Connectivity Challenges in Macaronesia Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas delivered a video address focusing on the unique mobility and connectivity challenges facing the Macaronesian islands, a remote EU outermost region. He emphasized the difficulties posed by limited infrastructure, geographical isolation, and fossil fuel dependence which threaten both local economies reliant on tourism and the everyday connectivity of residents.
Concrete Funding Proposals and Infrastructure Support Tzitzikostas outlined several EU funding mechanisms to address these challenges. He highlighted the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) as key players in upgrading ports, airports, and urban nodes, though he noted the limited uptake of CEF projects in Macaronesia so far. Recognizing the near exhaustion of the current CEF budget and its cross-border project focus, he underscored alternative funding via the European Regional Development Fund, which supports investments outside TEN-T areas, public service obligations, and compensates for geographical transport costs. The Commission’s proposal for Portugal (€33.5 billion) and Spain (€88.1 billion) through the new National and Regional Partnership Plans is expected to bolster clean and digital transport technologies.
Push for Sustainable and Electric Mobility The speech placed a strong emphasis on electric mobility tailored to island conditions—short distances and renewable energy potential make EVs viable for residents and public transport, exemplified by Porto Santo’s smart island and Madeira’s electric buses. Expanding EV infrastructure and incentives in the Canary Islands, including overnight hotel charging, were listed as positive developments supported by EU funds.
Policy Orientation and Trade-offs Tzitzikostas advocated for increasing EU support in infrastructure and sustainable mobility, reinforcing EU integration through strengthened cross-regional cooperation and funding. This implies a tilt towards more EU-level involvement rather than reliance solely on national sovereignty. Economic interests of the tourism and transport sectors stand to benefit from improved connectivity and greener options, while residents may gain more affordable, cleaner mobility. However, the exhaustion of current budgets and the limited track record of CEF projects reveal challenges in administrative uptake and financing sufficiency.
Stakeholders Impacted - EU regional and transport regulatory bodies, tasked with implementing and overseeing new infrastructure and funding programs. - National authorities of Spain and Portugal, responsible for deploying the proposed partnership plans and complementing EU funds. - Tourism and transport operators in Macaronesia, who may benefit from improved connectivity but face adjustments to sustain greener technologies. - Residents of Macaronesia, who may enjoy enhanced, affordable, and cleaner mobility options, balanced against possible disruptions during infrastructure upgrades.
In sum, Commissioner Tzitzikostas’s speech signals a strategic push to strengthen EU-funded connectivity and sustainable transport in Macaronesia, emphasizing concrete financial instruments and innovative mobility solutions to navigate the region’s geographic and economic specificities.
← Atlas › News › Transport & Infrastructure