The Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, issued a joint demand for adequate financial support for ultra-peripheral regions within the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework.
These leaders sent a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin, considering Ireland's current rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. The letter was received by the Lusa agency.
Montenegro, Sánchez, and Macron emphasized that it is crucial to guarantee adequate funding from the EU for ultra-peripheral territories in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, taking into account co-financing rates and the minimum level of support provided in the current program.
Given the desire to reach a political agreement among EU leaders this year, the three heads of state and government insist that the issue of allocating special appropriations for ultra-peripheral regions must be properly reflected in the negotiation mandate to ensure a suitable outcome in the final agreement.
The officials noted that negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework are progressing and have entered a 'potentially decisive' phase to achieve a 'fair and balanced' result that considers the fundamental interests of the EU and its member states, including the interests of ultra-peripheral regions.
Ultra-peripheral regions include Madeira and the Azores in Portugal, the Canary Islands in Spain, and six French territories—Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Martin—representing about five million European citizens.
The European Commission believes that these territories have geostrategic importance for the EU as they provide a European presence in various oceanic spaces. In their letter, Montenegro, Macron, and Sánchez pointed out that ultra-peripheral regions are 'much more than just a geographical feature,' providing the EU with a 'unique geographical, maritime, and strategic projection' and strengthening its position as a 'global player.'
They also stated that these regions represent 'true geopolitical assets' because their characteristics and strategic location are important for the entire EU 'in the current international context.' This letter was initiated by Luís Montenegro and aligns with the priorities set by the Portuguese government for the long-term EU budget, which includes cohesion and competitiveness in addition to ultra-peripheral regions.