EDP and JPP strengthen cooperation to put Madeira’s priorities at the heart of Europe
European Democratic Party Secretary-General and Renew Europe MEP Sandro Gozi met Élvio Sousa, leader of Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP), in Madeira on Wednesday. The meeting, jointly organised by JPP and the EDP, focused on the European Commission’s strategy for the outermost regions and on concrete responses to Madeira’s most pressing challenges.
Particular attention was given to territorial continuity and the restoration of a regular ferry connection between Madeira and mainland Portugal. For island regions, reliable maritime links are essential to reducing the structural disadvantages created by distance and insularity and to providing residents and businesses with a genuine alternative to air transport.
“We are counting on our European allies to bring the ferry back to the Madeira-mainland route,” Sousa said. He stressed the strategic importance of the partnership with the EDP: “The European alliance is fundamental” to strengthening cooperation, consolidating political alliances and turning regional inequalities and challenges into European priorities.
Gozi, who serves on the European Parliament’s Committee on Regional Development, discussed with Sousa the need to strengthen and broaden the application of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This provision allows the EU to adopt specific measures reflecting the unique circumstances of its outermost regions.
The two leaders also addressed the additional costs resulting from remoteness, the future of the POSEI programme, climate change, agriculture and energy, as well as Madeira’s geostrategic role in the Atlantic and the importance of its Exclusive Economic Zone.
JPP and the EDP agreed to reinforce their political and parliamentary cooperation under a shared principle: “More Madeira in Europe and more Europe in Madeira.” Their objective is to ensure that the island’s priorities are supported by a strong and lasting political and financial commitment from the European Union.
A strong focus on territories — especially the most remote — is part of the EDP’s political DNA. The European Democrats will continue working with JPP to ensure that Madeira’s needs are heard and translated into concrete European action.
