Political Bureau of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions meets in Lefkosia

The Political Bureau of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions held its biennial meeting in Cyprus from 18 to 20 February 2026, as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The event brought together representatives from more than 150 regional authorities from 24 EU member states and beyond to discuss the role of peripheral, maritime and island regions in shaping the European agenda. This was particularly in relation to the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework and key EU policy priorities.

The Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR) represents around 200 million people and advocates for balanced territorial development, economic and social cohesion and integrated maritime policies within the EU. The Political Bureau is a key political forum that provides policy guidance and contributes to enhancing cooperation between regions, national governments and EU institutions.

In his welcome address, the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Constantinos Ioannou, highlighted the strategic importance of regions in EU policymaking. He stressed the need to recognise regions as partners in designing and implementing EU policies, rather than merely executing measures that have been developed centrally. He emphasised that policies lacking a territorial perspective risk intensifying regional disparities and undermining their effectiveness. Minister Ioannou added that the challenges faced by peripheral and maritime regions require targeted responses tailored to their specific circumstances.

One of the main subjects discussed at the meeting was the role of cohesion policy in fostering solidarity and balanced development across the EU. Cohesion policy was reaffirmed as a fundamental political instrument that contributes to economic competitiveness, climate neutrality, digital transformation, resilience and social cohesion. The discussions emphasised the need for a well-funded, territorially sensitive framework that supports regions in achieving these overarching EU goals.

Throughout the discussions, regionally driven innovation and resilience emerged as key priorities. Delegates highlighted how peripheral and maritime regions serve as laboratories for sustainability and adaptation. This is particularly true in areas such as coastal climate resilience, renewable energy development, sustainable maritime transport, circular economy practices and migration management. It was noted that these regions are at the forefront when it comes to responding to global and EU-wide challenges, offering practical insights that can inform broader policy frameworks. 

The Cyprus Presidency reiterated its commitment to promoting meaningful regional involvement in EU decision-making processes, particularly as the Union deliberates future priorities and financial structures. This includes reinforcing multilevel governance, encouraging regional participation in national reform and investment plans, and ensuring that the green and digital transitions are fair, inclusive and aligned with regional needs.

Advancing island resilience and connectivity within Europe’s maritime future

As an island state located at the southeastern edge of the EU, Cyprus drew particular attention to the realities of insularity, remoteness and connectivity constraints. The Presidency reaffirmed the importance of addressing the structural challenges that are unique to island and coastal territories. These challenges include transport and energy links, climate exposure, economic diversification and migration pressures at external borders. These issues feature prominently in the current European discourse and in the ongoing development of EU strategies for islands and maritime regions.

Participants also underlined the value of sustainable blue growth and coastal resilience as vital components of the future European agenda. Regions advocated for dedicated strategies focusing on connectivity, energy security, climate adaptation, sustainable tourism and ecosystem preservation to support maritime territories. These strategies are viewed as essential to harnessing the potential of island and coastal communities as drivers of economic growth and innovation.

Throughout the meeting, the delegates reaffirmed the CPMR’s role as a credible voice for regions in European debates. The organisation’s advocacy efforts continue to shape policy discussions, ensuring that regional perspectives inform legislative and strategic decisions at the EU level.

Minister Ioannou reiterated the Cyprus Presidency’s role as an honest broker between regional realities and European ambitions, promoting a vision of a Union that is resilient, cohesive and closely connected to its citizens. Empowering regions was presented as not only essential for policy effectiveness, but also as a strategic investment in democratic resilience and economic competitiveness across the EU.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation among regions and contribute substantively to the broader European project. The deliberations are expected to influence ongoing and future work under the Cyprus Presidency, particularly as the Union advances discussions on its long-term priorities and financial frameworks.

Photos

See photos from the event on the Cyprus Presidency's Flickr account.