The European Commission has presented its first dedicated strategy for EU islands, marking a significant milestone in recognising the unique challenges and opportunities facing island communities across Europe.
The new strategy focuses on strengthening islands’ resilience, competitiveness and sustainability, while ensuring that the green transition delivers tangible benefits for local communities. Covering more than 4,000 inhabited islands in the EU, the framework highlights the need for tailored solutions that reflect the realities of insularity, from higher transport costs to limited access to infrastructure and services.
A central message of the strategy is that islands are not only vulnerable to climate and energy challenges, but also well positioned to become frontrunners of the clean energy transition. Improving energy security, increasing the deployment of renewable energy, and supporting local energy systems are therefore key priorities.
In this context, the strategy highlights the role of the Clean energy for EU islands initiative in supporting islands to move from ambition to implementation. Through technical assistance and knowledge exchange, the initiative helps island authorities design and advance concrete clean energy projects tailored to their local needs.
Looking ahead, the Commission confirms its intention to extend the initiative beyond 2027, ensuring that islands continue to receive dedicated support for their energy transition. This is particularly relevant for projects that require additional support to reach maturity and access investment funding.
The strategy also calls for accelerating the development of renewable energy, strengthening grid infrastructure and promoting energy communities. For many islands, locally produced renewable energy and community-driven solutions can play a crucial role in reducing dependence on imported fuels and increasing resilience.
Beyond energy, the new framework adopts an integrated approach, linking the green transition with broader challenges such as connectivity, water management, circular economy solutions and quality of life. This reflects the reality that island transitions require coordinated action across sectors and levels of governance.
Importantly, the strategy places strong emphasis on practical implementation and collaboration. Strengthening cooperation between islands, sharing good practices and scaling up successful solutions are seen as key enablers for progress.
For the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat, the strategy provides a strong policy foundation to continue supporting islands in developing bankable projects, fostering peer learning and accelerating the shift towards sustainable, resilient and self-sufficient energy systems.
As the strategy moves into implementation, continued collaboration between EU institutions, Member States and island communities will be essential to ensure that no island is left behind in Europe’s clean energy transition.
Please find the strategy and further information here Inforegio - EU islands