By Martin Banks

Regional “perspectives” must remain at the heart of European policymaking.

That was the message to emerge from a meeting of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) when it got together in Gotland for a political bureau meeting of 2026.

The CPMR, based in Rennes, is the body that represents Europe’s coastal and outermost territories.

A strong policy agenda and important internal discussions guided the proceedings of the day, with the underlying ambition of strengthening Europe’s territories.

The meeting was preceded by a study visit on territorial preparedness to the Gotland Regiment.

In today’s geopolitical climate, security and preparedness have become pressing priorities, making the exchange of regional experiences and best practices “more valuable than ever.”

Commenting, Filip Reinhag, President of the CPMR
Regional Councillor at Region Gotland, said, “The challenges facing Europe today cannot be addressed by regions acting alone.

“Our collective voice carries far greater weight than any isolated initiative ever could. We are living through a historic moment marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate pressures and profound societal change.

“These interconnected challenges are reshaping our territories and the daily lives of our citizens.

“They also reinforce the importance of cooperation between regions and of ensuring that regional perspectives remain at the heart of European policymaking.”

The event opened with a welcome address by Meit Fohlin, Chair of the Executive Board of Region Gotland, who highlighted the importance of cooperation within the CPMR networ.

Emphasising the central role of regions in delivering European priorities, she noted that “We must remember that our regional experiences are invaluable.

“Because it is at the regional and local levels that all strategic planning and interconnected priorities eventually must turn into reality.” 

The opening panel outlined the key challenges facing European regions and set the scene for the discussions that followed throughout the meeting.

CPMR Secretary General Davide Strangis highlighted some of the organisation’s most recent advocacy achievements, showcasing CPMR’s growing impact at EU level.

From advocating for a strong, place-based Cohesion Policy and contributing to discussions on the future EU budget (MFF 2028-2034), to helping shape the European Ocean Pact and emerging EU strategies, the CPMR, said Strangis, “has remained committed to promoting the interests of peripheral and maritime regions.”

The first session, dedicated to climate resilience,highlighted the growing challenges facing peripheral and coastal regions, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and the degradation of marine ecosystems.

Elina Bardram, Director at the European Commission’s DG CLIMA, outlined the key pillars needed to strengthen Europe’s climate preparedness and resilience, including raising risk awareness, fostering innovation, and scaling up the implementation of resilience measures.

During the second session dedicated to Energy, CPMR members examined Europe’s energy transition from a territorial point of view, specifically focusing on energy security in the age of electrification.

Artur Manuel Leal de Lima, CPMR Vice-President for Energy and Vice-President of the Governo dos Açores, stated that energy does not longer mean only supply, but also ensuring that grid can support electrification, renewable energy deployment, industrial competitiveness, and affordable energy for citizens.

The third thematic session focused on Cohesion Policy, and the importance of maintaining it as a single instrument in the future EU Budget.

Carl-Johan Klint, Deputy Director, Swedish Ministry for Infrastructure and Rural Affairs, emphasized that the horizontal conditionalities on fundamental rights proposed by the Commission are welcome.

The debate was joined online by MEP Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, who reaffirmed that cohesion policy should continue to operate as a single instrument.