Greek Deputy Minister outlines support for remote islands at Smart Islands Conference

At the 3rd International Smart Islands Conference held in Gavdos on September 22-23, 2026, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas outlined the Greek government's priorities for supporting small and remote islands.

Gkikas emphasized the importance of creating sustainable living and working conditions for island residents, aligning with the European Union’s ‘Right to Stay’ strategy. He noted that the new European Strategy for Islands recognizes the ‘cost of insularity,’ which accounts for the economic and social burdens caused by geographic isolation.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the potential of the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework and upcoming NSRF funds to implement targeted investments. Additionally, he cited the ‘Smart Island Gov Access Booth’ pilot program, a digital transformation initiative implemented through the OTE Group, as a model for improving connectivity in areas such as Agathonisi and Fourni.