EU Islands Strategy
The European Commission has launched a public Call for Evidence to help shape a new EU Strategy for Islands, marking an important opportunity for island communities, organisations, and businesses to influence future European policy.
The consultation is open until 1 April 2026 and invites contributions from citizens, businesses, local and regional authorities, civil society organisations, and experts.
Europe’s islands hold enormous potential. They are centres of culture, innovation, and maritime activity, and play an important role in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable tourism, fisheries, and ocean stewardship. At the same time, island regions often face structural challenges linked to their geography, including higher transport costs, economic vulnerability, demographic pressures, and limited access to services and markets.
The upcoming EU Islands Strategy aims to establish a common strategic framework for island development across the European Union. It will guide future EU action and help Member States design policies that better support island communities while unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth, resilience, and competitiveness.
Why this consultation matters
The Commission is using this call for evidence to understand:
The key challenges facing islands today
How well existing EU policies and programmes support islands
What new actions or policy changes could better support island communities
How to ensure islands remain attractive places to live and work, particularly for young people
The feedback gathered will directly inform the development of the strategy, which the Commission plans to adopt in the second quarter of 2026.
A chance for island voices to be heard
Too often, island realities are underrepresented in policy discussions at national and European levels. This consultation is a rare opportunity for those living, working, and operating on islands to ensure their experiences and priorities are reflected in future EU policy.
Submissions do not need to be long or technical. Practical insights from local experience, whether related to housing, energy, transport, tourism, digital connectivity, fisheries, entrepreneurship, or public services, are valuable contributions.
How to participate
You can review existing submissions and submit your own feedback through the European Commission’s Have Your Say portal:
The process requires a simple login or registration.
Need support preparing a submission?
If you would like guidance on preparing a short submission or outlining the key issues affecting your island community or organisation, support is available.
You can get in touch at:
adam@oilean.ie
Ensuring that island perspectives are reflected in European policymaking depends on active participation from across island communities. This consultation is an important opportunity to help shape the future direction of EU support for islands.
The deadline for submissions is 1 April 2026.
