Minister Clint Camilleri In Brussels To Push For EU Support For Gozo And Island Regions

Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, participated in a series of meetings and discussions in Brussels, focusing on funding to strengthen connectivity and infrastructure, transforming the challenges faced by island regions such as Gozo into opportunities.

Minister Camilleri took part in several events connected to the European Union’s Regions Week, including delivering a speech at the conference “Cohesion Objectives Beyond Cohesion Policy”, which addressed European funding for peripheral regions. The conference was held at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels on 15 October 2025.

He emphasised that islands in the EU face challenges beyond those experienced by mainland regions, particularly regarding insularity, transport, adequate infrastructure, and other issues common to island territories. “It is therefore essential that the MFF serves as a flexible tool rather than a rigid one, enabling these challenges to be transformed into opportunities that drive necessary change,” Minister Camilleri asserted.

The Minister requested that islands benefit equitably from European funds such as the Connecting Europe Facility and the Competitiveness Fund, prioritising port and airport upgrades, strengthened digital connectivity, sustainable mobility, and improved ferry services.

He also welcomed the expansion of the Erasmus programme and stressed that simplifying administrative procedures is essential for smaller administrations to operate efficiently. Minister Camilleri emphasised the need for the EU to implement “island-proofing” in its policies, ensuring that size or location does not exclude islands from European initiatives.

In conclusion, Minister Camilleri reaffirmed Malta and Gozo’s full commitment to the European dialogue while calling for greater awareness of the specific challenges faced by island regions.

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