Greek MEP Elena Kountoura (The Left) has asked the European Commission whether it plans to create a comprehensive EU framework for collecting reliable and comparable data on islands, warning that the lack of such data undermines evidence-based policymaking and risks weakening the upcoming European strategy for islands.
In a written parliamentary question submitted on 9 June 2026, Kountoura pointed to persistent gaps in data on connectivity costs, access to basic services, energy dependence, water pressure, seasonal employment, administrative capacity and demographic trends. She argued that the current NUTS classification often lumps islands with predominantly mainland regions, masking their true needs. The MEP asked the Commission three concrete questions: whether it will propose an EU framework to improve data availability, comparability and interoperability; whether it will develop a European island dashboard with specific indicators; and whether it will address NUTS limitations through functional typologies and spatially disaggregated data at lower geographical levels.
The question cites prior calls from the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee and a recent OECD report that confirmed persistent data gaps. Kountoura framed the issue as critical for the effective implementation of the upcoming European strategy for islands, which the Commission is expected to present.
The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it is prepared to invest in new data infrastructure for islands or rely on existing statistical tools.
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