Insularity condition

26.1.2016

Question for oral answer O-000013/2016
to the Commission
Rule 128
Iskra Mihaylova, on behalf of the Committee on Regional Development

Island regions, classified as NUTS-2 and NUTS-3 regions, have common and specific permanent characteristics and features that clearly distinguish them from mainland regions. Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) recognises that island regions as a whole face permanent handicaps that require particular attention.

However, in the preparation of the 2014-2020 financial programming period, EU island regions at NUTS-2 and NUTS-3 level did not receive any dedicated funding, but only the possibility of modulation of co-financing rates for certain types of island under Article 121 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013.

– Can the Commission provide a clear definition of the kind of permanent natural or demographic handicaps under Article 174 TFEU that island regions at NUTS-2 and NUTS-3 levels are expected to face?

– What specific cohesion policy instruments and resources are available to tackle the handicaps arising from insularity?

– In the future, how will the Commission address compliance with Article 174 TFEU as regards recognition of the permanent handicaps faced by island regions at NUTS-2 and NUTS-3 level as a permanent obstacle which may affect the achievement of the cohesion policy objectives?

– Is the Commission of the opinion that consideration could be given to other indicators besides GDP which go beyond measuring economic production and take into account islands’ specificities, such as the regional competitiveness index, with a view to better reflecting the economic and social vulnerability arising from the natural permanent handicaps faced by such regions?