Gozo Regional Council successfully held its annual Plenary Meeting on Saturday, 21st June, at the Grand Hotel in Għajnsielem. The half-day event, running from 8:30am to 1:00pm, brought together mayors, local councillors, executive secretaries, regional officials, and key stakeholders to discuss pressing regional matters and foster collaborative efforts for Gozo’s future.
In his opening address, Dr Samuel Azzopardi, President of the Region, stated, “The Regional Plenary is an annual opportunity for dialogue and reflection on the role the Gozo Region plays within local governance and in shaping Gozitan identity. It serves as a vital platform for generating ideas and strengthening the region’s contribution to society.”
Ms Rita Mifsud Attard, Executive Secretary of the Gozo Regional Council, provided a strategic overview of the Council’s current initiatives and priorities. Her address underscored themes of innovation, sustainability, and inter-regional collaboration, setting a focused and aspirational tone for the proceedings.
Each of the six regional managers delivered presentations on their respective areas of responsibility, including environment, EU funding, culture, IT, project management, waste management, and administration. Key highlights included the Region of Gozo cultural events and the Gozo Region App Services (GRAS), both reinforcing the Council’s commitment to modernisation and improved quality of life for local communities.
A dedicated session led by Mr Pierre Louis Attard, Manager of the Gozo Action Group Foundation (GAGF), focused on four new measures being launched under the LEADER programme. Mr Attard encouraged local councils to actively seek funding through these measures, particularly in anticipation of Gozo’s designation as the European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
