**Paphos to Host High-Level Summit on EU Islands and Coastal Communities**
Paphos, Cyprus – The city of Paphos is set to host a significant High-Level Conference on June 26, organized under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The conference, titled “Strengthening EU Islands and Coastal Communities,” will take place at the Elysium Hotel and will feature key political figures, including the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela.
A primary objective of the summit is to unveil the European Commission’s inaugural comprehensive strategies specifically tailored for Europe’s islands and coastal communities. These strategies are designed to address the unique challenges faced by approximately 17 million individuals residing on over 4,000 islands across 16 EU member states, including Cyprus, Ireland, and Malta. Additionally, the strategies aim to benefit the 95 million people living along the 70,000 kilometers of EU coastlines across 22 member states.
The newly developed strategies are structured around four key pillars:
1. **Economic Development and Innovation**: This pillar focuses on fostering economic growth and encouraging innovative practices within island and coastal communities.
2. **Energy Security and Climate Resilience**: Emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions, this pillar aims to enhance the resilience of these regions against climate change impacts.
3. **Demographic Support through Improved Public Services**: This initiative seeks to reverse trends of depopulation by improving access to essential services for residents.
4. **Enhanced Security against Natural Disasters and Maritime Risks**: This component aims to bolster the safety and security of communities against environmental threats.
By integrating the specific needs of islands into broader EU policy frameworks, the strategies aspire to create lasting opportunities that can transform geographical and economic challenges into viable solutions.
In parallel, the strategy for coastal communities is focused on promoting a diversified blue economy. This includes initiatives such as pescatourism, offshore renewable energy projects, and advancements in the bioeconomy. Key measures outlined in this strategy include empowering local communities through the forthcoming Ocean Act, supporting local supply chains, and establishing a certification system for blue carbon credits. The overarching goal is to ensure that coastal areas remain vibrant and livable, while also preserving their maritime culture and heritage.
The conference will see presentations from prominent EU officials, including Raffaele Fitto, the Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, and Costas Kadis, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans. Their presentations will articulate the Commission’s vision for enhancing competitiveness and supporting sustainable growth in island and coastal regions.
The agenda for the summit includes opening remarks from President Christodoulides and Prime Minister Abela, followed by an intervention from Younous Omarjee, the Vice-President of the European Parliament. A series of thematic round-table sessions will follow, focusing on topics such as leveraging the potential of islands and reinforcing Europe’s coastal communities. These discussions will feature expert panellists and high-level officials, facilitating a comprehensive dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing these regions.
The event is expected to conclude with a summary of recommendations and statements from the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, followed by a closing address from Marilena Raouna, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus.
This summit represents a crucial step in addressing the specific needs of islands and coastal communities within the EU, aiming to foster sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for residents in these unique regions.