The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, in cooperation with the European Commission, is organising in Paphos on 25-26 June 2026 the High-level conference “Strengthening islands and coastal communities of the European Union” with the participation of President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, European Commissioners, ministers from the Republic and other EU member states, and officials from European institutions.
According to a statement from the Cyprus Presidency Secretariat, the Conference in Paphos will include the presentation of the Commission’s two new, comprehensive strategies for islands and coastal areas by Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto and the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis.
The event will mark the adoption of the EU strategies for Islands and Coastal Communities, presenting the European Commission’s vision to strengthen economic competitiveness and diversification, support the sustainable blue economy, respond to climate change, enhance resilience and connectivity, and foster inclusive and vibrant communities while promoting the right to stay in these territories.
The conference will provide a platform for high-level policy dialogue on how EU policies, programmes and national strategies can better address the specific challenges and opportunities of island and coastal regions across the Union.
On the afternoon of 25 June, participants will tour an area of Paphos with co-financed projects, from Grigori Afxentiou Street to Khan Ibrahim.
The Conference proceedings will take place on 26 June, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with addresses by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of Malta. A group photograph will be taken at 10:30 a.m. The Conference will conclude at 1:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on the Cyprus Presidency’s YouTube channel.