MEP Claudette Abela Baldacchino at a recent debate on the representation of Gozo at EU level said that the subject of Gozo’s representation in European institutions is an important topic and worthy of deeper consideration.

“I say this because Gozo has very particular characteristics. An island region, that one factor brings with it various problems associated with double insularity that has to be faced by the residents and enterprises of the island of Gozo.

“Gozo’s double insularity, with responsible work, can in time, be turned into an advantage for both Gozo and the Gozitans,” Mrs Abela Baldacchino said.

“Particularly in the field of tourism, where it is a known fact that the modern tourist is not a homogeneous species. Today, perhaps more than ever we see the different exigencies of tourists, which has led to the creation of niche markets.”

The MEP said “In all this I see huge potential for the Island of Gozo, which can attract to it a kind of tourist who might not consider our country today as a sufficiently attractive destination for its interests. That Gozo has to be identified as distinct and separate destination from Malta is essential, as it is also essential that entrepreneurs in Gozo and all those willing to invest money in the island are given every incentive and support to encourage new patterns of development.”

Mrs Abela Baldacchino continued by saying she believes that Gozo is ideal for the development of tourist areas such as agri-tourism, as well as having enormous potential for attracting tourists from areas such as Northern Europe to spend time in the milder climate that we enjoy, particularly during the months of autumn and winter, months in which traditionally the tourism sector loses some of its momentum. This could also be linked to the development of health tourism.

“Gozo has great protential in socio-cultural and environmental developments, initiatives based on the regeneration of traditional crafts, which can give added value and also attract a particular type of tourist.

The MEP stated, “the same can be said for the development of dedicated dive sites and maybe even of marine parks. I believe that there are many other thoughts in this regard which could be developed and driven forward by the private sector on the island of Gozo. But for these initiatives to be successful, we need the impetus from Central Government.”

“In this connection it is gratifying to note the strong commitment that the Labour Party has in its election manifesto in respect of the development of the Island of Gozo, which commitment is now being carried forward by the Labour Government,” Mrs Abela Baldacchino said.

The MEP pointed out that the tourism sector was placed at the centre of the project, to reach the goal of creating more work for Gozitans in Gozo. Proposals such as those for the development of a new cruise liner terminal in Gozo and a environmentally sustainable yacht marina should contribute to achieving these goals. The annoucement of a call for an EOI on a casino in Gozo was also made recently

“There is then the need to find new solutions for links between the islands. I believe that the proposals made by the Labour Party in the election manifesto, in particular looking at the feasibility of a fast sea transport connection between Gozo and the vicinity of Valletta, should lead to the healing of the double insularity for Gozo over time.

“I’m a member of the European Parliament Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee. This is really important because the European Union is shaped around the concept of a single internal market ” Mrs Abela Baldacchino stressed, “This committee affects the interests of Gozo. Despite the fact that the value of exported good in Gozo is insignificant compared to the overall value of the European market, the rules that apply in large countries also apply to Gozo. It is therefore our duty to get the message across that an island with a double insularity, such as Gozo, warrants the correct treatment.”

“In my view, the fact that foreign direct investment has dried up on the island of Gozo over the last few years is very worrying and we must analyze thoroughly the reasons for this. I believe that such a study could tell us that many do not recognise Gozo as an attractive investment destination, precisely because of the difficulty and the costs related with transportation.”

In this respect, the MEP said, “I am informed that the Maltese Government and in particular the Minister for Gozo, are working to convince the European Commission to consider Gozo a special case, with the application of the ‘de minimis principle’ in the operation of the rules on state aid to enterprises so that they can be assisted in relation to the cost of transport between the islands, which would not be considered as state aid, with a maximum €200,000 ceiling over a 3-year period.

“It seems to me that such an initiative is a positive one and that if applied to the enterprises in Gozo it will help to overcome some of the challenges to be faced and that are currently stopping them from particpating in the European internal market. From my side I will be giving all possible support for such a proposal to be accepted at European level in the best interest of Gozo and its citizens.”

Mrs Abela Baldacchino also said that there can be no economic development if there is no social development at the same time.

“The Social Europe project should be placed at the top of the European agenda,” said Mrs Abela Baldacchino “and I will be working hard for the social needs of families in Malta and Gozo.”

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