MEP Peter Agius and Mayor Noel Formosa put Gozitan connectivity on the agenda in Brussels, ask for autonomy for Gozo to benefit from EU funding

Noel Formosa, Mayor of San Lawrenz, Gozo (EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions) and MEP Peter Agius (EPP Group in the European Parliament), have called on the European Commission to establish an EU Islands Connectivity Task Force. This task force would be dedicated to monitoring and coordinating policy strategies to make island regions more accessible. Their proposal aligns with the mandate given by President von der Leyen to Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, who is being urged to prioritise solutions for the specific challenges faced by islands—particularly in terms of connectivity. Formosa and Agius made these remarks during a special debate on enhancing connectivity for EU islands, held during a CoR plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Peter Agius stressed that no EU rules affecting islands should be adopted without including an island-specific perspective in the legislation—especially in relation to the European Green Deal. He stated: “Islands are already disadvantaged by their nature. The Green Deal rules risk increasing this disadvantage due to transport-related emission targets. Ironically, the new ETS rules on maritime transport required over 30 derogations, as most of our ferries do not comply with the new standards. If we are to impose new standards on islands, we must also provide EU budgets to help them progress.”

He also addressed the importance of strengthening regional governance: “Some of our regions have the autonomy and power to submit regional plans for EU funding. But regions like Gozo still depend on centralised national authorities that may overlook their specific needs in national programmes. Gozo, for instance, still relies on a 40-year-old ship (one of the four ferries) for connectivity. Malta did not apply for EU funds to procure new ships under the Recovery Fund or the MFF. We need more autonomy for Gozo and other islands—starting with the power to submit regional projects directly for EU funding to strengthen connectivity.”

Earlier, Peter Agius published a report outlining EU funds available for new ferries for Gozo. He also organised a national conference with experts showcasing how other EU islands are leveraging EU funds to boost connectivity using clean technology.

Noel Formosa highlighted the structural disadvantages that islands face, despite often being portrayed as idyllic and scenic: “Gozo still lacks full integration into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), and essential services such as healthcare and education remain harder to access compared to mainland regions.”

He underlined the need for sustainable connectivity solutions, such as electric ferries: “Electric ferries are not only essential for improving transport—they also play a vital role in safeguarding the environment. Reducing maritime emissions helps protect the air we breathe, particularly for residents near ports, and improves public health and overall quality of life. Connectivity isn’t just about movement—it’s about equal opportunities, economic growth, and a sustainable future for all EU citizens.”

Francisca Ramis Pons from the Balearic Islands Government added: “Europe cannot afford first- and second-class citizens based on geography. Everyone deserves the same opportunities. We urge the institutions to adopt ambitious measures to strengthen the connectivity of our islands and ensure that EU policies reflect our reality.”

Efstratios Charchalakis, Mayor of Kythera, echoed the concerns, saying: “Achieving sustainable connections with the mainland and among islands is essential. I support the statements by my colleagues—EU policy design must incorporate the island dimension, or it will continue to have a negative impact on our communities.”

Nikola Dobroslavić, President of Dubrovnik County, noted that even though Croatian islands have dedicated budgets and legislation, significant challenges remain: “There was a tragic case where a person passed away because they couldn’t reach a hospital on the mainland due to bad weather. More must be done to address the life-threatening connectivity gaps our islands face.”

Finally, Kata Tüttő, President of the Committee of the Regions, acknowledged the importance of the discussion and committed to further action: “This is a vital topic. I will invite the Commissioner for Sustainable Tourism and Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, to follow up on this debate in an upcoming CoR plenary .”