First of all let me start off by stating categorically that Gozo has been an important beneficiary of Malta’s accession to the European Union. Between 2004 and 2013, the island received a total of €100 million worth of projects financed or co-financed by the EU. This success was also due to the Nationalist government’s policy for Gozo, which stood on three principles: the allocation of 10% of total funds received by Malta specifically and solely for Gozo; measures to ensure that Gozitans also benefitted from the rest of the priority programmes open for Malta as a whole; and the intent to compensate for Gozo’s ‘double insularity’ challenges, as recognised in the 2003 Accession Treaty.

In fact, at pre-accession stage, the Nationalist government had had the foresight to secure a regional status for Gozo. This ensured that the island would not be disadvantaged, for the purposes of EU funds, by Malta’s progress. As soon as it became clear that Malta would lose its Objective 1 status, Prime Minister Gonzi wrote to the European Commission requesting a report proposing appropriate measures to reduce the disparities Gozo faces in comparison to Malta. On the basis of this report, Gozo’s share of EU Cohesion Policy funding would be decided. At this stage, it would be interesting to know at what stage this report has arrived. And if it has been completed, what are its conclusions?

Thanks to strong negotiations by Dr Gonzi and his team, Malta will now get an impressive €1.12 billion in the current programming period. One hopes that this government will stick to the policy whereby Gozo will continue to receive 10% of Malta’s allocation of EU funding. If utilised wisely, these funds will continue contributing towards a better quality of life for all Gozitans.

Another important issue is that of Gozo’s autonomy in decision-making. A separate regional administrative setup for the island can determine which projects will be approved for Gozo. This might also be a first step in providing Gozitans with a structure reflecting their particular identity.  In its last electoral programme, the Nationalist Party proposed establishing a regional council and the recognition of Gozo as an island region (proposal 124). This would include the Minister for Gozo, the elected MPs from the island, the mayors of all Gozitan localities, and five representatives elected from the island’s civil society. This regional council was also intended to enhance the subsidiarity principle for Gozo, thereby increasing Gozitans’ level of self-determination. Again, one would hope that this government will continue to pursue such a policy. This kind of formal set-up would also help Gozo work directly with other small island and regional economies to influence EU policy towards such islands. Additional initiatives backed by specific funding could be generated through such cooperation.

The geography of these islands is what it is, and unless some kind of permanent link is built between the two islands, Gozo will remain physically separated from Malta. I realise that the majority of Gozitans feel strongly about this, and I therefore urge that studies about how best to achieve this kind of link be pursued with greater vigour. In doing this, an open mind should be kept on the different options available, also based on other countries’ experience.

However, when it comes to business, geography does not necessarily need to stand in the way. And I understand perfectly the underlying issue which is always at the back of Gozitans’ minds: “how do we create more job opportunities in Gozo, especially for our young people?” The answer may lie in two well-known Gozitan traits – their creativity and entrepreneurship. The island boasts several highly qualified young people, most of whom end up either moving to Malta, or decide to take on challenges abroad. New technologies provide great opportunities for enterprising and creative young people, who can utilise their skills and creativity to develop innovative products and services and do business online. This could be an area where EU funding can make a mark on this island, and reduce Gozitans’ dependence on Malta-based jobs and business. For the long term, however, this should be coupled with a strategy to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Innovation needs to be promoted and fostered particularly among our SMEs, which are the backbone of Gozo’s economy. For our entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality, they need improved access to finance, more innovation-friendly rules and regulations, and additional incentives for research and development

Clustering could provide an answer. By adopting this business model, Gozitan companies would benefit from better economies of scale. They could pool knowledge and develop joint research and innovation potential. This could be done with the guidance and support of the government, and the concept could also be extended to collaboration with local academics. However, if we want innovation, we need to invest in the people of this island. We need to nurture those who, through their talent, skill, entrepreneurship, and the development of intellectual property, can bring the best out of what Gozo can offer.  

Helga Ellul is a Nationalist Party candidate in the forthcoming European parliamentary elections