The European Commission has adopted two dedicated strategies for EU islands and coastal communities, setting out for the first time a coordinated European approach to support these territories and unlock their long-term potential.
The strategies respond to the specific needs of more than 17 million people living on EU islands and 95 million people living along EU coastlines and coastal areas. They aim to address common challenges such as geographical isolation, limited connectivity, high transport costs, reliance on fossil fuels, climate vulnerability, demographic decline, water scarcity, housing pressure and access to essential services.
The EU Islands Strategy is structured around four pillars: economic development and connectivity, energy security and climate resilience, communities and demography, and security and crisis preparedness. It promotes regular dialogue with island stakeholders, capacity building, exchange of good practices and better integration of island needs into future national and regional planning.
The EU Coastal Communities Strategy focuses on prosperity, resilience and liveability. It aims to support a diversified blue economy, strengthen climate adaptation, safeguard maritime heritage and promote locally led solutions adapted to different coastal realities.
Together, the strategies seek to strengthen economic opportunities, improve quality of life and support the resilience of islands and coastal communities across Europe.
- Publication date
- 3 July 2026
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency