Balanced development clause for islands and mountain areas

Question for written answer E-002132/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Georgios Aftias (PPE) Subject: Balanced development clause for islands and mountain areas The European Union’s borders encompass 4 381 376 square kilometres, from the Aegean to Finland, Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus, with 65 992 kilometres of coastline. Islands are Europe’s natural borders. Covering an enormous area, they need immediate and balanced development as they tackle the effects of climate change, the demographic and housing crisis and illegal migration with limited access to new technologies and means of transport. Decisions must be coordinated and targeted. This makes it essential that we act immediately with the regions to ensure the balanced development of islands and mountainous areas, given that needs are very high. In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following: 1. Will there be a mandatory provision for islands and mountain areas in the next Multiannual Financial Framework? 2. Will it act effectively to ensure that mountainous and island regions have adequate funding for goods and services? 3. By means of which financial instruments is it helping to strengthen the economic activities of these regions? Submitted: 28.5.2025 PE774.837v01-00