Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529355
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 15 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Agius said that before the Eu- ropean Parliament election, the PN pledged that Gozo would be a priority for its MEPs in Brus- sels, and that with this report the party was starting to deliver on that promise with actions. "In my first month as an MEP, I requested a report from the European Parliament on Gozo's connectivity and the European funds available for this purpose, and today, I am able to share this report with you," he said. "This clearly shows that Eu- rope wants to support the peo- ple of Gozo in securing modern and efficient ferries, reducing travel fatigue and time loss for Gozitans and visitors alike." Borg welcomed the European Parliament report and said that Gozo's connectivity would be a top priority for a new National- ist Government. "We build our policies around people and their needs. This is why, in the last general elec- tion, we already made it clear that a new Nationalist Govern- ment would invest heavily in Gozo, with new ferries and an expansion of the Mġarr port, which has become too small for Gozitans' aspirations," he said. "We will work together at all levels, from local to national and European Parliament, to realize this ambition for a reliable con- nectivity service with Malta." Castillo said that the maritime sector offers great opportuni- ties for the Maltese Islands, and the PN is closely examining all options to boost this sector, al- so with the support of the tools offered by the European Union. Sammut said that, for the PN, transport represents an area where the economy must make a genuine qualitative leap, mov- ing from patchwork fixes to a comprehensive strategic vision focused on community service at the heart of decision-mak- ing for modern transport in our country. The report, prepared with the assistance of the European Par- liament's Research Services, elaborates on how Gozo could benefit from specific funds for inter-island connectivity, in- cluding research and develop- ment projects from the Horizon programme, direct investments through the European Un- ion's Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), as well as financing from the European Investment Bank. The European Parliament re- port shows that various means exist to sustain inter-island fer- ry services through European investment, including funding for new vessels powered by re- newable energy as well as the modernisation of existing fer- ries to convert them to renew- able energy. The report commissioned by MEP Peter Agius will be pre- sented in detail alongside inter- national experts at a national conference in Gozo dedicated to Gozo's connectivity, open to all. European funds for better maritime transport service between Malta and Gozo A report by the European Parliament, commissioned by MEP Peter Agius, states that there are several opportunities for European funds to improve the maritime service between the two islands Developing green transportation for islands in the EU is in line with the European Green Deal's objective to reduce transport- related greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050. The EU's Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy outlines initiatives to promote zero-emission marine vessels and improve connectivity between islands. Funding opportunities are available through programs managed by the European Commission like the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Horizon Europe, which support investments in sustainable transport infrastructure, and through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by Member States. An- other financing option for sustainable transport is the European Investment Bank (EIB). These policies and funding mechanisms are designed to facilitate the transition to greener maritime transportation, enhancing environmental sustainability and economic resilience. By leveraging these resources, islands can significantly contribute to the EU's climate goals while improving local transport services. Relevant EU policies The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) aims to develop a comprehensive Europe- wide net-work encompassing roads, railways, inland waterways, maritime shipping routes, ports, airports, and railroad terminals. This initiative promotes the integration of European transport infrastructure, enhancing connectivity across the continent. Additionally, TEN-T supports sustainable transport solutions, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system in Europe. The European Green Deal is a comprehensive framework of policies aimed at making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. At the heart of this initiative is the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, which seeks to transform the transport sector by improving the accessibility and affordability of sustainable transport options for all citizens. This strategy emphasises the importance of reducing green- house gas emissions from transportation, promoting clean and innovative technologies, and fostering the development of efficient, integrated transport systems. By prioritising investments in public transport, active mobility, and alternative fuels, the strategy aims to create a more sustainable and resilient mobility landscape throughout Europe. EU funding instruments The four main sources of EU financial support for transport related projects are: • Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) supports infrastructure development for transport, energy and digital services • Horizon Europe for Transport, the Research and Innovation fund for smart and resilient transport and mobility • European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) supports actions to boost sustainable transport links in and between EU regions • European Investment Bank (EIB) offers lending possibilities for transport Overview of EU funding related to transport MEP Peter Agius (left) with Alex Borg, PN spokesman for Gozo