Gozo will be benefiting from a record €162 million in European funds until 2027, Prime Minister Robert Abela said.

Speaking in Ghajnsielem, Abela said that the money will be spent on sustainable urban projects to improve the quality of life.

The projects include the completion of the Qortin dumping site rehabilitation, similar to the work carried out at Wied Fulija.

The PM said that the fast ferry operating between the two islands had improved connectivity. “We will not stop here,” Abela said, pledging to introduce a fourth Gozo Channel vessel which is more environment friendly and with lower emissions.

He pledged to introduce an air link which is “sustainable and will not take up arable land. As we did with the fast ferry, we will have an air link service to Gozo,” Abela said.

What the government is planning for Gozo is based on digitalisation, a carbon-free island and a better quality of life, Abela said.