Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized the need for European Union policies to specifically address the distinct challenges faced by island communities. Speaking at a high-level conference in Paphos, he highlighted that islands share structural disadvantages such as geographical isolation, higher costs, and vulnerability to external shocks, which cannot be resolved through uniform policy approaches.

Abela stressed that connectivity and transport links are fundamental infrastructure for islands, critical to reducing costs and ensuring supply chain stability. He also noted that island economies are particularly exposed to shocks in energy, transport, tourism, and trade, while facing higher costs during the green transition due to reliance on imported fuels and limited technological options.

While acknowledging these challenges, Abela also pointed to islands' innovation and strategic importance in areas like energy and digital policy. He praised the European Commission’s new strategies for islands and coastal communities but cautioned that their success hinges on meaningful changes in policymaking that provide island citizens with adequate tools to support their development and future prospects.