EU to prepare new strategies for islands and coastal regions during Cyprus presidency

European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Kostas Kadis stated that the European Union will develop two new strategies aimed at supporting coastal communities and island regions during Cyprus’s six-month presidency of the EU Council.

In an interview, Kadis noted that both strategies will complement each other and have particular significance for Cyprus. According to him, coastal areas have great potential for sustainable development, but at the same time face common challenges—primarily the consequences of climate change.

"For islands such as Cyprus, there are also additional difficulties related to the island nature itself: transport accessibility, energy supply, waste management," emphasized the European Commissioner.

The new EU initiatives are expected to take into account the specifics of island states and help strengthen support for local communities, the economy, and sustainable development of coastal areas.