This EU Local Dialogue, organised by Luca Menesini (IT/PES) together with the European Committee of the Regions, the Province of Livorno, the Municipality of Marciana and SGI Europe, will take place at the Fortezza Pisana in Marciana on the Island of Elba. The discussion will focus on the first-ever EU Strategy for Islands, adopted by the European Commission on 10 June 2026, which aims to strengthen island communities through measures supporting economic development, connectivity, sustainability, quality of life and crisis preparedness.
A central theme of the debate will be the “freedom to stay” and the right of island residents to choose to remain in the places they call home. Rather than an abstract demographic concept, the freedom to stay is about territorial fairness and real opportunities: ensuring that access to transport, housing, healthcare, education, digital connectivity, jobs and public services allows island communities to thrive. The success of the EU Islands Strategy and the forthcoming Right to Stay package will ultimately be measured by their ability to make that choice a genuine reality for citizens across Europe’s islands.