The special provisions for islands in the EU treaties and policies : Malta's experience since 2004

Abstract

It is only recently that islands began to feature in some studies, while the situation of regions with specific geographic characterisations, and their need to achieve territorial cohesion, has been noted as an important aspect for the European Union throughout its history. That said, although special recognition of remote and insular regions is provided in EU legislation, it can be argued that references to islands in EU policies are fragmented, making it unclear as to what extent this recognition has benefited and helped insular regions’ economic development throughout the years. This study focuses on the special provisions in the EU treaties and policies on islands, with particular reference to the Maltese islands since EU assession. It sheds light on the existing legislative frameworks including treaty articles and policies, and their competences in accordance with the economic development of island regions. Reference is also made to policy changes and the way forward for the harmonisation of regional initiatives, including a brief discussion on the impacts of the current covid-19 pandemic on islands and the EU instruments provided for recovery. The rationale behind this dissertation is the belief that, with an ever-expanding EU, islands will be an issue for greater debates given the need for more coordination both at EU level and at a macro-regional, and national level to achieve further development to improve island life.