Event report

1. Structure of the event The Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca has hosted the fourth session of the days organised by the Government on the Mediterranean Islands and the European Union focused on the Report on aid to the transport of goods in the Balearic Islands, updated by the Chamber of Commerce of Mallorca, which highlights the economic weaknesses of the island territories. The event began with different presentations on the need to build and make visible a Mediterranean island reality and with a very detailed presentation on the referenced report. Next, a colloquium with different economic and institutional actors and a debate open to the public have closed the day. 2. Objectives 1. To highlight the need for a real and effective application of Article 174 TFEU for island territories as developed by Article 349 TFEU for the outermost regions. 2. Encourage the participation of citizens and promote the Conference on the Future of Europe among all populations, especially among young people. 3. Create a space for reflection on the fact of being European, on the differences and multiculturalism and on the Europe that will be needed in the future. 4. Make clear the situation of double periphery (island and Mediterranean) suffered by the islands of the Mediterranean basin. 5. Point out that the Mediterranean basin is a very fragile, vulnerable and uncoordinated area. 6. To highlight the economic and social cost of insularity and the need to establish compensatory mechanisms. 3. Conclusions The general conclusion of all the contributions made during the day is the urgent need to develop Article 174 TFEU for island territories that have declined by basin, as developed by Article 349 TFEU for the outermost regions. On the other hand, the following reflections have also been made: • A specific recognition and strategy of the European Union should be called for for the Mediterranean islands as they have other island territories. • To bring imports of goods into the Islands close to 65 per cent and not as being imported into the islands by almost 90 per cent. • It is necessary to form a lobby to fight by the hand of island territories that suffer the common problems of Mediterranean insularity. • The limitation on aid to the freight transport sector should be removed in 2023 as this directly harms companies in the Balearic Islands. • Need to implement a specific tax regime, with subsidies for insularity in the Mediterranean basin. • Environmental management of the island territories must be implemented with the aim of preserving the Mediterranean and achieving sustainability. • The island issue must be prioritised in the Spanish government and in continental Europe. • The energy challenge must be tackled, investments in renewable energy managed and pollution reduced, all with the ultimate goal of sustainability. • Rethinking the Islands’ growth model by prioritising its diversification drive to see and take advantage of the sea as an advantage. • The creation of the Mediterranean Corridor should be supported and a participatory strategy designed to alleviate disadvantages.