Peripheral island regions' challenges in the post-COVID-19 recovery

Session summary

Mediterranean island regions suffer from double peripherality, both in geographical and economical terms. The territorial discontinuity and their peripheral position from both the mainland and large markets result in a broad set of constraints that make island regions' social and economic systems more fragile and less competitive, delivering extra costs for businesses and citizens.

Moreover, Mediterranean island regions are characterised by vulnerable economies that are highly dependent on tourism and their connectivity with other parts of Europe.

Having a greater impact on vulnerable regions, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated the existing weaknesses and permanent constraints of islands, all the more so because of their heavy reliance on tourism as their main economic activity and on connectivity with other parts of Europe.

The results of various studies and analyses – presented during the conference to feed into the political discussion – clearly show the low level of attractiveness and competitiveness of island regions, their extremely fragile economies and the severe economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on these territories.

In this context, high-level political representatives of Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Gozo, Crete and the Ionian Islands gathered together to discuss the challenges of EU peripheral islands and find possible scenarios to foster recovery and economic convergence processes with other European regions.

The representatives of the Regional Partnership of the Peripheral Mediterranean Islands called upon the European Union and the Member States to take into consideration the specific issues and needs of island regions.

Several members of the European Parliament, including the chair of the SEARICA (Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas) Intergroup, actively contributed to the debate, remarking on the challenges and difficulties of island regions on the grounds of their territorial discontinuity and peripheral position from the mainland.

Other valuable contributions to the discussion were provided by the EU networks dealing with two thematic areas strongly related to the condition and economy of island regions, namely tourism and air transport connectivity, which are among the sectors most affected by the current COVID-19 crisis.

The debate clearly stressed that EU policies and measures need be tailored to specific territorial challenges and diverse contexts, avoiding the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, in order encompass specific island-focused priorities and preventing the existing inequalities of treatment in EU regions.

The event was characterised by high attendance with more than 120 registered participants, including members of the European Parliament, members of the Committee of the Regions, high-level representatives of the European Commission, political and technical representatives of island local and regional authorities and civil society representatives.

Take away message

Peripheral Mediterranean island regional authorities call on the EU institutions and their respective Member States to duly take into account islands' permanent handicaps, fully recognised by art. 174 TFEU, through a reform of European governance with a specific European regulatory framework capable of meeting islands' specific needs.

Islands' territorial challenges need to be tackled by incisive derogatory and compensatory measures, tailor-made solutions and effective island-oriented policies to balance the wide range of constraints their inhabitants and businesses have to cope with.

Quotes

Christian Solinas "We are still far from the recognition of insularity as a permanent feature that negatively affects island's economies. The ongoing debate at the Conference on the Future of Europe must take this into account. We are not aiming for a privileged status, but tools to guarantee our citizens the same development opportunities as other European regions."

Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis "We have implemented a very strong policy at the Corsican regional level with a recovery and safeguard plan (Salvezza è Rilanciu) in two steps including the economic and social field, but also the environmental area which is in line with our common insular concerns to have a recovery and growth that contribute to an ecological transition."

Clint Camilleri "Our islands' peripherality comes with both challenges and opportunities. The key to our recovery is to mitigate our vulnerabilities and reinforce our capacities towards a more resilient future for our citizens and businesses. This is by no means an easy feat. However, with strategic vision, determination, and resources, we will stay true to this path."

Rosario Sánchez Grau "We call on the European institutions to pay special attention to territories with natural or demographic disadvantages, including island regions.
Islands need a European strategy aimed at overcoming structural barriers and considering the particularities of each marine basin and support for promoting climate neutrality, circular economy and energy transition policies that also converge on territorial cohesion."

Konstantinos Kapodistrias "Our islands are suitable for summer vacations, but we must realise customer demands have changed. They have become more refined and selective. They choose safety, cleanliness, the possibility of high-level healthcare if needed, and suitable infrastructure and the EU financial tools should help us cover the cost of all these necessary improvements."

George Alexakis "Islands can be pioneers in the transition towards sustainability. With unity and solidarity, we can overcome our challenges and achieve social cohesion and economic growth."