During an event organised by MEP Peter Agius and the EPP Group, with the participation of EPP-CoR members Noel Formosa and Kevin Cauchi, Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group delivered a strong message on the importance of placing regions and local communities at the heart of the next EU budegt.
Addressing the discussion on the National and Regional Partnership Plans, Rautio stressed that Europe’s competitiveness and cohesion can only be strengthened if all regions are empowered to build on their own realities, strengths and opportunities. “Europe starts from its regions,” Rautio stated, underlining that every region faces different challenges and possesses unique potential.
She emphasised that the National and Regional Partnership Plans must not become tools of centralisation, but instead should guarantee a stronger regional and local role from the very beginning of the planning process through implementation and delivery. Referring specifically to island regions such as Gozo, Rautio highlighted the need for targeted and place-based solutions that address realities linked to connectivity, accessibility and economic diversification. “It is essential that regions like Gozo do not have to compete at national level for resources, but instead benefit from fair, secure and predictable European investment that reflects their specific needs and opportunities,” she said. Sari also expressed strong support for the proposal promoted by MEP Peter Agius calling for a specific allocation for Gozo within future European funding frameworks. She described the proposal as a concrete step towards securing long-term investment in infrastructure, improved connectivity and quality jobs for the people of Gozo.
The intervention formed part of a broader discussion on the future of cohesion policy and the role of regions in shaping a more competitive, inclusive and resilient Europe.