Madeira's regional government president, Miguel Albuquerque, described the European Commission's new strategy for the EU's outermost regions (ORs) as well-drafted, comprehensive and substantive, with a focus on the regions' assets and potential.
Speaking at a session dedicated to the strategy, he warned that its success depends largely on adequate funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. He also regretted that the regulatory package targets only some of the regions and noted that none of Madeira's proposals, including the renewal of the fishing fleet, were included.
Albuquerque defended keeping a standalone POSEI with its own, reinforced budget, funding for the artisanal fishing fleet, and a renewed, more competitive Madeira Free Zone. He called for stronger dialogue between the outermost regions, the Commission and Member States.