July 2012: The 2nd Forum of the Outermost Regions: Working Together Towards Europe 2020 addressed partnerships to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, governance for new development strategies, the seas and “blue growth,” and agriculture and rural development in overseas regions. In his opening speech, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission (EC), highlighted the diversity and strengths of the outermost regions, including their geo-strategic positions, rich natural resources, biodiversity and exceptional marine ecosystems, and renewable energy potential.

The Conference, which took place in Brussels, Belgium, from 2-3 July 2012, brought together participants from the EC, the outermost regions and experts to discuss their sustainable development in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The eight EU outermost regions are Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Saint Martin, the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. [Conference Site]