Strengthening the island dimension in the 10th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion
INSULEUR has submitted its official Position Paper to the European Commission in response to the public consultation on the 10th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to ensuring that the voice of Europe’s islands is heard in the development of EU policies. The consultation, launched through the Commission’s “Have Your Say” portal, will contribute to shaping the future of EU Cohesion Policy and the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
INSULEUR’s contribution calls for a stronger recognition of islands as a distinct territorial category facing permanent structural disadvantages under Article 174 TFEU. The Position Paper highlights the need for cohesion policy to better reflect the realities of island economies and SMEs by addressing challenges such as connectivity, transport dependency, higher operating costs, climate vulnerability, demographic decline and access to the Single Market. It also proposes concrete policy recommendations, including the introduction of dedicated indicators to measure the cost of insularity and stronger place-based support for island businesses.
This submission continues INSULEUR’s consistent engagement with the European Commission’s policy-making process. Over the years, the Network has actively participated in numerous public consultations, providing evidence-based recommendations on issues that directly affect island territories and businesses. From contributions to previous Cohesion Reports to consultations on transport, State aid, energy, tourism and territorial development, INSULEUR has consistently advocated for policies that recognise the specific realities of Europe’s islands.
More recently, INSULEUR contributed to the European Commission’s consultation on the EU Strategy for Islands, helping shape what has now become the first dedicated European Strategy for Islands. The Network also submitted its recommendations to the Commission’s Right to Stay Strategy, emphasising the importance of creating the conditions that enable people and businesses to live, work and invest sustainably in island territories. These contributions form part of a coherent advocacy effort aimed at ensuring that islands remain firmly on the European policy agenda.
The full INSULEUR Position Paper submitted to the consultation is available for download below: