete Results’ for Europe’s Islands and Coasts**
Paphos, Cyprus – In a significant conclusion to its six-month term, Cyprus’ presidency of the European Union Council has been marked by what President Nikos Christodoulides described as “concrete and substantial results.” The final major event of this presidency was a high-level conference focused on enhancing the resilience and development of EU islands and coastal communities, held in the coastal city of Paphos.
Addressing attendees, President Christodoulides emphasized the dual practical and symbolic importance of the conference, which took place at the southeastern edge of the European Union and in his hometown. This gathering comes just days before the conclusion of Cyprus’ presidency, highlighting the island’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by its coastal and island regions.
The conference, titled "Strengthening EU Islands and Coastal Communities," was organized in collaboration with the European Commission. It followed the Commission's presentation on June 10 of two new strategies aimed at providing a comprehensive framework to tackle the specific challenges these regions encounter, while also leveraging their unique opportunities. Christodoulides noted that this marks a historic moment for the EU, as it is the first time such a coherent approach has been established.
“Coastal and island regions may be geographically on the periphery of the European Union, but they are at the heart of European policies,” Christodoulides stated, underscoring the importance of these areas in the broader context of EU governance and policy-making.
During its presidency, Cyprus has navigated a range of pressing geopolitical issues and complex legislative files, including discussions surrounding the EU’s long-term budget. Christodoulides highlighted the presidency’s focus on critical areas such as defense, security, competitiveness, energy, health, education, labor rights, and air passenger rights. He expressed pride in the accomplishments of the presidency, noting the successful resolution of cases that had been pending for over a decade.
The president also pointed out that the new strategies are aligned with Cyprus’ national priorities. With 17 million European citizens residing on over 4,000 inhabited islands and 95 million people living in coastal areas, the challenges faced by these communities have significant implications for the EU as a whole. He mentioned that 17 EU member states have island regions, while 22 have coastal areas, emphasizing the European dimension of these issues.
Christodoulides addressed the daily challenges faced by island and coastal communities, including connectivity, climate change, energy and water security, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion. He noted that these challenges directly impact access to international markets, competitiveness, tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for residents.
The president cited the blue economy as an example of how Cyprus has been proactive in addressing these challenges. The sector has experienced steady growth of four to five percent annually over the past 15 years, contributing to economic activity in coastal areas and job creation. He also highlighted recent investments of €150 million in Cyprus, co-funded through the EU cohesion policy, aimed at modernizing and digitizing the electricity grid. These investments are designed to enhance energy security, promote the use of renewable energy sources, and bolster the resilience of the energy system.
For Cyprus, an island nation that is energy-isolated within the EU, these initiatives are critical for achieving a green transition and enhancing competitiveness. Christodoulides pointed out that islands and coastal regions often serve as the EU’s external borders, placing them at the forefront of challenges related to security, defense, and migration management.
“By supporting these regions, we support the European Union as a whole,” he stated, reinforcing the interconnectedness of island and coastal communities with broader EU objectives.
The launch of the new strategies from Cyprus sends a clear message that the EU’s island and coastal communities are not marginal, but rather central to the future of Europe. As the conference concluded, Christodoulides remarked that while it marks the end of one chapter of the Cyprus presidency, it also opens a new path for the development and support of Europe’s islands and coastal regions.
The outcomes of this presidency and the newly established strategies are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future EU policies that address the unique needs and potential of these vital areas.