Commission seeks feedback on new initiative on coastal communities

The Commission has launched a call for evidence to shape the EU strategy for coastal communities.

Announced in the European Ocean Pact, the strategy aims at promoting resilience, economic growth, and tackle unique challenges faced by the coastal regions.

Have your say

The call for evidence will be open for a period of four weeks, until 23 March 2026 , with the Commission calling for evidence from the public and stakeholders on:

• The main challenges coastal communities face, and which policy areas the strategy should prioritise.
• Which existing EU policies and initiatives work well or fall short, and how the new strategy should complement actions at national, regional, and local levels.
• What stakeholders expect the EU to deliver, and what concrete measures they would propose to support coastal communities.

The feedback collected will contribute to the EU strategy for coastal communities, intended to:

1. Boost economic competitiveness: this includes unlocking the untapped potential of blue economy in coastal areas, promoting innovation, decarbonisation, and connectivity.
2. Enhance resilience and adaptation: with a focus on climate adaptation, energy independence, protection of the marine and nature restauration.
3. Foster inclusive and vibrant communities: by ensuring access to essential services and jobs, improving quality of life, sustaining the identity and heritage of the coastal communities.

The preparation of the EU strategy for coastal communities will complement the EU strategy for islands. The strategies aim to help coastal regions and islands reach their full potential while preserving their unique identity for generations to come. Both initiatives are expected to be adopted by summer 2026.

Background

Home to 90 million people, the EU's coastal areas boast rich natural and cultural heritage, and have immense potential for growth and innovation, especially in the blue economy (economic sectors linked with the sea).

However, they also face unique challenges. Coastal areas are at the highest risk of climate change, facing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, coastal erosion, flooding, salt intrusion and the depletion of biodiversity, including fish stocks. Many coastal communities struggle with social pressures such as housing shortages, overtourism, lack of essential services and connectivity issues. Remote coastal areas and coastal communities on small islands in particular experience distinct challenges due to their small population and geography, which have an impact on their capacity for sustainable growth and resilience.

The mission letters of Executive Vice-President Fitto and Commissioner Kadis set out the political commitment to ensure that coastal communities can seize growth opportunities, adapt to the impacts of climate change and develop resilient, innovative economies.

Call for evidence to shape the EU strategy for coastal communities

European Ocean Pact