Smart Island Forum to Push for Innovative Sustainability Projects

Kythnos Island Cyclades Greece @ Maria Theofanopoulou

In efforts to engage and exchange with island stakeholders on innovative projects developed locally which create sustainable growth, new jobs and competitiveness, while respecting the environment, the European Parliament will host the 2nd Forum of Smart European Islands set to take place in Brussels on Tuesday.

EU policy-makers and representatives from local and regional island actors, research institutions, private and public sectors will discuss ways that island communities can drive Europe’s transition into a low-carbon, sustainable and inclusive economy and means of finding relevant funding.

Organized by European island authorities and stakeholders, the event aims to present the Smart Islands Initiative, currently supported by 70 island authorities from 13 countries across Europe, while drawing on the outcomes of the 1st Smart Islands Forum hosted in Athens last June.

Additionally, island representatives will sign the Smart Islands Declaration, outlining the role, challenges and potential of islands to become models of a smart, sustainable and inclusive development paradigm.

Photo © AJancso / Shutterstock

Participants are also expected to address the creation of a platform of EU island authorities and actors in Brussels that will advocate in favor of island affairs and facilitate partnerships for the realization of EU projects on islands.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is working on program the will fund innovative projects reducing electricity production costs on European islands. Similar programs are being implemented on Greek islands such as Tilos and Kythnos.

The 1st Smart Islands Forum was hosted in Athens last year on the initiative of the DAFNI Network of Sustainable Aegean, which will also coordinate this year’s event.