Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri participated in a high-level discussion with Ms Gesine Meissner, European Coordinator and representatives of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) on the development of the European Maritime Space. During the discussion, the Minister emphasised the importance of maritime connectivity for islands and peripheral regions, while maintaining that, for both Gozo and Malta, maritime transport is an essential lifeline on which economic activity, social cohesion and territorial development depend.
Minister Clint Camilleri stated that “together with other representatives from various regions across Europe, we discussed with the European coordinators regarding transport and maritime affairs, where we listed the needs and requirements of regions on the periphery of Europe. We spoke about the importance of the Port of Mġarr in Gozo and the investment that needs to be made in it as well as about the assistance that Europe itself will be giving to those small regions so that they can modernise not only their fleet but also make their ports more accessible. These ports, ultimately, remain the main link of these regions and islands with the rest of the European continent. We will continue to work, even at a European level, so that the Gozitan and Maltese voice continues to be delivered where needed.”
He highlighted the need for the European Maritime Space to pay more attention to island connectivity through resilient, affordable and year-round maritime connections. He also spoke about the importance of giving Public Service Obligation routes and small regional ports the appropriate recognition and support.
The Minister also said that the ecological transition should strengthen, not weaken, maritime connectivity. He therefore called for targeted support for the decarbonisation and modernisation of small-scale maritime transport on islands and their ports.
As part of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) delegation, Minister Camilleri also attended a meeting with MEP Sérgio Gonçalves, Rapporteur on the report on the European Union Ports Strategy, at the initiative of the European Parliament. During the meeting, the work being carried out in the European Parliament and the next steps regarding the European Ports Strategy were discussed. He called for a strategy that recognises the specific challenges faced by islands, ensures fair access to financing, strikes a balance between competitiveness and territorial cohesion, and provides adequate support for decarbonisation.
Minister Clint Camilleri concluded by emphasizing the need for European policies to ensure that no island or peripheral region is left behind in the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient maritime sector.
Photo: MFG
