The European Parliament approved a resolution on its position on the 2019 annual budget which includes amendments by Maltese MEP Alfred Sant  demanding  special attention to the case of island regions within the European Union. These amendments are crucial for Malta and the Mediterranean, boosting funds aiming at tackling migration.

The Maltese MEP had asked the European Commission to give special attention to the case of island regions within the European Union falling under the scope of Article 174  of the Lisbon Treaty on the functioning of the EU. Article 174  states that the Union aims at reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions.

Sant said the European Parliament position has some important progressive dedications, including those allocated to tackling youth unemployment in the EU, and an increase in allocations for the Erasmus+ Programme. He voted in favour of the EP 2019 budget resolution which passed with 389 votes in favour, 158 against and 123 abstentions

Nevertheless MEP Sant voted against separate votes asking for a reduction of funds dedicated to Turkey.

"While in agreement on the need for improvement as regards the respect for human rights, I believe that the EP's decision to further cut on financing support to Turkey is wrong. As made clear through recent years, Turkey is acting as the gatekeeper for the migration influx originating from the Middle East."

Sant said the EU must continue to assist and cooperate with Turkey. Cutting previously promised funding is jeopardising projects of importance to both Turkey and the EU. Clearly, it will also hurt the motivation of the Turkish authorities in sustaining their cooperation with the EU, potentially damaging the intended reforms in the affected areas.