Maltese MEP Thomas Bajada, who serves as Vice-President of the Intergroup for Islands in the European Parliament (SEARICA), has formally written to Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and Commissioner Costas Kadis, urging the European Commission to prioritise island realities in the upcoming EU Strategy for Islands and Coastal Communities, set to be adopted in the coming weeks.This follows extensive consultations earlier this year, during which MEP Bajada engaged with multiple stakeholders central to the socioeconomic development of Malta and Gozo.In his letter, Bajada highlighted that for island communities like Malta and Gozo, geographical challenges are not theoretical but a daily reality. Drawing on his upbringing as a Gozitan, he noted that these structural disadvantages continue to shape economic opportunities, quality of life and long-term resilience.Bajada called on the Commission to ensure that the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) reflects the EU’s commitment to territories with permanent geographical constraints.He proposed targeted funding mechanisms, including preferential co-financing rates, ring-fenced allocations for islands, and dedicated support for housing to address pressures from limited land, tourism demand, and demographic changes.As Parliament’s Rapporteur of the economic aspects of upcoming funding, Bajada is actively advancing these priorities in negotiations. Through amendments, he has proposed a preferential co-financing rate of 75% for islands.The MEP also stressed the urgent need for guaranteed connectivity, noting that reliable aviation, maritime, and digital links are essential not only for economic development but for the functioning of island life. He highlighted the issue of “double insularity,” which particularly affects Gozo.On energy and sustainability, Bajada called for tailored solutions to support islands in the energy transition. Limited space for renewable energy production, he explained, requires stronger investment in interconnection, storage, and accessible clean energy systems to ensure the transition remains fair and does not disproportionately affect island citizens.Bajada further reiterated his call for an island exemption in the upcoming review of the Emissions Trading System (ETS), warning that the current framework places a disproportionate burden on island economies, driving up living costs and risking an unfair energy transition.He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working closely with Maltese stakeholders to address these realities.“If Europe is serious about fairness and cohesion, it must recognise that islands start from a different reality. Our challenges are structural, permanent, and cannot be treated the same as the mainland,” Bajada stated.What do you make of his statement?Credit: Office of MEP Thomas Bajada•