Speech by Commissioner Kadis at the SEArica Intergroup Event “Bridging the Gap: Responding to Connectivity and Tourism Challenges for Resilient European Islands”

European Commission -Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Kadis at the SEArica Intergroup Event “Bridging the Gap: Responding to Connectivity and Tourism Challenges for Resilient European Islands” Brussels, 2 July 2025 Dear Members of the European Parliament and Members of the SEArica Intergroup, Dear colleague Commissioner Tzitzikostas, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a real pleasure to join you today at this important event. I would like to warmly thank the organisers, in particular Mr. Vangelis Meimarakis, Vice-Chair of the SEArica Intergroup, for initiating this timely discussion on how we can better support Europe's islands. This is a discussion of great importance. Islands are not only central to our Union's geography. They are also vital to its sustainability, security and economic strength. Supporting them is not an option, it is a necessity and a moral duty. The European Union has a profound connection to the ocean. Around 40% of EU citizens live within 50 kilometres of the sea, and the total coastline of the EU extends to over 70,000 kilometres. Our collective Exclusive Economic Zones cover 25 million square kilometres, across our member states, outermost regions and overseas territories, and represent the largest collective maritime domain in the world. This reality requires a coherent and long-term strategy. For the first time, we have this strategy. The EU has brought all its ocean-related policies under a...