On Friday 16 January 2026, a high-level public hearing entitled “Strengthening Cohesion and Connectivity: Policy Solutions for EU Islands” was held at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The hearing brought together Members of the European Parliament, representatives of EU institutions, national and regional authorities, social partners, experts and island stakeholders from across Europe, including Ioannis Vardakastanis (EESC), Giannis Roussos(INSULEUR), Elena Calistru (EESC), Eleni Marianou (CoE), Vangelis Meimarakis (EP, SEARICA), Tonino Picula (EP, SEARICA), Fredis Beleris (EP), Marie-
Antoinette Maupertuis (CoR), Hugo Sobral (EC) and Eleftherios Kechagioglou (HSIN), to examine the structural challenges faced by EU islands and to explore policy solutions aimed at improving accessibility, territorial cohesion and sustainable development. Their participation underscored the strong institutional and political engagement around the future of EU island territories.
INSULEUR was represented by its President, Giannis Roussos, who intervened on behalf of the Network of Insular Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the European Union, conveying the long-standing positions of island chambers and SMEs regarding the future of Europe’s island territories.
Read below the full Press Release document in English, Greek, Spanish, Frence, Italic, Maltese and Portuguese