Connectivity for Gozo reached a pivotal moment recently with Maltese PN MEP Peter Agius, who took the initiative head-on during a significant national conference at Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz. The event, titled "New Ferries for Gozo: What Can Europe Do? What Must We Do?" brought to the forefront tangible solutions and substantial European Union funding sources aimed at improving Gozo's ferry service and broader connectivity. Agius's decisive action and detailed study highlights how, despite not being Gozitan himself, he is delivering more concrete support for Gozo's infrastructural needs than local Gozitan politicians, including three ministers and a Labour MEP, have managed thus far.
In his keynote address, Agius outlined the critical urgency of upgrading Gozo's ferry services through significant EU funding streams, notably the European Climate Fund and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). He clarified that the Maltese government could immediately prioritise Gozo's connectivity through these financial instruments. Agius pointedly stressed that connectivity is essential, not a mere convenience, urging prompt and decisive action rather than continued discussions and endless delays.
Bernard Grech, the opposition leader, supported Agius and acknowledged his accomplishments in such a short time as an MEP. Grech expressed disappointment at the Labour government's failure to prioritise connectivity, highlighting Agius's report as evidence of what committed political leadership can achieve. Grech further pledged that a future Nationalist government would deliver a fifth ferry and substantial improvements to port infrastructure, ensuring Gozo's connectivity needs would finally receive proper attention.
Several experts spoke passionately at the conference, further highlighting Agius's careful planning and comprehensive approach. Dr Karl Agius, visiting lecturer at the University of Malta, presented valuable insights on how other European islands, including the Balearic Islands and Sicily, successfully tapped EU funding for transport upgrades. His message was clear: Gozo has every possibility of replicating such success stories, provided there is political will and local initiative.
Internationally acclaimed island studies expert Professor Godfrey Baldacchino delivered an engaging analysis of the significant social and economic benefits improved maritime connectivity brings to island communities. Prof. Baldacchino emphasised that efficient transport is a fundamental right rather than a privilege, affecting everything from daily commutes and business opportunities to long-term economic growth and tourism. Gozo, according to Baldacchino, would significantly benefit economically and socially from timely investments in its ferry fleet and associated infrastructure.
Michael Galea, President of the Gozo Business Chamber, reinforced the call for decisive, long-term planning. Galea specified the urgency of modernising the Gozo Channel ferry fleet, stressing the need for sustainability, efficiency, and reliability. He advocated strongly for expanding the fleet to five ferries, highlighting this as essential to provide consistent service and economic stability.
Technical and environmental considerations featured prominently in discussions, particularly through contributions by Kurt Gutteridge, Director of Naval Architectural Services. Gutteridge presented a detailed analysis showing how newer ferries equipped with cleaner propulsion technologies could seriously reduce emissions and simultaneously enhance operational reliability. His practical perspective clarified the technical feasibility and substantial environmental advantages of upgrading Gozo's maritime transport infrastructure.
Providing a critical European perspective, Fotini Ioannidou, Director of Maritime Transport at the European Commission, reaffirmed the EU's ongoing commitment to island connectivity. She explicitly highlighted various funding sources Gozo could access, including structure and cohesion funds and Horizon 2020. Ioannidou clarified that while the EU actively provides funding opportunities; the onus remains on Malta and Gozo to prepare robust, convincing applications and take advantage of these available resources.
An instructive case study presented by Cecile Larsen, Project Manager for Ærøfærgerne in Denmark, offered attendees a successful real-world example of EU-funded maritime infrastructure transformation. Larsen detailed the launch of "Ellen," a fully electric ferry, illustrating vividly how effective use of EU funds can lead to significant environmental improvements and enhanced passenger experience. Larsen's account served as both inspiration and practical guide for Gozo's authorities to follow.
Shadow Ministers Alex Borg, for Gozo, and Ivan Castillo, for the Maritime Sector, reiterated the Nationalist Party's clear commitment to better connectivity. They outlined strategic priorities that include not only increased ferry numbers but crucially also significant reductions in ferry emissions. They reinforced the need to act quickly, supporting Agius's call to action.
In his closing remarks, Peter Agius urged immediate political and community action, highlighting that EU support represents an unprecedented opportunity Gozo must actively seize. His challenging conclusion emphasised that continued inaction would risk leaving Gozo further isolated economically, socially, and environmentally. Agius insisted that Gozo's future prosperity depends directly upon proactively leveraging European resources available right now.
The energy of Agius's conference at the Kempinski Hotel showed how much more active he was than the Gozitan politicians. Though Agius represents Malta rather than Gozo directly, his detailed, practical, and swift actions far exceed what Gozitan ministers and a Gozitan Labour MEP have delivered thus far. His work shows how genuine advocacy, strategic vision, and determined political action can and must move beyond mere promises to tangible results.
The stakes could hardly be higher for Gozo, an island long disadvantaged by connectivity challenges affecting daily life, economic activity, and community well-being. Modern, sustainable ferries funded through EU support can profoundly change Gozo's future, benefiting not just commuters, but enhancing the island's tourism potential and economic vibrancy.
While credit unquestionably goes to Peter Agius for this focused advocacy, his call to action challenges Gozo itself. The island's community leaders, businesses, residents, and especially local political representatives must now match his urgency, determination, and clarity. Unified local action will make it significantly more difficult for opportunities to slip away. Gozo must demand and achieve the connectivity it deserves, moving decisively from dialogue to real-world improvements.
Peter Agius's initiative at the Kempinski conference vividly illustrated how informed, determined leadership can mobilize resources and inspire necessary change. Although Maltese, not Gozitan, Agius's actions are delivering more substantial promise and tangible progress for Gozo than local initiatives have achieved. This moment demands equally determined action from Gozo's own leaders, ensuring connectivity finally becomes an enduring reality.