The document has so far been signed by over 200 European islands, from the Baltic and the North Sea to the Mediterranean.
The initiative, launched on the model of the European Commission's Smart Cities and Communities initiative, aims to make islands inclusive and successful communities by encouraging steps to raise awareness of climate change, develop appropriate solutions at local levels, use smart technologies that will ensure effective resource and infrastructure management, introduce sustainable transport, reduce and re-use waste, strengthen social inclusion, and work towards a sustainable and responsible tourism industry, the office of Croatian MEP Davor Skrlec and the Island Movement network said in a statement.
The signing of the declaration was organised by a group of MEPs, including Skrlec (Green). Skrlec was one of the hosts of the conference "New Pathways for European Islands" and organised the attendance of the Croatian representatives.
The declaration was signed by the towns of Krk and Korcula, the municipalities of Baska, Dobrinj, Omisalj, Punat, Vrbnik, Lopar, Vela Luka, Mljet and Lastovo, the City of Zadar (on behalf of the islands of Ist, Iz, Molat, Olib, Premuda, Rava and Silba), and the Budjenje (Awakening) association with the Island Movement platform.
The initiative was supported by Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Kvarner Regional Energy Agency, the North Regional Energy Agency, the Northwestern Croatia Regional Energy Agency, the Medjimurje Energy Agency, the Istria Regional Energy Agency, many colleges and civil society organisations, the statement said.
The event was opened by Greek MEP Eva Kaili, who drew attention to problems common to all European islands, such as transport, water supply and infrastructure that slows island development and growth.
The European Union supports transition to a sustainable energy system, smart use of resources, a circular economy, and sustainable development or rural and underdeveloped areas.