European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra has announced that the European Commission will deliver a strategy on coastal communities and a strategy on islands by mid-2026, as part of a broader push to protect islands from climate change impacts. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from Greek MEP Dimitris Tsiodras (EPP), Hoekstra detailed measures to strengthen islands' resilience, sustainability, and adaptive capacity, including new financial mechanisms and cooperation frameworks.
The answer, submitted on behalf of the Commission, responds to Tsiodras' concerns about water scarcity, drought, and risks to food security, tourism, and agriculture on islands. Hoekstra confirmed that the upcoming European Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience, to be adopted by end of 2026, will set a more ambitious EU approach to climate preparedness. He also highlighted that the Commission's proposal for the next multiannual financial framework (2028-2034) introduces national and regional partnership plans, which will simplify rules and provide flexibility to address local needs, with a mandatory 43% climate and environment spending target and application of the 'do no significant harm' principle.
Concrete proposals and financial mechanisms
the two strategies by mid-2026, the Integrated Framework by end of 2026, and the partnership plans under the next MFF. Hoekstra also pointed to the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which supports regional and local authorities with planning practices, technical assistance, funding, and monitoring of adaptation solutions. Additionally, EU-funded Interreg programmes already support projects targeting islands and climate adaptation, and this topic will be included in the Interreg Plan proposed under the next MFF.
Policy orientation and ambition
The Commission's direction is clearly towards increasing EU-level coordination and funding for climate resilience, with a strong emphasis on tailoring measures to regional and local needs. The 43% spending target and the 'do no significant harm' principle signal a high level of ambition, though the answer lacks specific numerical targets for island resilience or deadlines for implementation beyond the mid-2026 strategies.
Expected institutional follow-up
The strategies on coastal communities and islands are expected by mid-2026, followed by the Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience by end of 2026. The next MFF negotiations will determine the final shape of the partnership plans. The Commission is likely to engage with the European Parliament and Council on these proposals, with further details expected in legislative proposals later this year.
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