A Member of the European Parliament stated that Portugal has no obligation to centralize European funds, and the country can retain the powers delegated to it for managing these resources.
Addressing the Portuguese government, Jonas Omarji warned that the structure proposed by the European Union does not prevent the continuation of decentralization, and there is no need to change this provision.
A delegation of 10 members from the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) of the European Parliament is in the Autonomous Region of Madeira from today until Wednesday to study the best ways to address the region's specific challenges through cohesion policy.
Jonas Omarji, who heads this delegation, emphasized that Madeira possesses a 'new centrality for Europe,' acting as a 'bridge to Africa and a bridge in the Atlantic towards South America.'
He also noted: 'Madeira and the Azores have a new and central role, so we are here to support and listen.'
The Vice-President of the European Parliament, on the other hand, highlighted Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which recognizes the special status of ultra-peripheral regions, and that this article will be amended to correct norms that do not comply with European policy.
The Chairwoman of the Madeiran Parliament, Rubina Leal, insisted that it is crucial that ultra-peripheral regions 'do not lose the scale they currently have.'
Rubina Leal also demanded the preservation of the financial package in the next multi-annual framework period so that it 'is reflected in people's lives.'
The MEPs' visit program includes meetings with regional authorities and visits to development projects such as the Serra da Água hydroelectric plant, the controlled-cost housing project in Câmara de Lobos, and the Madeira Wine Company.
On Wednesday, the visit will conclude with a meeting with the Chairman of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque.
Last week, European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto visited the region, noting that the amount to be allocated to Madeira in the next financial period has not yet been determined, but emphasizing the possibility of creating conditions to mitigate the risks of potential loss of funds.
This official also noted that the next steps include ensuring a 'more important role' for ultra-peripheral regions, pointing out that these regions play a strategic role for Europe in areas such as defense, research, and biodiversity.