The CoR has appointed Noel FORMOSA (MT/EPP), Mayor of San Lawrenz, as rapporteur for the opinion on EU strategy for islands. To support its preparation, the rapporteur invites you to share your views at a stakeholder consultation on 28 September, from 11.00 to 12.30. The hybrid meeting will take place in room JDE 51 at the European Committee of the Regions and online. It will be held in English.
The Communication published by the European Commission on 10 June 2026 " EU strategy for islands " is presented as the first ever strategy marking the Union's commitment to address the structural challenges faced by island communities. The aim of the Communication is to integrate the specific needs of islands and reflect the challenges they face into broader EU policies and the overarching EU political agenda for the years to come. The challenge now is to move from recognition to delivery.
The preparation of the CoR Opinion should be based on broad participation. The Rapporteur has therefore initiated a listening and consultation process with island authorities, European institutions, territorial and business networks, academia, civil society and citizens. The objective is to develop a people-based Opinion, grounded in the different realities of Europe's islands, and capable of translating the Strategy into tangible improvements in islanders' daily lives.
The basis for the discussion will be a working document, prepared by the rapporteur. The CoR commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) will discuss the draft opinion at its meeting of 19 November 2026. Adoption is planned at the CoR plenary meeting on 3 or 4 February 2027.
You may also submit your input in writing by sending your written contribution to coter@cor.europa.eu by 7 October 2026 at the latest.
Please note that no reimbursement will be offered for attending this event.