EPP-CoR members from Gozo have been entrusted by the COTER Commission of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) to work on an opinion on the EU Ports Strategy.

Noel Formosa, Vice President of the Gozo Region and Mayor of San Lawrenz, who played a leading role in advancing this initiative in the EPP-CoR, said: “Working on the EU Ports Strategy is vital for Gozo, where the island’s sole port functions as a multi-purpose lifeline. It simultaneously sustains passenger mobility, cargo supply, fisheries, tourism, and leisure activity, while also hosting the island’s only marina and supporting a resident community. The port is further constrained by a single connecting road, making it particularly sensitive and strategic in terms of accessibility, resilience, and territorial cohesion. These characteristics place Gozo in a unique position to contribute meaningfully to this opinion, offering a concrete example of how ports in island regions go far beyond their logistical function and become essential socio-economic and community anchors.”

Kevin Cauchi, Mayor of Għajnsielem, was appointed as rapporteur. In his first remarks, he said: “I am honoured to take on this responsibility and to represent not only Gozo but all European islands. This is an opportunity to ensure that EU policies are practical, inclusive, and responsive to the realities faced by island regions.” He added: “We want to attract EU investment to upgrade the port in Gozo so that it can meet evolving demands while actively contributing to the green and digital transition.” Cauchi thanked Formosa for nominating him for this rapporteurship as mayor of the locality which hosts the main and only port on the island. 

Background information on the EU Ports Strategy

As ports evolve into multi-functional industrial hubs, they must expand capacity, decarbonise, digitalise, and reinforce security—simultaneously and at scale. Bolstering EU ports will secure Europe’s strategic autonomy and critical supply chains, accelerate the clean energy transition, and sustain global leadership in waterborne transport. The European Commission’s strategy puts forward actions focused on five priorities to address the most pressing challenges:
•    strengthening competitiveness, innovation, and digitalisation; 
•    advancing the energy transition, sustainability, and clean industries; 
•    protecting and securing ports; 
•    access to finance and investment; 
•    social cohesion, skills, and quality jobs.

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