European funds for better maritime service between Malta and Gozo

by Gozo News · November 9, 2024

A report by the European Parliament, commissioned by MEP Peter Agius, states that there are several opportunities for European funds to improve the maritime service between the two islands. The report can be read in full by clicking here.

The Nationalist Party MEP, in a statement said, “in my first month as an MEP I requested a report from the European Parliament on Gozo’s connectivity and the European funds available for this purpose, and today, I am able to share this report with you, which clearly shows that Europe wants to support the people of Gozo in securing modern and efficient ferries, reducing travel fatigue and time loss for Gozitans and visitors alike.”

He added that, “before the European Parliament election, we pledged that Gozo would be a priority for us in Brussels, and we are delivering on that promise with actions.”

MEP MEP Peter Agius presented the detailed report to Shadow Minister for Gozo Alex Borg; Shadow Minister for the Maritime Sector, Social Dialogue, and the Fight Against the Rising Cost of Living Ivan Castillo; and Shadow Minister for Transport and Mobility Mark Anthony Sammut. European funds for better maritime service between Malta and Gozo Alex Borg welcomed the European Parliament report and stated that Gozo’s connectivity would be a top priority for a new Nationalist Government.

“We build our policies around people and their needs. This is why, in the last general election, we already made it clear that a new Nationalist Government would invest heavily in Gozo, with new ferries and an expansion of the M?arr port, which has become too small for Gozitans’ aspirations. We will work together at all levels, from local to national and European Parliament, to realise this ambition for a reliable connectivity service with Malta,” said Borg.

Ivan Castillo stated that the maritime sector offers great opportunities for the Maltese Islands, and the Nationalist Party is closely examining all options to boost this sector, also with the support of the tools offered by the European Union.

Mark Anthony Sammut noted that, for the PN, transport represents an area where the economy must make a genuine qualitative leap, “moving from patchwork fixes to a comprehensive strategic vision focused on community service at the heart of decision-making for modern transport in our country.”

The report, prepared with the assistance of the European Parliament’s Research Services, elaborates on how Gozo could benefit from specific funds for inter-island connectivity, including research and development projects from the Horizon programme, direct investments through the European Union’s Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), as well as financing from the European Investment Bank.

The European Parliament report indicates that various means exist to sustain inter-island ferry services through European investment, including funding for new vessels powered by renewable energy as well as the modernisation of existing ferries to convert them to renewable energy.

The report commissioned by MEP Peter Agius will be presented in detail alongside international experts at a national conference in Gozo dedicated to Gozo’s connectivity, open to all.