‘The European Union needs to do more for its islands’ — MEP Josianne Cutajar

The European Union needs to step up its commitment when it comes to its islands. This was the main message by MEP Dr Josianne Cutajar in the plenary debate this week, an important week where a set of environmental laws known as the Fit for 55 were also discussed.

“As a representative of an island Member State, I must point out that while the Fit for 55 package contains essential ambitions and targets that we all want to achieve, it still does not give enough consideration and attention to the realities faced by islands, so with adequate assistance they too get to achieve this transition successfully”, stressed the MEP.

Therefore, the European Union needs to enter into a Pact with its Islands and adopt a strong strategy, including a specific impact assessment as to the effects that proposals and laws being put forward will have on islanders and citizens alike. These were only some of the points included in the report on islands and cohesion policy that MEP Cutajar negotiated on behalf of the Socialists, a report which, after receiving full support from the Committee on Regional Development, has now been approved by the plenary.

Meanwhile, in connection with the report on islands, Dr Josianne Cutajar also had the occasion to meet and discuss with representatives of various European island regions who were invited to attend at the European Parliament in Strasbourg during this important moment.

The MEP stated that the approval of this report is not only a vote of confidence in her work but also a demonstration of the importance of paying special attention to the islands of the Union, a fact that strengthens her determination to continue working in this regard. “This is a point of social justice with our islands, with the Maltese, Gozitans and other citizens living on Europe’s islands”, concluded the MEP.