"One of the basic goals of our Intergroup is elimination of the factors that affect islanders' discrimination, through the support for better living conditions and development, while respecting environmental standards. After five years of activity, from the situation where the islands were not in EU agenda, we came to the founding of the Secretariat for the Islands of the EC, for which we also provided financial resources for the implementation of energy transition projects through the EU Clean Energy Initiative. The European Parliament also adopted the first Resolution on the island's special position. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but the islands have now become a part of the European Union policy", said Picula in his opening speech, who is one of the initiators of the group's establishment and its Vice-chair.
Since its foundation, its members have established the EU Clean Energy Initiative, the European Commission's Secretariat for the Islands, provided funding for implementation of 12 million euros worth of projects, and the establishment of the function of a special envoy for maritime politics. They called for the programme called Mission: Healthy Ocean in the next financial framework of Horizon Europe, for the maritime dimension of the next Invest EU program, and called for more effective ocean protection under the Paris Environmental Agreement.
Brendan Devlin, an adviser to the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy, an expert on energy market reform and market integration, responsible for European islands, especially addressed on Picula's work: "Dear Tonino, on behalf of our Intergroup, we thank you for engaging in improving the quality of life of 15 million European islands, because after this convocation of the European Parliament, tangible and actual results of work for the islands remain".
Today, the EU is a global leader in maritime policies, thanks to the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, excellent research institutes, innovative blue companies and regional co-operation in coastal regions. The total length of the coastline of the European Union with its islands is seven times longer that of the United States, making it the largest individual maritime area in the world. This contributes to the creation of new jobs, food production, economic growth and climate regulation. In order to continue to benefit from our oceans, seas and rivers, the EU must strike a balance between the use of their economic capabilities and the preservation of protected and healthy environments.
Since the EP mandate of five years is soon to be over, the conference was held to underline the work of the Integroup and discussed future challenges and solutions.
