Meeting informally in Nicosia for the ‘General Affairs’ Council (Cohesion) on Friday, 5 June, the European ministers responsible for cohesion policy took stock of the ‘Right to Stay’ strategy and the future European strategy for islands.
European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto had announced back in March that he intended to present these two initiatives as well as a legislative package on the outermost regions (see EUROPE 13820/12).
The ‘Right to Stay’ initiative is expected to enable Europeans to live and work in their region of origin. The ministers stressed that mobility should remain a choice, mentioning that cohesion policy plays a central role in strengthening competitiveness and creating opportunities for all citizens.
Cypriot Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos emphasised the symbolic significance of this debate in Cyprus, where the occupation of the northern part of the island still prevents many Cypriots from living and working in their place of birth.
Also on the agenda was the issue of insularity. The ministers called for policies and investments in island regions to be better targeted—by taking account of their specific characteristics—so as to improve connectivity, development, and equal opportunities.
In any case, a European strategy for islands will be presented during a high-level meeting in Paphos on 26 June. The European Commission is also expected to present two communications on coastal communities and islands on 10 June before a proposal on the outermost regions is presented on 15 July. (Original version in French by Juliette Verdes)