Leading Greek newspaper highlights INSULEUR’s role in shaping the European debate on the future of islands
IINSULEUR’s vision for the future of Europe’s islands has been brought into the national spotlight through a feature published by Kathimerini, one of Greece’s leading newspapers. The article, written by journalist George Lialios, explores the opportunities created by the European Commission’s new policy agenda for islands and prominently features the views of INSULEUR President Giannis Roussos, following INSULEUR’s participation in the European Commission’s High-Level Conference on Islands and Coastal Communities held in Paphos, Cyprus.
Significantly, Kathimerini chose one of Mr Roussos’ key messages as the headline of the article:
“We must look at islands through the eyes of winter.”
This simple yet powerful statement perfectly encapsulates the philosophy underpinning INSULEUR’s long-standing advocacy at European level: islands must not be viewed merely as seasonal tourist destinations, but as places where people live, work, invest and innovate throughout the entire year. Sustainable island development requires policies that address permanent structural challenges rather than temporary seasonal needs.
The Kathimerini article also highlights INSULEUR’s participation in the European Commission’s High-Level Conference in Cyprus, where the newly launched EU Strategy for Islands was officially presented. The Strategy represents a historic milestone in European policymaking, recognising for the first time the need for a dedicated policy framework tailored to the specific characteristics and permanent challenges of island territories across the European Union.
Commenting on the Strategy, INSULEUR President Giannis Roussos welcomed this important first step while underlining that the real work is only just beginning:
“The beginning is half of the whole. This is, understandably, a broad framework document setting out general directions. Based on my experience, it will take at least a year before it becomes more concrete. During that time, all island institutions must work together to ensure that these policies are translated into specific, targeted measures.”
His remarks reflect INSULEUR’s long-standing position that adopting a European Strategy is an essential political achievement, but that its success will ultimately depend on the commitment of the European institutions, Member States and island stakeholders to transform its objectives into practical actions that deliver tangible results.
Representing the Network of Insular Chambers of Commerce of the European Union, INSULEUR has consistently advocated for stronger recognition of islands within European policymaking. Through continuous dialogue with the European institutions, participation in high-level conferences and evidence-based policy contributions, the Network has worked to ensure that the specific needs of island businesses and communities remain firmly on the European agenda.
Most recently, INSULEUR has contributed to several key European policy initiatives, including the public consultations on the EU Strategy for Islands, the Right to Stay Strategy, and the 10th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion. Across these initiatives, the Network has consistently promoted policies that strengthen the competitiveness of island SMEs, improve maritime and digital connectivity, accelerate the green and digital transitions, enhance resilience and address the demographic challenges affecting island territories.
These are not challenges faced by Greece alone. They are shared by island regions throughout Europe—from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, from the Baltic Sea to the European Union’s outermost regions. This is precisely why INSULEUR continues to advocate for a genuinely European approach to island policy, one that fully reflects the territorial dimension recognised under Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
The attention given by Kathimerini to INSULEUR’s work demonstrates that the debate on islands is increasingly moving beyond national borders and becoming a truly European discussion. It also reflects the growing recognition of INSULEUR as a leading voice representing island chambers of commerce and island SMEs in the European policy arena.
As Europe moves towards implementing its new EU Strategy for Islands, INSULEUR will continue working closely with the European institutions, national governments and its member Chambers of Commerce to ensure that Europe’s islands are recognised not as peripheral territories, but as strategic assets for the Union’s cohesion, resilience, competitiveness and sustainable development.
We warmly thank Kathimerini and journalist George Lialios for bringing the challenges and opportunities of Europe’s islands into the public debate and for highlighting INSULEUR’s contribution to shaping a stronger European vision for island territories.
Read the original article in Kathimerini (in Greek):
https://www.kathimerini.gr/society/564352180/na-vlepoyme-ta-nisia-me-ta-matia-toy-cheimona/