The European Commission together with 14 EU Member States (Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Sweden) signed a Memorandum of Understanding Implementing the Valetta Political Decleration On Clean Energy for Euoropean Union Islands (Memorandum of Split), prepared by the Republic of Croatia during its presidency of the Council of the European Union.

During the process of preparing the Memorandum, various requirements were followed, that would be useful for the inhabitants of European islands, such as the one for more stable cooperation for the transition to clean energy. European islands, home to more than 15 million citizens, can lead the transition to clean energy by using new technologies and applying innovative solutions.

Given that Croatia has more than 1244 islands, many of which face various challenges, the Presidency Program places special emphasis on the potential that islands can have in the transition to clean energy.

The "Clean Energy for EU Islands" initiative was launched in 2017 during the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, when the European Commission, together with the Member States, signed a political declaration (the Valletta Declaration). The initiative aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy on European islands to help islands reduce their dependence on energy imports by making better use of the potential of renewable energy sources. In order to facilitate the process of transition to clean energy on European islands, in 2018 the European Commission established the "Clean Energy Secretariat for the EU Islands", which provides support and assistance in the preparation of projects for European islands.

This Memorandum represents an important step in promoting projects to accelerate the transition to clean energy on EU islands. This Memorandum will provide further support to islands in preparing their strategies for the transition to clean energy process, while promoting participation, engagement and empowerment of citizens. In addition, structured cooperation will facilitate the roles of energy communities on the islands.

The memorandum also recognizes the importance of implementing projects aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy sources through the use of innovative technologies, development of clean and sustainable transport, integration of the power system with other sectors such as heating, cooling, island water system, all according to demand on islands.

Special emphasis in the Memorandum is placed on cooperation between islands when it comes to sharing knowledge and best practices, because only in this way can we create a unique opportunity for future generations that will, among other things, lay the foundations of a climate-neutral Europe.
You can download the Memorandum on the right.