Brussels, 3 October 2024
Today, the Commission has adopted a report on the implementation of its 2022 strategy for the EU’s outermost regions, which aims to put people first, secure sustainable and inclusive growth, and unlock their unique potential. The Report shows that the Commission is delivering on its commitments by supporting these regions through a wide range of initiatives, funds, and legislative proposals.
Thanks to the Commission’s revision of State aid rules on small amounts of aid to the fishery sector, it has become easier for Member States to support fishers in the EU’s outermost regions to modernise their small vessels and make them more secure. Member States can also support investments in fishing equipment that contributes to the safety of fishing vessels, following the Commission’s revision of the State aid Fishery Guidelines.
Cohesion Policy funds are also making a real difference on the ground by rebuilding transport infrastructure damaged by extreme weather, building health and education infrastructure, and improving water and sanitation.
The revised Regulation on the Trans-European transport rules supports safer and more sustainable transport. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) is financing submarine, telecom cables with over €125 million to connect the outermost regions to the rest of the world.
The Commission has also created opportunities to support biodiversity, climate adaptation, coastal tourism, youth, and culture, for instance through BESTLIFE2030, a grant scheme to support biodiversity conservation and restoration projects.
The 2022 Strategy aims to improve the lives of the 5 million citizens from the nine most remote regions of the EU, by reflecting their specificities and concerns across all EU policies. These regions face specific challenges, such as their extreme remoteness, small size, and low Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also have unique assets such as their strategic location, ideal conditions for space activities, and rich biodiversity.
Source – EU Commission