European Commission Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raphael Fitto has underlined the importance of addressing the "double insularity" faced by islands such as Gozo during an official visit to the Ċittadella in Rabat.

Fitto was welcomed by Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri and European Funds and Electoral Programme Implementation Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, as discussions focused on European-funded projects already completed, those currently underway, and the need for a dedicated European strategy that recognises the specific challenges of islands like Gozo.

Camilleri said the meeting centred not only on existing and ongoing EU-funded initiatives, but also on the need for an EU framework that acknowledges double insularity, a concept that has long been raised by the Maltese authorities. He said this is already in the European Commission's pipeline and could allow islands such as Gozo to access funds more effectively and benefit more fairly, in line with mainland European regions.

Zrinzo Azzopardi said visits of this nature continue to demonstrate the need to address specific challenges such as double insularity within cohesion policy. He described Gozo as a clear example of how European funds can be used to tackle unique geographical realities and said it is essential to continue working together to ensure fairer and more effective access to such funds in future programmes.

Fitto thanked the ministers for their cooperation and described the visit as an important opportunity to highlight the significance of islands. He said Gozo was particularly relevant at a time when the Commission is working to present a strategy for islands in the coming weeks, adding that the island offers a strong example of why double insularity is an important issue.

He also said the visit reflected a commitment towards future programmes and continued cooperation across different areas, noting that cohesion policy can be adapted to address issues such as water, accommodation and energy. Fitto said the Maltese government is showing the capacity to move in line with this approach and expressed satisfaction at continuing in that direction.

During the visit, Gozo Ministry Permanent Secretary Mario Borg delivered a presentation on interventions being implemented through EU funds aimed at sustainable urban development in Gozo. He explained that the measures are intended to improve the island's infrastructure in a way that reflects Gozo's socio-economic development in recent years, while ensuring that quality-of-life improvements for Gozitans remain sustainable in the future.

Reference was also made to the rehabilitation of the Ċittadella, which was highlighted as a flagship example of the use of European funds in Gozo.