At the Symposium on Insularity titled “Sustainable Policies for the Future of the Islands,” held on the island of Symi and dedicated to the memory of Nektarios Santorinios—whose name was given to the island’s port during a special ceremony—SYRIZA PS President Sokratis Famellos presented the party’s key policy pillars for island development.
In his speech, Famellos emphasized the urgent need for strategic planning to prevent the destruction of the islands’ unique identity and natural resources due to overreliance on tourism and overtourism. He called for spatial planning completion (including land and maritime zoning) and a comprehensive National Maritime Strategy that coordinates environment, fishing, tourism, transport, and energy—based on climate neutrality, circular economy principles, and carrying capacity beyond profit-driven metrics.
Key Proposals by SYRIZA PS for Island Policy:
Tax Policy:
- Reinstatement of the reduced VAT regime on the islands. Now that Greece is no longer under bailout supervision, the unjust memorandum-era law can be repealed. The VAT reduction is also mandated by an EU Directive.
Transport Equivalence (Μεταφορικό Ισοδύναμο):
- Restore regular and timely payments and extend the fuel subsidy to all islands.
- Immediate compensation to businesses through electronic invoicing systems.
- Expansion of the scheme to include students and public sector workers residing on islands.
Healthcare:
- Implement a Healthcare Equivalence Scheme, focusing on prevention, telemedicine, emergency services (EKAV), and incentives to attract medical professionals to the islands.
Local Governance:
- Special program to strengthen island municipalities in terms of authority, staffing, infrastructure, and funding. Local governments to have a decisive role in managing island-related bodies like Marine Parks and protected areas.
Housing Policy:
- A public housing plan for essential workers (doctors, teachers, etc.) in partnership with local authorities.
- Housing support for permanent island residents, especially young people, through targeted incentives.
Agricultural & Production Support:
- A dedicated agricultural policy tailored to island limitations, supporting local production and PDO/PGI/traditional products.
Energy Autonomy:
- Promote energy communities for island self-sufficiency, not large external monopolies.
- Establish a legal framework for self-production and energy storage, which has been lacking for 6 years.
Water Autonomy:
- Address water scarcity with desalination projects, fully subsidized for energy costs.
- Establish a Water Equivalence Scheme, recognizing the higher water costs on islands.
Green Transition:
- Decarbonize islands via connection to the mainland grid and local renewable energy projects, utilizing EU funds secured by SYRIZA in 2018.
Waste Management:
- Zero-waste plans with composting and recycling infrastructure and equipment for municipalities.
- Local projects should be managed by municipalities, not through opaque regional schemes (FODSA).
Climate Resilience:
- Increase island resilience to natural disasters by ensuring self-sufficiency, emergency preparedness, and preventative measures.
Connectivity & Education:
- Programs to improve high-speed internet access and support formal/informal training in digital and emerging technologies.
Proposals for Maritime Transport:
a) Boost integrated transport systems with network restructuring, better connectivity, multi-year contracts, timely tendering for subsidized routes, and incentives for fleet renewal with shipbuilding in Greek shipyards.
b) Ensure pluralism in ferry services, countering monopolies by supporting small businesses and allowing local authorities to engage in maritime services through contracts with the state (as allowed under a SYRIZA law initiated by Nektarios Santorinios for islands with populations under 5,000).
c) Link EU funding for green fleet upgrades to ticket price controls, service quality guarantees, and protection of seafarers’ labor rights.
d) Expand cold ironing (shore power) infrastructure at ports and build necessary port and fishing facilities, respecting the character and capacity of traditional island settlements.
Next Steps:
SYRIZA PS plans to present and elaborate on these proposals through local events and consultations with island communities and stakeholders, aiming for a collaborative approach to shaping a sustainable and just future for Greece’s islands.
