The outermost regions of the EU are the most remote territories of the Union - located in the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the Caribbean and South America- and receive differential treatment under the Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union:
- French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion and Saint Martin (France)
- Azores and Madeira (Portugal)
- Canary Islands (Spain)
These regions also offer unique assets for the EU, particularly in terms of strategic geographic positioning, vast maritime zones, rich biodiversity, and renewable energy potential.
In September 2026, the European Commission adopted a new strategic vision accompanied by its first ever regulatory package, specifically designed to better address the unique circumstances and constraints of the outermost regions with the aim of boosting growth, competitiveness and the welfare of their 5 million citizens.
The outermost regions may be far from continental Europe, but they are at the heart of our European project. Today’s package is about overcoming the challenges created by distance, but above all about seizing the opportunities created by geography. Our Strategy is built around four clear objectives and is backed by concrete measures to deliver on them. This is where the first-ever regulatory package comes in: adapting EU rules where necessary to the specific realities of these territories. By turning their strategic potential into opportunities, growth and better living conditions, we strengthen not only the outermost regions and their 5 million people, but Europe as a whole.
Our outermost regions have strong identities and unique assets and geographical positions that project Europe to the four corners of the world. But their local realities and specific constraints need to be better taken into account. That is the essence of the strategy and regulatory package that we are presenting today. We are adapting our rules to unleash the potential of these regions and make their uniqueness a strength for them and for all of Europe.
A new strategic vision for the EU outermost regions
The European Commission adopted in September 2026, a Communication setting out a new and ambitious strategy for the EU outermost regions. For the first time, the strategy is accompanied by a regulatory package adapting existing EU legislation to better reflect the unique circumstances and constraints of the outermost regions.
In line with the Treaty, the Communication reflects the Commission's unwavering commitment towards these strategic outposts and their people and businesses, with four objectives to support their sustainable growth:
- Geo-strategic potential and regional integration
- Competitiveness and enhanced access to the Single Market
- Resilience and preparedness
- Social fairness and supporting people
Get involved
Share your views and suggestions on Commission initiatives to ensure that the EU policies and legislation take into account the outermost regions’ specificities.
The outermost regions in EU policies, legislation and programmes
The Treaty (Article 349) provides for specific measures for these regions including on EU policies, tailored application of EU law and adapted access to EU funds and programmes.
The EU policy framework relevant to the outermost regions includes a wide range of EU policy initiatives, while some have a particularly strong impact on their development and the lives of their inhabitants.
The Commission has incorporated specific features for the outermost regions in numerous Funds and work programmes for the 2021-2027 period.
The Commission has set up projects exclusively for the outermost regions in a number of areas of special relevance to them.
Since 2004, successive Commission strategies for the outermost regions have contributed positively to their prosperity in line with the EU priorities.
Announcements
Review of the EU Emissions Trading System
The Commission’s proposal for the review of the EU Emissions Trading System was adopted on 17 July 2026. It includes important provisions for the outermost regions, reflecting their specific geographical constraints and the need to preserve territorial continuity, connectivity and access to essential services.
In the aviation and maritime sectors, the existing derogations are extended until 31 December 2035.
The proposal also maintains enhanced support for eligible sustainable aviation and introduces the possibility for Member States to exempt waste-incineration installations located in the outermost regions from the obligation to surrender allowances until 31 December 2035.
Technical Assistance and Information Exchange – Environmental Implementation Review (TAIEX EIR) - Call for expression of interest
The European Commission, through TAIEX EIR and in cooperation with DG REGIO, invites outermost regions to apply for tailored peer-to-peer support on water resilience and the marine environment.
Support can include expert missions, study visits and workshops on topics such as water management, desalination, wastewater reuse, groundwater monitoring and marine assessment.
- Deadline for applications: 15 October 2026
- Indicative delivery of support: by July 2027
Events
5-6 November 2026: CPRUP - Conférence des Présidents des régions ultrapériphériques (Guadeloupe)
This CPRUP marks the 30th anniversary of the first Conference, held in 1995. It reflects the continued commitment of the Outermost Regions to the European project, and the Commission's continued engagement with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
12-13 November 2026: INTERREG Annual meeting 2026
The annual event for the managing authorities of INTERREG programmes is scheduled to take place in Brussels on 12–13 November 2026. More information will be soon available on this webpage.
23,25-27 November 2026: State aid training for Member states
The next online state aid training for Member states will take place on 23, 25-27 November 2026 (4 half-days). The registration to the training is already open. The agenda of the training, all training materials and video recordings of a previous training session are also available on this website: Inforegio - Training on Cohesion Policy for EU Member State Experts.
In this FAQ, you will find answers to the main questions about the EU outermost regions: their status, their legal framework, their specific characteristics, their relations with the EU, and the measures put in place to support their development.
