I have always believed that politics does not stop at the boundaries of a locality or a country. Today, more than ever, I believe that if we want to see tangible change for our communities, we must be present where decisions are made.

That is why I regard my work in the European Committee of the Regions as both a great responsibility and a unique opportunity to bring the voice of Malta—and, in particular, Gozo—to the European level.

The European Committee of the Regions is the assembly that brings together elected representatives from local and regional authorities across the European Union. Its mission is to ensure that European legislation and policies are shaped from the perspective of local communities.

Since I began serving in the Committee of the Regions, I have made one clear commitment: that every opportunity should also become an opportunity for Gozo. This means that whenever we discuss connectivity, we speak about the challenges Gozitans face every day. Whenever we debate climate, the economy or transport, I consistently remind colleagues that islands have different realities and therefore require different solutions.

Over the past few weeks alone, we have achieved two important milestones.

The first concerns the European opinion on ports. I felt it was not enough for me alone to contribute. That is why I worked to ensure that Għajnsielem Mayor Kevin Cauchi, as the mayor of Gozo’s only port, was directly involved in the process. I firmly believe that those who experience these realities every day should be part of the European discussion. This is the Europe I believe in: a Europe that listens to its communities.

The second achievement came only a few days ago when, after months of continuous work in support of Europe’s islands, I was entrusted with the responsibility of serving as rapporteur for the European Committee of the Regions’ opinion on the European Union Strategy for Islands.

One of the Committee of the Regions’ most important instruments is the opinions drafted by its rapporteurs. These are not ordinary opinions or political statements. They are official European Union documents that are presented to the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament during the legislative process. In many cases, these institutions are required to consult the Committee of the Regions before taking decisions that affect local and regional authorities.

Being entrusted with such an opinion means taking responsibility for leading a Europe-wide consultation, meeting with experts, institutions and stakeholders from across Europe, drafting the Committee’s official position and guiding it through to its final adoption. These are documents that reach the desks of Europe’s institutions and can shape future EU policies and legislation.

For a small country like Malta—and even more so for Gozo—such responsibilities are not handed out lightly. They are earned through consistent work, thorough preparation and active participation. That is why I regard both the work on the European Ports opinion and my new responsibility for the EU Strategy for Islands as important achievements, not only personally, but for Malta and Gozo as a whole. These are opportunities that we worked hard to secure and that provide us with a direct voice in Europe’s decision-making process.

The work of the Committee of the Regions is extensive and covers almost every area of European policy. Discussions include agriculture, fisheries and maritime policy, social policy, competitiveness, climate and the environment, territorial cohesion, transport, energy, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Union budget, migration, and many other areas that have a direct impact on citizens’ daily lives and on local communities. It is therefore essential that Malta participates actively and that, wherever possible, Gozo’s perspective forms part of these European discussions.

Malta is represented by a small delegation of members, but that should never be seen as a limitation. On the contrary, it should motivate us to be better prepared, more active and more visible.

This is a historic opportunity to ensure that Gozo’s voice is at the heart of a European policy that could affect millions of people living on islands across Europe.

This responsibility will allow me to listen, consult and help build a European vision that recognises islands not as Europe’s periphery, but as centres of opportunity, innovation and resilience.

I believe in a Europe that begins with its communities. I believe that Gozo has much to offer Europe, but I also believe that Europe has a duty to better understand the unique realities faced by islands.

As Mayor of San Lawrenz and a member of the European Committee of the Regions, I will continue working to ensure that every European opportunity becomes an opportunity for Malta and for Gozo.

Because, in the end, our presence in these forums should never be merely symbolic. It must be a presence that makes a real difference.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Godfrey Baldacchino, who serves as our expert on these opinions.
“Europe is not built by states alone. It is also built by communities with the courage to make their voices heard.”

Noel Formosa
Mayor of San Lawrenz
Vice-President, Gozo Region
Member of the European Committee of the Regions
Rapporteur for the European Committee of the Regions Opinion on the EU Strategy for Islands
 

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