Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain) – The Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (OMR) has called on their respective governments and the European Council to engage in discussions regarding the new EU multiannual financial framework. This request arises from concerns expressed by these regions concerning the Commission’s proposal, as reported by the regional government of the Canary Islands (Atlantic, Spain) this Friday.
The President of Guadeloupe (Caribbean, France) has invited the heads of state of the EU member countries relevant to these territories—France, Portugal, and Spain—along with the European Council, to join in discussions. This invitation is supported by a political declaration regarding the future multiannual financial framework, which was signed by the presidents of the nine OMR on November 17 in Brussels.
The OMR is advocating for “a differentiated European strategy” and specific measures deemed “essential for restoration and reinforcement.”
Leaders of the OMR assert that “acknowledging the structural cost overruns associated with outermost regions must remain a cornerstone of European action, resulting in concrete, stable, and dedicated budget allocations from the EU that are tied to programs tailored and managed at a regional level.” They also highlight the vital importance of these regions to Europe.
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, stressed the need for the involvement of the European Council. He pointed out that “it is the only body capable of vetoing the current proposal for the 2028-2034 period, which threatens the status of the OMR by centralizing funds that were previously directly managed with the territories to address the cost overruns linked to their remoteness and distinctiveness.” (November 28)
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