European's island regions unite to shape future EU policies

With the relaunch of the Insular Regions Interregional Group on 2 July, island representatives from across the European Union are coming together to tackle the unique challenges of insularity and demand tailored solutions in areas such as transport, climate action, and economic development. At a pivotal moment for Europe, ahead of the start of the negotiations on the post-2027 long-term budget of the EU, this group is set to drive concrete, collective action to build a fairer, more coherent Europe that truly reflects the realities of island territories.

Islands face crucial challenges which are exacerbated by their specific geographical condition: demographic change, consequences of climate change, need to strengthen territorial cohesion and the risk of an increasing sense of disconnect from national and EU institutions. The Insular Regions Interregional Group aims to ensure that Europe’s islands are fully recognised within EU policymaking by addressing their distinct geographic and economic realities. It focuses on creating equal development opportunities by tailoring transport and investment policies to overcome the challenges of insularity. The group also seeks to support islands in adapting to climate change and transitioning toward sustainable, circular economies while fostering local entrepreneurship and innovation. By improving data collection and establishing dedicated EU bodies, island regions aim to strengthen their political influence and ensure their needs are consistently reflected in European strategies.

During its first meeting on 2 July, Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis (FR/EA), President of the Regional Assembly of Corsica, was elected chair of the interregional group. She stated: “As President of the Corsican Assembly and of the European Alliance group within the Committee of the Regions, I was committed to relaunching the Insular Regions Interregional Group. At the start of a new European legislative term, with a dedicated strategy for islands in preparation, it is more important than ever to make our voices heard.”  

“Our objective is clear: to build a fairer and more coherent Europe that fully recognises the specific nature of insularity. Together, we will put forward concrete proposals to adapt European policies — whether in cohesion, tourism, climate, state aid or transport — to the realities of our territories. This group will serve as a space for dialogue, cooperation and political development in service of Europe’s islands. It brings together island representatives from across the Union: Malta, Cyprus, the Azores, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Sardinia, Sicily, Greece, Ireland, Denmark and Finland.

“Corsica has always been proactive in defending and promoting insularity on the European stage with our friends from all the islands; this commitment is therefore fully in line with our ongoing work and unwavering dedication to making the voice of the islands heard,” she added.  

Members of the interregional group 

Full members

1. Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis (FR/EA), President of the Assembly of Corsica
2. Jesmond Aquilina (MT/PES), President of the Southern Region
3. Margarita Prohens Rigo (ES/EPP), President of the Balearic Islands Government
4. Noel Formosa (MT/EPP), Mayor, San Lawrenz Local Council
5. Mario Fava (MT/PES), President of the Local Councils' Association
6. Fernando Clavijo Batlle (ES/Renew E.), President of the Government of the Canary Islands
7. Declan McDonnell (IE/EA), Councillor, Galway City Council
8. Caroline Dwane Stanley (IE/EA), Councillor, Laois County Council
9. Kirstine Helene Bille (DK/Greens), Municipal Council Member, Syddjurs Municipality
10. Eleni Loucaidou (CY/EPP), Member of the Municipal Council of Lefkosia
11. Lefteris Perikli (CY/EPP), Chairman of the Community Council of Apesia
12. Alessandra Todde (IT/Greens), President of the Sardinia Region 

Alternate members

1. Francisca Ramis Pons (ES/EPP), Director General for Institutional Relations and Relations with the Parliament, Balearic Islands Government
2. Artur Manuel Leal De Lima (PT/EPP), Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores
3. Evangelos Fragkakis (EL/EPP), Mayor of Chalki
4. Maria Christou (CY/Greens), Chairman of the Community Council of Fasoulas Pafou
5. Efstratios Charchalakis (EL/EPP), Mayor of Kithira
6. Eleonora Georga (EL/EPP), Mayor of Limnos
7. Alessandro Dagnino (IT/EPP), Regional Minister of the Region of Sicily 

Background 

• Photos from the meeting.  

• Interregional groups are created within the European Committee of the Regions at the initiative of its members. They are platforms for local and regional authorities in the Member States and beyond to exchange views and generate new ideas. Seven other interregional groups on different topics are already active in the CoR. Full list. 

Contact 

Hélène Dressen
Tel: +32 471502795
Helene.dressen@cor.europa.eu