The establishment of a European Fund for islands was proposed to the European Commission by New Democracy MEP George Avtias, emphasizing the pivotal role that insularity plays for Greece and for Europe as a whole.
Mr. Avtias, speaking at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, also addressed the challenges that make it difficult for young people to survive and remain in island regions, posing a series of questions:
“How will young people stay on an island? How will the demographic crisis be resolved? How will electrical interconnections be established? How will new jobs be created? Therefore, it is necessary to establish a fund to address all these problems.”
“Insularity is not merely a theory, but a living reality throughout Europe,” he emphasized.
“You know very well that my homeland, Greece, has a 13,600-kilometer coastline and the development of the islands is the first issue we must address. How will young people stay on an island? How will the demographic issue be resolved? How will there be an electrical grid connection? How will new jobs be created? How will a family stay on an island?” he said, and immediately added: “I’ve experienced this firsthand because my hometown in Greece is Samos, and this whole situation is a source of anxiety for island residents. My proposal is that we move forward with the establishment of a fund for the islands of Europe. Do it, Mr. Commissioner.”
Watch the video of Mr. Avtias’s speech:
