Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union will focus on cohesion policy, regional development, and the future of Europe’s islands, Ireland’s Minister Jack Chambers announced at a conference in Paphos. As one of three EU member states with significant island territories, Ireland aims to strengthen island regions and address their unique challenges through European cohesion policy.

Minister Chambers highlighted that island communities face geographic isolation, limited connectivity, economic vulnerability, and climate change risks, stressing that EU policy must ensure equal access to jobs and services. He called for coordinated European efforts to complement national policies and enable islands to thrive through investments in infrastructure, digital connectivity, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism.

Chambers emphasised the importance of collaboration, a place-based policy approach, and the inclusion of island communities in shaping EU policies. He described islands as essential to Europe’s economic, social, and environmental goals and called the upcoming presidency a commitment to advancing inclusive growth and territorial cohesion across the continent.