Mountains, Islands and Sparsely Populated Areas

Cohesion Policy pays particular attention to European regions that face severe and permanent geographical or demographic challenges such as mountains, islands and sparsely populated areas.

Reflecting its full commitment to these regions, the European Commission has proposed an enabling framework that is focused on flexibility and provides multiple ways to further unlock their rich potential.

Map of EU Mountains, Islands and Sparsely Populated Areas

Stories from the regions : Health aid in remote mountain areas between Italy and France

The MISMI project financed by EU cohesion policy supports people living in mountain, rural and dispersedly populated areas between Valle d’Aosta region in Italy and Tarentaise in France. The project is about linking people in need with caregivers and the community using technology, thus contributing to fight people’s isolation and social and health inequalities. This project is even more valuable in the current context of COVID-19 spread as citizens can benefit from tele-medicine and two nurses who are helping on the ground in hospitals and patients’ home.

EU Cohesion Policy helps islands mountains and sparsely populated areas

CLLD: a powerful tool to help the potential of islands, mountain and sparsely populated areas

The European Union is supporting citizens to mobilise skills and resources for Community Led Local Development. Partnerships between ordinary people, civic groups and public bodies called Local Action Groups are boosting local business, preserving cultural heritage and creating new services to revitalise local communities in many parts of Europe. CLLD can be a powerful tool to help the potential of areas with geographic and demographic specificities with the local people in the driving seat. CLLD are strategies to meet the most pressing economic, social or environmental needs . A special budget and staff can help turn ideas into projects. There are more than 3000 Local Action groups around Europe many of which cater island, mountainous and sparsely populated areas of the EU.
Watch some inspiring stories. More information about the project

EU Cohesion Policy boosts Sweden's forestry sector - sustainably

The "Climate Smart Innovation" project is helping to develop forest-based industries in the centre of Sweden. It is providing a long-term regional platform for building SME capacity in innovation and sustainable development. The project contributes to boost knowledge and skills in climate protection, the bioeconomy and circular economy among businesses and other industry stakeholders. Closer interaction with researchers, students and international partners is encouraged, and the public sector and civil society representatives are participating in project workshops. The platform will make regional innovation more efficient and profitable while helping businesses transition to the low-carbon economy.
More information about the project