Strasbourg – Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo expressed concerns on Tuesday regarding the potential centralization of the European Union's upcoming multiannual budgets. He emphasized the need for these budgets to uphold funding that supports the unique challenges faced by outermost regions.
Clavijo stated, “We are very worried about the trajectory of this multiannual period and the possibility that it may lead to a one-size-fits-all approach for each member state. This could undermine our status as an outermost region, and we fear that the priorities essential to the European Union could be overshadowed by those of individual member states.”
During the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions in Strasbourg, Clavijo and representatives from eight other territories underscored the difficulties they encounter due to their geographic isolation from mainland Europe, such as vulnerability to climate disasters and inadequate infrastructure. They urged the European Union, of which they are fully-fledged members, to keep their concerns in mind.
“The Canary Islands and other outermost regions do not align with this centralist perspective. A defining characteristic of the EU is its commitment to identity, diversity, and solidarity,” he remarked.
While Clavijo acknowledged the importance of adapting European priorities to focus on industry, security, and defense amid a changing global landscape, he highlighted that his territory lacks a competitive research base, strong industrial support, and a coherent policy for engagement with neighboring regions.
“Our circumstances are quite distinct. If our specific challenges are neglected in favor of a centralist approach driven by member states, we would be undermining our own interests,” he argued, stressing that it is crucial to safeguard the dedicated funds that compensate for the unique status of the outermost regions.
He warned that any budgetary changes that negatively affect cohesion funds would merely shift resources from one area to another without addressing the underlying issues.
Clavijo also addressed the pressing migration challenges faced by the Canary Islands, noting a significant increase in arrivals from individuals “not just coming to the Canary Islands or Spain, but to Europe in pursuit of the European dream.”
“It is clear that Europe cannot leave this issue solely to member states. We often feel isolated and neglected by a Europe that claims to be unable to help, while we are left with a state that does not engage with or understand our needs,” Clavijo lamented.
The conference featured the participation of European Council President António Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, both of whom pledged to advocate for the interests of outermost regions in ongoing EU discussions, including the upcoming reforms of cohesion policy after 2027.
“This Parliament will champion the outermost regions. We must ensure that future cohesion policies maximize the effectiveness of funding in these areas,” Metsola stated, recognizing the unique wealth, biodiversity, and youth of these territories that simultaneously present them with notable challenges.
Similarly, Costa emphasized that what sets the European Union apart is its commitment to “the convergence of democratic values, trust among member states, the welfare model, and a collective aspiration for prosperity that excludes no one and prioritizes full integration.”
“Every region matters, regardless of how remote. In these uncertain and challenging times, our unity is our greatest strength,” he asserted. (January 21)
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