The European Commission has presented a new strategy for the European Union's outermost regions, including the Azores and Madeira, with the aim of strengthening their competitiveness, connectivity, resilience and regional integration. The strategy provides for adaptations to EU legislation to take account of the specific characteristics of these regions and enhance their geostrategic importance.
Among the priorities set out by Brussels are strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries and trade links, developing sectors in which the outermost regions have competitive advantages, such as the blue economy, renewable energy, biotechnology, research and space, as well as improving air and maritime connections.
The Commission also aims to strengthen these regions' capacity to respond to climate change and other environmental challenges, promote energy autonomy, and enhance food security and self-sufficiency through agriculture and fisheries. The strategy also includes measures to promote employment, access to education and social inclusion, as well as improve access to housing, clean water and healthcare.
The strategy will be accompanied by a regulatory package proposing targeted adaptations to EU legislation in areas such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, migration and taxation.
The Commission also plans to involve the outermost regions more systematically in the preparation of future EU initiatives, through an annual structured dialogue and a dedicated portal. The strategy will be implemented through EU sectoral policies, while the regulatory package will be submitted to the Council for agreement by the Member States following consultation with the European Parliament.
Under the proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, France, Portugal and Spain will be required to include specific measures for their respective outermost regions in their National and Regional Partnership Plans.
