The European Commission is preparing to present the so-called “Islands and Coastal Communities Package” on 10 June 2026, a set of initiatives designed to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience and quality of life of the island and coastal regions of the European Union. The package is one of the main territorial initiatives in the Commission Work Programme for 2026 and seeks to respond to the specific challenges faced by millions of citizens living on islands and in coastal areas.

The coastal regions of the European Union are home to around 90 million people and play a key role in the blue economy, maritime activities, tourism, fisheries and environmental protection. European islands, including outermost regions such as the Azores and Madeira, face additional challenges linked to their geographical location, dependence on transport, higher energy costs and limited access to certain public services.

The new initiative is based on the recognition that these regions are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, extreme weather events, loss of marine biodiversity and pressure on natural resources are growing threats to the economic and social sustainability of these territories.

Among the expected objectives of the strategy is the strengthening of the competitiveness of the sustainable blue economy. The Commission intends to promote investment in innovation, offshore renewable energy, sustainable maritime transport, aquaculture, sustainable tourism and new sea-related economic activities. The aim is to diversify local economies and reduce dependence on sectors that are vulnerable to external shocks.

Another central pillar will be increasing climate resilience and adaptation capacity. Measures may include support for more resilient coastal infrastructure, flood and erosion protection projects, nature-based solutions, restoration of marine ecosystems and improved energy security through local renewable sources.

The package is also expected to address social issues affecting many coastal and island communities, namely housing shortages, pressure from seasonal tourism, demographic ageing, difficulties in retaining qualified young people and limitations in access to healthcare, education and public services.

For countries such as Portugal, the initiative is particularly important. The autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira may benefit from greater attention being paid to island-specific circumstances in future European policies. In addition, numerous Portuguese coastal communities face challenges similar to those identified by the Commission, namely coastal erosion, tourism pressure and the need for economic diversification.

The presentation of the package represents an important step in the implementation of the European Ocean Pact, adopted in 2025, which identifies support for coastal and island communities as one of its strategic priorities. The aim is to ensure that the green transition, economic competitiveness and territorial cohesion progress in a balanced manner across all maritime regions of the Union.

Although the final details are still being prepared, the “Islands and Coastal Communities Package” is expected to become the main European policy framework for supporting the sustainable development of islands and coastal communities over the next decade, strengthening their capacity for adaptation, innovation and prosperity.