Atlantic regions are in a “unique” position, meeting told

The Atlantic Ocean is no longer Europe’s western periphery but one of its principal strategic interfaces with the world.

That was a key message to emerge from a meeting in Québec City for the 2026 General Assembly of the Atlantic Arc Commission (AAC) of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR)/

The meeting heard of the “unique” position of Atlantic regions as “gateways” connecting Europe with America, Africa, and global maritime routes.

They also serve as key hubs for energy, trade, innovation, and sustainable blue economy development, it was said.

 Commenting, Christopher Skeete, Minister for International relations and La Francophonie said “Holding the General Assembly outside Europe for the first time – and in Québec, no less – is a testament to the strong relationship between Québec and Europe.

“Representatives underlined that cooperation between European and Québec must become a central pillar of future transatlantic relations”.

Participants called for deeper cooperation in strategic sectors including maritime industries, clean technologies, renewable energy, research and innovation.

A recent decision by the European Council to launch work towards an Atlantic Macro-Region, a long-standing objective championed by the CPMR Atlantic Arc Commission, was welcomed.

Regional leaders said this was a major opportunity to strengthen Europe’s geopolitical resilience.

Comment also came from Ander Caballero, Secretary General for External Action of the Basque Country, Presidency of the CPMR Atlantic Arc Commission.

He said “the Atlantic Macro-Region is not replacing the existing Maritime Strategy but marks its evolution into a strategic geopolitical project.”

 Discussions further focused on the EU’s next budget, the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034.

On this, Filip Reinhag, President of the CPMR and Regional Councillor of Region of Gotland, stressed “Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness can only be achieved through a strong territorial approach.

“CPMR calls for a Cohesion Policy that remains place-based, decentralised, and capable of mobilising the full potential of Atlantic regions in delivering European priorities”.