Former Prime Minister Alfred Sant said that in the coming five years we must ensure that European decisions must benefit Gozo as much as they do for the European larger countries.
Gozo must exploit latest developments in digital technology to open new opportunities for Gozitan youth in Gozo with all the diplomatic, economic and social tools available at our disposal and with the support of the Maltese government. This will compensate for Gozo’s double insularity. It’s vital to implement every available opportunity to create wealth in Gozo and encourage Gozitan youth to seek proposals for investments in Gozo.
The MEP, addressing a conference entitled ‘The future of Gozo in Europe’ at the Grand Hotel Mġarr, said protecting Gozo’s natural identity will be his priority while encouraging and promoting initiatives by Gozitan youth to create and market authentic Gozitan products.
“Gozo deserves the support to protect its environment and its quality of life whilst ensuring the best European standards.”
Alfred Sant referred to the Maltese government’s request to the European Commission on Gozo’s requirements in the 2021-2027 European budget.
“I am confident that the Maltese government will negotiate for funds for Gozo in the new European Budget which will invoke new measures to further stimulate the Gozitan economy.”
Alfred Sant said that Gozo was not recognized as a region when Malta negotiated its EU accession. Gozo deserved more than the 10% of the EU funds allocated to Malta, considering Gozitan territory amounted to 27% of Malta’s territory, Gozitan coast amounts to 31% of Malta’s coastlines and Gozo’s agricultural area amounts to 31% compared to that in Malta.