The European Commission has been called on to
cover interests and needs of small islands like Gozo through its wide range of
operations in various sectors.
Speaking during a debate on small islands
in the European Parliament, Maltese MEP Dr. Simon Busuttil made reference to a
report by European Popular Party Francesco Musotto, which analyzes the state of
islands which suffer permanent disadvantages because of their geographical
realities. Dr. Busuttil said that “the report is good news for Gozo because it
shows that it too has a voice in the European Union (EU)”.
The report was approved with a majority in plenary
session of the Parliament.
In his intervention Dr. Busuttil said the
report is very important because it gives a voice to all European islands. He reiterated
that the European Union (EU) is to see that small islands are safeguarded on
every initiative the EU undertakes and that rules concerning state aid are to
change to be more flexible when applied to small islands, such as Gozo.
The final report, as adopted, includes eleven
emends, set forward by Dr. Busuttil.
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