At the INSULEUR annual event in Brussels, Stefanos Gikas pushed for stronger EU policies supporting islands.
- Stefanos Gikas, Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, visited Brussels for the INSULEUR annual conference.
- Topics included climate change impacts and economic challenges for European islands.
- Greece’s legislative efforts on islands were praised as a model under the 4832/21 framework.
- Representatives called for more substantial EU funding, legislation, and island cohesion measures.
- The “insularity” concept addresses vulnerabilities in infrastructure, economy, and climate resilience.
What happens when European politicians, island representatives, and climate experts enter a conference room? No, it’s not the start of a bad joke—it’s the annual INSULEUR event, held in the not-so-tropical locale of Brussels. Gathered under the banner of “how islands can avoid being washed away by climate change and geopolitics,” this meeting highlighted everything from funding gaps to legislative quirks that leave European islands as the designated underdogs of the continent.
Greek Deputy Minister Stefanos Gikas didn’t come alone; he brought along Manolis Koutoulakis because when tackling problems as big as climate change and as old as lousy infrastructure, you need moral—and bureaucratic—support. Together, they represented Greece’s islands, which have been steadily achieving A+ efforts in fighting for EU attention (and funding), especially since the introduction of the 4832/21 legislation. Greece is now the favorite overachiever in whatever class you’d group EU islands into.
The main event wasn’t just talk; it was an actual election. Yiannis Roussos, head of the Cyclades Chamber of Commerce, snatched the INSULEUR presidency, making it a double-win for Greece on the “islands matter” world stage.
Climate Crisis: All Roads Lead Back to Better EU Policies
The conference agenda was blunt: how can EU cohesion policies prevent islands from economic collapse caused by climate change? If you’ve ever been to any island during the offseason, you know it’s not exactly booming with tourists or cash flow. Add extreme weather, crumbling infrastructure, and geopolitical headaches to the mix, and you’re left with islands wobbling like a three-legged table.
As expected, Gikas didn’t mince words. His main plea? The EU should stop pretending that “islandness” is a poetic aesthetic and start treating it as a policy priority. He pointed out the glaring need for a structured EU approach that isn’t all talk and helps islands navigate modern crises like climate change and economic instability. “Either give from surplus or stretch tight budgets,” he argued, insisting islands deserve measurable and direct attention.
Key Points Discussed:
- EU policies on islands need actual funding, not just nice words.
- Climate change remains a critical threat. Islands feel the impact on their economies disproportionately.
- There is a need for better infrastructure, economic stability, and resilience against seasonal downtime.
- Large-scale cooperation between island states could push the EU to adopt specific “island clauses.”
Why Are Islands Always Getting the Short Stick?
It’s no mystery—European islands are pretty much the weak link. Their isolation isn’t just geographical; it’s also financial, political, and logistical. Everyone at the conference agreed that without some serious policy upgrades, small islands risk becoming Europe’s forgotten siblings.
But don’t despair! Greece’s shiny example of a national maritime and island policy (seriously, who knew Greece would end up being that student who handed in their homework early?) drew admiration. Participants marveled at how the 4832/21 framework set a roadmap for island-focused initiatives. A round of slow claps ensued as Gikas explained how the law supports everything from better ferry systems to ensuring islands aren’t falling apart due to a lack of essential utilities.
At least one corner of the EU is proving that “islandness” isn’t a throwaway term—it’s a reflection of real challenges, calling for real solutions.
Before the conference wrapped up, Gikas met with the newly elected Yiannis Roussos to discuss how leadership can capitalize on the ongoing momentum. Optimistic? Sure, but actions will speak louder than quotes on podiums. While they toasted to future success, other island representatives debated practical ways to make social and economic self-reliance less of a pipe dream.
For updates on European island advocacy, head over to INSULEUR. They’re leading the charge (or at least trying their best) to make “islandness” part of mainstream EU policy.
