Gozo Minister Calls For More EU Investment For Islands’ Maritime Connectivity

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri has called for increased European investment and support to strengthen maritime connectivity for islands and peripheral regions, highlighting the importance of reliable sea links for Malta and Gozo.

Minister Camilleri participated in a high-level discussion with European Coordinator Gesine Meissner and representatives of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) on the development of the European Maritime Space. During the meeting, he stressed that maritime transport remains a vital lifeline for island communities, supporting economic activity, social cohesion and territorial development.

“Together with representatives from different regions across Europe, we discussed transport and maritime issues with the European Coordinator, outlining the needs and challenges faced by regions on Europe’s periphery. We spoke about the importance of Mġarr Port in Gozo and the investment required, as well as the support Europe can provide to smaller regions to modernise their fleets and improve port accessibility,” Minister Camilleri said.

He added that ports remain the main connection between islands and the rest of the European continent, noting that work will continue at European level to ensure that the voices of Gozo and Malta are represented.

Minister Camilleri highlighted the need for stronger recognition of island connectivity through resilient, affordable and year-round maritime links. He also stressed the importance of providing suitable support for Public Service Obligation routes and smaller regional ports.

The Minister said that the green transition should enhance rather than limit maritime connectivity, calling for targeted assistance to help islands and ports decarbonise and modernise small-scale maritime transport.

As part of the CPMR delegation, Minister Camilleri also met with European Parliament Member Sérgio Gonçalves, Rapporteur on the European Union’s Port Strategy report. Discussions focused on the ongoing work within the European Parliament and the next steps for the strategy.

Minister Camilleri called for a European Port Strategy that recognises the specific challenges faced by islands, ensures fair access to funding, balances competitiveness with territorial cohesion and provides adequate support for decarbonisation.

He concluded by emphasising that European policies must ensure no island or peripheral region is left behind in the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient maritime sector.

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