Younous Omarjee has pledged to fight for Madeira to retain its European funding under the EU’s next financial framework, covering 2028 to 2034.
Speaking at the end of a three-day visit by the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development on Wednesday, the 23rd of September, Omarjee said the Parliament would work to ensure the Region “does not lose a single euro” of EU funds. He argued that Madeira should not be penalised for the development those funds have helped it achieve.
During the visit, the delegation met the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, as well as regional officials, mayors and people involved in EU-funded projects. Omarjee said the investments had made a visible difference to housing, mobility and living conditions, while supporting the transition to a greener economy.
He also called for the continued decentralised management of EU funds, saying the approach had worked in Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. Albuquerque likewise argued that support for the outermost regions should not be reduced solely because their economies or GDP have grown. He wants funding arrangements that continue to recognise permanent disadvantages, including distance from major markets, transport costs and the small size of Madeira’s market.
Albuquerque urged the European Commission to maintain direct dialogue with the outermost regions, rather than transfer responsibility for their funding to national governments. He also called for the EU’s next budget to maintain and strengthen measures that compensate for their structural disadvantages.
Following visits to the Ocean Observatory and the Port of Funchal, Omarjee highlighted Madeira’s maritime importance. He described the Region as a “new centrality” for the EU, pointing to its ocean territory, seabed and potential in the blue economy. Albuquerque also stressed the wider strategic value of the outermost regions, which extend the EU’s presence across several oceans.
Madeira is due to assume the presidency of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions in Guadeloupe in October.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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