Joseph Borg, President of the Network of Insular Chambers of the European Union-INSULEUR, and also President of the Gozo Business Chamber, has highlighted the fact that, in response to the current crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a “one-size-fits-all solutions will have negative or even catastrophic consequences for our Islands.”

He added that “INSULEUR will continue to monitor the situation, and will never cease to voice the difficulties and concerns of the island populations, if these are not urgently addressed.”

In its recent letter from INSULEUR addressed to Mrs Ursula Von Der Leyen – President of the European Commission, Mr David Maria Sassoli – President of the European Parliament and Mr Charles Michel – President of the European Council, it welcomed the European Commission’s proposal for a recovery package to “repair and prepare for the next generation” in response to the current crisis.

INSULEUR also reiterated that in these difficult times, “Europe’s islands have suffered some of the major economic and social setbacks” and therefore called on Europe’s leaders to channel the recovery funds in such a manner as to ensure the sustainability and the diversification of islands’ devastated economies.

INSULEUR urge for the implementation of a specific and permanent EU and state aid regime for islands where insularity would be recognised as a permanent feature affecting negatively, directly and indirectly islands’ economies in order to reinforce their long-term competitiveness and ensure their sustainable development at pari passu with the mainland.

Photo by Alain Salvary

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