Islands Unite in La Palma: A Turning Point for EU Island Policy

 

May 2025

If you’ve ever been to an island, you know it’s more than just a beautiful place—it’s a world of its own. Islands are where traditions are preserved, nature thrives, and cultures shine. But they’re also facing real challenges, from climate vulnerability to economic isolation. That’s why something important happened this April in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands.

On April 23–24, 2025, representatives from 50 island territories across Europe gathered for the Annual General Assembly of the CPMR Islands Commission. Their mission? To shape the future of EU policies affecting islands and outermost regions—and to make sure no island is left behind.

https://cpmr.org/wpdm-package/la-palma-final-declaration-of-the-islands-commission/

Why This Assembly Mattered

This wasn’t just another conference. It came at a moment of real opportunity: the European Commission recently announced it would begin working on a dedicated Strategy for Islands. That means EU institutions are finally recognizing what islanders have long known—one-size-fits-all policies don’t work when your region is surrounded by water.

“Islands are the guardians of the oceans, seas and traditions,” said Fernando Clavijo Batlle, President of the Canary Islands Government. “They require specific protection and opportunities.”

With the ocean literally on their doorstep, island communities are on the frontlines of both climate change and tourism. And while they offer incredible potential for renewable energy, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism, they often lack the tools and investment to fully thrive.

A New Vision for the Future

The Assembly marked the beginning of what many are calling a new chapter for islands in the EU. A key moment came with the adoption of the La Palma Final Declaration—a united call from island leaders to EU decision-makers. The message was clear: we need policies that are “island-proofed”—designed with island realities in mind.

“This is a historic opportunity,” said Filip Reinhag, President of the CPMR. “The CPMR Islands Commission has been leading this effort, and now the EU is listening.”

And there was also a leadership handover. Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis, President of the Assembly of Corsica, was elected the new President of the CPMR Islands Commission, taking over from José Manuel Cabral Dias Bolieiro of the Azores.

“Every island has its own identity and ambitions,” Maupertuis said. “My commitment is to make islands and outermost regions a true European cause.”

What’s Next? An “Islands Pact”

The CPMR Islands Commission is now pushing for an EU Islands Agenda, backed by an “Islands Pact”—a set of commitments to help island territories become more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. The goal is to ensure that islands play a central role in achieving the EU’s Green and Blue objectives—from protecting marine life to developing clean energy.

The Canary Islands, being an outermost region themselves, proved to be the perfect host for these discussions. Their experience highlights how geographic distance can be turned into strategic advantage—with the right support.

Final Thoughts

This year’s General Assembly was about more than policy—it was about solidarity. Islands may be scattered across seas and oceans, but they’re united in a common cause: a future where their voices are heard, and their potential is unleashed.

Stay tuned as the European Commission launches its consultation on the Strategy for Islands. One thing’s for sure: islanders are ready to shape their future—and Europe’s too.