​On 13 December, COTER members discussed and adopted opinions on the following subjects the renewed strategy on outermost regions, the future of Integrated Territorial Investments as well as simplification in the context of the future Cohesion Policy, the future of EU finances and Europe on the Move package.

The EA coordinator, M.A Maupertuis from Corsica regional authority, while underlining the various challenges and constraints faced by islands and outermost regions, accessibility and climate change to name a few, called on the European commission to valorise their natural resources and biodiversity.

"Islands and outermost regions'  richness in terms of natural resources and ecosystems is unique and, if adequately exploited, offers  prospects for sustainable economic and social development. The EU should pay closer attention to these regions and support them to improve their external reach in order to enhance social inclusion and their own competitiveness.