Canary Islands advocate for EU island cooperation and scientific investment

The Government of the Canary Islands is calling for increased collaboration among EU island territories to address shared challenges, specifically housing and climate change. During the IV Forum on Leadership of the European Union Islands, officials emphasized the necessity of sharing scientific knowledge and experiences to mitigate the impact of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems, coasts, and economic activities.

In addition to environmental concerns, there is a strategic push to diversify the archipelago's tourism-dependent economy through scientific advancement. Following the loss of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project to Hawaii, regional focus has shifted toward new initiatives like the European Solar Telescope (EST). Scheduled for La Palma in 2028, the EST project involves an estimated investment of 274 million euros and is expected to bolster Europe's research capabilities regarding solar magnetic fields and atmospheric processes.