European Union Funds Canary Islands to Support Regional Projects in Africa and Atlantic Area
Canary Islands EU Funding and Regional Cooperation Agreement
Overview
On October 20, 2025, the Canary Islands government published a new agreement with the European Commission that allocates over 10 million euros in EU funding to bolster regional cooperation projects. Signed on September 30, 2025, this agreement aims to finance initiatives under the Interreg VI-D Madeira-Azores-Canarias program, extending support to neighboring African nationsâincluding Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Mauritania, Sao TomĂ© and PrĂncipe, and Senegal.
Goals and Focus
- To enhance regional integration, economic development, and climate resilience.
- To support outlying island regions facing challenges such as high costs, environmental risks, and migration issues.
- Projects will focus on:
- Fostering innovation
- Promoting green energy
- Protecting biodiversity
- Supporting sustainable economy initiatives
The total budget for these initiatives is around 169.9 million euros from the EU.
Project Management and Oversight
The agreement establishes strict rules for project management, including:
- Transparent adjudication
- Progress reporting
- Visibility obligations
- Control mechanisms
It emphasizes collaboration between regional authorities and EU agencies, allowing for:
- Project oversight
- Audits
- Transfer of assets like equipment and infrastructure to local beneficiaries.
Strategic Importance
"This funding boost aims to strengthen regional ties, promote sustainable development, and address climate change impactsâa vital step for the Canary Islands and neighboring countries to forge closer ties and mutual growth within the EU's strategic framework."