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“If we want a strong Mediterranean and a strong Europe, we first have to make sure our islands stay alive and our young people can remain in their homeland,” said Halki Mayor Angelos Fragkakis, speaking before a European Union committee.

Fragkakis, who is also a member of the Greek delegation to the European Committee of the Regions, took part in the 10th meeting of the Committee on Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX).

According to his own account of the speech, the mayor’s remarks were as follows:

“Madam President, dear colleagues,

Speaking as the mayor of a small, remote Greek island, Halki, in the heart of the Mediterranean, I would like to convey today the voice of Europe’s small island communities.

When we discuss a new Pact for the Mediterranean, we must remember that the Mediterranean is not just a geopolitical space. It is the people who live on its islands, often under very different conditions than those on mainland Europe.

For a small island, access to healthcare, education, housing, transport, energy, and digital services cannot be taken for granted.

That’s why I believe Europe is now speaking clearly about a ‘right to stay.’

The right of a young person to remain on the island where they were born, to find work, start a family, and build their future there, without being forced to leave because they lack basic services and opportunities.

Small islands are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for European policies adapted to the reality of island life.

The Pact for the Mediterranean is an important opportunity to reflect that reality in European policy.

Because Europe’s cohesion is judged in its smallest and most remote corners too.

And if we want a strong Mediterranean and a strong Europe, we must first ensure that our islands stay alive and our young people can remain where they belong.

Thank you.”