Address of the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Constantinos Ioannou, at the CPMR’s Political Bureau Meeting

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Lefkosia for today’s meeting of the Political Bureau of the Committee of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR), held under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We gather in Lefkosia, a city that reflects both Europe’s long history and its enduring pursuit of unity, resilience and progress. A city that remains the last divided and under occupation capital of the European Union.

Allow me first to sincerely thank you for your presence. Your participation reflects not only your commitment to CPMR’s mission, but also your shared belief that Europe’s peripheral, maritime and island regions have a vital role to play in shaping the Union’s future.

For decades, CPMR has served as a strong and credible voice for Europe’s regions. It has advanced the interests of Europe’s peripheral and maritime regions, strengthened cooperation across coastlines, islands and outermost areas, and promoted a more cohesive, resilient and balanced territorial development. Through this work, it has ensured that the perspectives and strategic importance of these regions are fully reflected in the European agenda. 

CPMR is far more than a platform for regional cooperation. It is a key political arena, where Europe’s strategic maritime and peripheral challenges meet the lived realities of coastal, island and outermost communities. Your presence today is a strong reminder that Europe’s future is shaped not only in capitals and institutions, but also in its regions, whose voices are essential for a balanced, cohesive and resilient Union. 

The European Union (EU) is entering a decisive phase of reflection and negotiation on its future priorities and financial architecture, notably the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The discussions ahead will shape the Union’s capacity to deliver on competitiveness, climate neutrality, digital transformation, security and social cohesion.

In this context, regions must not be viewed merely as implementers of centrally designed policies. They must be recognised as strategic partners. Policies developed without a territorial lens risk deepening disparities rather than reducing them, while investments that overlook regional specificities may fall short of their intended impact.

Peripheral and maritime regions are often laboratories of innovation and resilience. They are at the forefront of managing climate adaptation in coastal zones, sustainable maritime transport, offshore renewable energy and circular economy practices. They are also on the front line of migration management and border protection in several parts of Europe.

A strong, well-funded and territorially sensitive cohesion policy remains essential. It is not simply a financial instrument; it is a political expression of solidarity and unity. It ensures balanced development, shared opportunities, and that no region is left behind. 

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU comes at a time when reinforcing this message is both timely and necessary. Cyprus is committed to working constructively with all member regions to strengthen CPMR’s voice in the European debate.

Our aim is to contribute to a forward-looking agenda that safeguards adequate and predictable funding for regions in the next financial framework, reinforces multilevel governance and meaningful regional involvement in national reform and investment plans, promotes sustainable blue growth and climate resilience in maritime territories, enhances connectivity for peripheral regions and ensures that the green and digital transitions are fair and inclusive.

For Cyprus, these issues are not theoretical. As an island member state located at the south-eastern edge of the European Union, we experience first-hand the challenges of insularity, remoteness and limited connectivity. Transport and energy interconnections, exposure to climate impacts, migration pressures at the EU’s external border, and the need to diversify and modernise our economy are daily realities.

The Cyprus Presidency is committed to acting as an honest broker and bridge between European ambition and local reality. We believe in a Europe that listens more closely to its regions, respects their diversity, and builds on their collective strength.

As the Minister responsible for local government and spatial development, I am fully aware that local communities, municipalities and regions stand on the frontline of Europe’s challenges: social cohesion, sustainable development, resilience, the green and digital transition, and rebuilding citizens’ trust in institutions. Empowering regions is therefore not only a matter of efficiency; it is a strategic investment in democratic resilience and economic competitiveness.

At a time of multiple crises, shifting geopolitical realities and accelerating economic and technological change, your contribution is vital. Europe needs policies shaped from the ground up, with the active involvement of those who best understand local and regional realities. This approach lies at the heart of CPMR’s work.

The Cyprus Presidency is guided by a clear vision: to promote a more autonomous, resilient, competitive and outward-looking European Union; but equally, a Union closer to its people and grounded in its fundamental values. 

Strengthening social and territorial cohesion, promoting sustainable and balanced development, advancing the green and digital transition, and deepening democratic participation and values are strategic priorities of the Cyprus Presidency, closely aligned with the CPMR’s long‑standing mission. 

As an island state, Cyprus understands deeply the unique vulnerabilities and opportunities of insularity. We therefore place particular emphasis on the sustainable development and resilience of islands and coastal communities, especially in view of the forthcoming Strategies announced by the European Commission. I understand that this topic will be addressed during your meeting’s deliberations today. 

We welcome the European Commission’s intention to develop dedicated strategies for islands and coastal regions. These must address connectivity, energy security, climate resilience, sustainable tourism and the preservation of fragile ecosystems. Europe’s maritime regions are not merely exposed to challenges; they are also drivers of innovation, gateways to global trade, and key actors in the green and blue transitions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

CPMR has long been a leading voice on these matters. Your expertise, experience and advocacy will be essential in shaping the future European agenda for islands, coastal and peripheral regions. 

Europe’s strength lies in its diversity; but diversity must be accompanied by cohesion. Strategic autonomy must go hand in hand with territorial balance. Competitiveness must be accompanied with solidarity.

Your deliberations today are therefore more than technical discussions. They are contributions to the broader European project; to building a Union that is resilient, fair, cohesive and firmly connected to its citizens.

I wish you a productive and inspiring meeting. I am confident that your discussions will contribute meaningfully to the work of our Presidency and to Europe’s shared future.

Thank you.