The European Democratic Party enthusiastically participated in the eighth national congress of Coalición Canaria, held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on 5-6 April 2025, where it set up an information stand that received a warm welcome from leaders, delegates and participants. A symbolic but concrete presence to reaffirm the strong alliance between the EDP and one of its most dynamic historical components, in a European outermost region that represents a strategic bridge between Europe, Africa and Latin America.
In his closing speech, the Secretary General of Coalición Canaria, Fernando Clavijo, who was reappointed to his role, officially greeted the European Democratic Party, emphasising the value of this collaboration in the context of the great European challenges, starting with the management of migratory flows and the recognition of the specific characteristics of the outermost regions. ‘The Canary Islands have always dealt with migration with responsibility and humanity,’ said Clavijo, ’but it’s time for the European Union to assume its responsibilities, providing common tools and solidarity to face these global challenges. And to do so with those who, like us, represent the southern border of Europe.’
David Toledo Niz, elected organisational secretary of Coalición Canaria, also emphasised the significance of the EDP’s participation in the Congress: ‘The presence of the European Democratic Party in Las Palmas is a source of pride for us and confirms the common desire to build a Europe that recognises and values the specific characteristics of its territories, in particular those that are islands and peripheral, such as the Canary Islands’. During the conference, the central issues addressed – such as the right to housing, demographic balance and the sustainability of island policies – were also considered in the light of the European context, with the shared objective of building a Europe that is more integrated, closer to its citizens and more equitable. These are issues that the EDP intends to bring forcefully to the centre of the debate in view of the upcoming European elections.
The participation of the European Democratic Party in this important event was also an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the autonomist and regionalist forces that share a progressive, federalist and solidary vision of the Union. Coalición Canaria has always been a key player in this network and its voice, in the context of the Outermost Regions, is fundamental for designing inclusive European policies, especially in the areas of migration, sustainable development and territorial cohesion. The EDP would like to thank them for their welcome and renews its commitment to building a Europe of peoples and territories, a Europe that leaves no-one behind and recognises its true strength in diversity and proximity.
