Chaired by Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, the informal EU ministerial summit concluded its first phase with strong backing for regional mobility balance, while Commissioner Raffaele Fitto teased a major upcoming policy shift for Europe’s 4,000 islands.

There was broad support for safeguarding the right of every EU citizen to live, work and build their future in their place of origin, if they so choose, Cyprus Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, said on Friday morning during a press conference at the "Filoxenia" Conference Centre in Nicosia, following the conclusion of the first part of the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy, which he chaired, in the framework of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Minister described the discussion that took place as “particularly productive and interesting” and thanked the EU Executive Vice-President and Commissioner Raffaele Fitto for his contribution, as well as all Member States, the European Parliament, the countries of the European Free Trade Area, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Court of Auditors and the European Investment Bank for their participation and constructive interventions.

As he noted, the first part of the proceedings focused on the “right to stay.” “There was broad support for ensuring that every citizen of the European Union should have the opportunity to live, work and create in their own place, if they so choose” the Minister said, noting that free movement within the framework of the Single Market has undoubtedly been one of the European Union’s most significant achievements and successes.

At the same time, however, he noted that a meaningful balance must be ensured, so that mobility remains a choice rather than a necessity.

According to Keravnos, it was highlighted that through Cohesion Policy and targeted investments, the European Union can support regions, create opportunities and make the right to stay a real and sustainable option for all citizens of the Union.

In the second part, he noted, Ministers will exchange views on the challenges faced by islands, in view of the presentation of the European Strategy for Islands.

“The Strategy for Islands will be presented on 26 June 2026 at a High-Level Meeting in Paphos, which is being co-organised with the European Commission,” Keravnos announced, adding that EU islands face particular and complex challenges. “Although the specific characteristics of island regions are recognised, significant gaps still remain in adequately addressing them through European policies and funding instruments,” he said.

Makis Keravnos reaffirmed that Cohesion Policy was a top priority for the Cypriot Presidency. “Every possible effort was made to achieve progress in the negotiations among Member States, with the aim of facilitating agreement on the Regulatory Framework for the National and Regional Partnership Plans. We are convinced that maintaining a strong and effective Cohesion Policy framework remains crucial for the future of the European Union, for strengthening competitiveness, and for preserving its economic and social cohesion,” he concluded.

For his part, European Commissioner Raffaele Fitto said that the discussion on the right to stay was very important. “The right to stay is a priority of the European Commission, it is included in President von der Leyen’s guidelines, it is included in the Letta Report, and it is also a very crucial policy for shaping an overall approach,” with the aim of reducing inequalities, he said, noting that this is at the core of Cohesion Policy.

“We have extended the consultation until 12 June and it will be very important to continue working with national governments, regions and cities in order to better understand the different situations related to these issues,” he said.

Regarding the discussion during the second part of the informal meeting on the EU Strategy for Islands, the Commissioner said that this is the first time the European Commission will present such a strategy. “Next week, on Wednesday, we will present this strategy to the College of Commissioners. Then, we will have an important opportunity in Cyprus to present this strategy at the end of the month,” he noted.

According to the Commissioner, there are more than 4,000 islands in Europe. “Around 17 million people live on these islands, and we must address these important issues by providing the right support to islands so they can respond to these challenges,” he said, stressing that three Member States, including Cyprus, are island states.

However, he stressed that a proper, integrated approach must be followed for both issues.

Asked by CNA what percentage of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is expected to be allocated for Cohesion Policy and how this compares with the current MFF, Commissioner Fitto said that the Commission is working to modernise Cohesion Policy, “because the world is changing every week, every day, and it is very important to adapt Cohesion Policy to these new challenges that we face.”

For this reason, he said, the European Commission approved in recent months the mid-term review of the current Cohesion Policy programmes and gave Member States the possibility to redirect resources. “This process was very positive,” he said, noting that €35 billion was redirected towards five new priorities: defence, competitiveness, housing, water and energy.

“We are now continuing this process as well, because we believe it is very important to continue adapting Cohesion Policy,” he noted.

Referring to progress on the next national and regional partnership plans, Commissioner Fitto said that this is the new proposal and the new structure for the next MFF presented by the European Commission. “We are in discussions with the Parliament and the Council regarding the level of resources, as well as the various decisions concerning governance. The goal of the European Commission is to create greater simplification and greater flexibility in the use of resources and, at the same time, to adapt Cohesion Policy to the new priorities that we have,” he said.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)