Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544188
THE Gozo Business Cham- ber has called for an EU-wide strategy to address structural disadvantages faced by island regions, warning that current policies are fragmented and insufficient to meet long-term challenges. In a submission published on 27 March, the Chamber said the proposed EU Strategy for Islands is both timely and nec- essary to ensure that the reali- ties of island regions are prop- erly reflected in policymaking. Structural challenges linked to insularity The Chamber said that island regions face permanent struc- tural constraints due to their geographic position. In the case of Gozo, these include limited connectivity, small market size and reliance on a narrow range of economic sectors. Gozo remains fully depend- ent on maritime transport, a situation which the report said is placing increasing pressure on existing infrastructure. This dependence affects both eco- nomic activity and residents' quality of life. The document added that insularity creates addition- al costs in transport, energy and service provision, leaving island businesses at a disad- vantage within the EU single market. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 2 APRIL 2026 • ISSUE 090 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt €1.00 CONTINUES PAGE 6 Chamber warns Gozo faces long-term disadvantages Good Friday processions to take place across Gozo CONTINUES PAGE 3 GOOD Friday processions are scheduled across Gozo on April 3, 2026, as part of Holy Week observances marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The processions, which include life-size statues and participants in period cos- tumes, follow liturgical ser- vices held in churches earli- er in the day. Villages in Gozo with scheduled processions this year include Nadur, Xagħra, and Żebbuġ, all starting at about 6pm, as well as the procession from the Basilica of St George in Rabat, which is set to begin at 5.30pm. In response to the EU Commission's call for evidence, the Gozo Business Chamber urges coordinated action to address islands' structural disadvantages, including connectivity, costs, and youth retention LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Xlendi, a locality in Gozo (Photo: Kurt Sansone/MaltaToday)