The Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Cohesion and Reforms Raphael Fitto expresses the importance of addressing the double insularity of islands such as Gozo during a visit to the Citadel

The Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, together with the Minister for European Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, welcomed the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Cohesion and Reforms Raphael Fitto during a visit he made to the Citadel, Rabat, Gozo. In a meeting held, Minister Clint Camilleri stated that "not only did we discuss the projects that have been carried out, projects that are being carried out with the same European Funds, but also, we discussed the importance of the European strategy that dedicates and recognizes double insularity. Something that we have been talking about for a long time and this is also in the pipeline of the same European Commission so that we can address areas, islands, such as Gozo, so that they can access the funds better. Moreover, they will also be able to benefit more easily, just as European countries that are a central part of the European continent benefit." For his part, Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that "visits such as these continue to demonstrate the need to respond to specific challenges, such as that of double insularity, and that these are given the necessary attention in cohesion policy. Gozo is a clear example of how European Funds can be used to address the unique geographical realities of this island, and it is therefore essential that we continue to work together to ensure fairer and more effective access to these funds in future programmes." The Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Raphael Fitto thanked the Ministers for their cooperation and said that this visit was an important occasion to demonstrate the importance of the islands. He continued that “this visit to Gozo was a particularly important moment because we are working to present the strategy for the islands in the coming weeks and Gozo also gives us the opportunity to focus on the dual insularity which is an important issue. I think it is also important to have a commitment for future programmes and to continue with this cooperation on different aspects. We are also showing that it is possible to adapt cohesion policy on, for example, water, housing and energy and, the Government is showing that it has the capacity to follow this approach. I am happy to continue moving in this direction.” The Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning Mario Borg gave a presentation explaining the interventions that are being implemented using European Union funds aimed at sustainable urban development for Gozo. Mr Borg explained how these interventions are aimed at improving the infrastructure of the island of Gozo in order to reflect the socio-economic development that has taken place in recent years in Gozo as well as ensuring that such improvements in the lives of Gozitans remain sustained in the years to come. During the presentation, reference was also made to the rehabilitation of the Citadel, which is considered an example in the use of European Funds. Photo: MGP/MFI