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Regional Policy and Outermost Regions

REGIONAL & URBAN DEVELOPMENT POLICY

The European Union's strategy for its outermost regions aims to integrate these regions into the broader EU framework while addressing their unique challenges. The strategy is implemented through specific policies and financial support mechanisms tailored to their geographical, economic, and social contexts. The EU provides legislative support, factsheets, and key documents to ensure these regions can leverage available resources effectively.

The EU's outermost regions, although geographically distant from continental Europe, are vital parts of the Union. These nine regions include:

  • Caribbean: Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint-Martin (France)
  • South America: French Guiana (France)
  • Indian Ocean: Mayotte and Réunion (France)
  • Atlantic/Macaronesia: Azores and Madeira (Portugal) and Canary Islands (Spain)

Specificities and ChallengesThese regions face unique challenges that limit their economic and social development:

  • Remoteness and Insularity: Physical distance from mainland Europe
  • Small Size: Limited land area and resources
  • Adverse Conditions: Topographical and climatic challenges
  • Economic Dependence: Reliance on a few local industries

Despite these obstacles, the outermost regions possess significant potential, particularly in the blue economy, due to their rich biodiversity, strategic locations, extensive maritime economic zones, and proximity to other continents.
EU Support and StrategiesTo address these challenges and leverage opportunities, the EU implements a comprehensive strategy that includes:

  • Dedicated Strategies and Funding: Tailored financial support and policies to promote sustainable development.
  • Improving Accessibility: Enhancing transportation and communication infrastructure.
  • Increasing Competitiveness: Promoting economic diversification and innovation.
  • Strengthening Regional Integration: Ensuring these regions are integrated with the broader EU framework.

The strategy also focuses on tackling high unemployment rates, particularly among youth, enhancing climate change resilience, and fostering innovation in economic sectors.
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Seas Around Europe's Outermost Regions

The EU emphasizes the development of the blue economy in its outermost regions, recognizing the crucial role that marine resources play in their economic sustainability.

Blue Economy PotentialKey activities in the blue economy include:

  • Coastal Tourism: Major economic driver.
  • Shipping and Ports: Essential for connectivity and trade.
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture: Key sectors providing employment.
  • Ocean Energy and Blue Biotechnology: Emerging sectors with significant growth potential.

The EU supports these regions through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), which provides financial aid for sustainable fishing and aquaculture.

Strategic Initiatives

To foster sustainable growth in the blue economy, the EU Commission supports the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of blue economy strategies with a step-by-step methodological guide.

This guide is based on a study that:

  • Describes the blue economy landscape in each outermost region.
  • Identifies well-developed activities such as coastal tourism, maritime transport, and fisheries.
  • Highlights potential for further development, particularly in ocean energy and blue biotechnology.

The EU also organizes regular dialogues within the framework of the Outermost Regions Forum for maritime affairs and fisheries to assist these regions in their blue economy development efforts.

For more information, explore the EU's Marine Policy for Outermost Regions.