Economic conditions of islands and policies to rebalance territorial disparities

Abstract

The focus on island contexts stems from the fact that they present peculiarities related not only to the morphology of the territory but also to the economic and social system that characterises them. The territory of the European Union includes more than 3,000 islands in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Mediterranean Basins and the Caribbean. From the results of scientific research, European Union documents, and the Treaty, it is confirmed that the condition of insularity is an issue that still needs broad sharing and dedicated policies. The issues to be addressed are widespread in all territorial contexts, whether large or small. The two principles for island policies relate to permanent territorial disadvantages that targeted policies cannot permanently resolve. A second policy principle concerns the need for positive differentiation of island territories, considering insularity as a permanent structural constraint, allowing for actions designed to achieve territorial equity and a level playing field. Many EU countries have implemented economic rebalancing policies to provide equal conditions for territories' growth and development. The objectives of EU regional policies promote convergence actions to increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of lagging regions and encourage territorial economic cohesion. Finally, although convergence policies have contributed to the convergence among EU countries and regions, policies should be provided for the island economies of member states to define joint action and aimed at territorial equity.