A stronger Gozo with more autonomy, greener transport and protected heritage – Budget 2027
Momentum’s Pre-Budget Document calls for greater regional autonomy for Gozo, direct access to European funding, greener inter-island transport, and the protection of Fort Chambray as a national park. Gozitans should have a stronger say in the future of their island, with decisions on regional development and community investment shaped by the people who live there.
The proposals include transforming Gozo into a formally recognised European region with its own directly elected regional council, empowered to access and manage EU regional development funds for local infrastructure and community projects.
Momentum is also proposing investment in zero-emission or hybrid vessels for inter-island maritime transport, supported by European green infrastructure funding, to reduce reliance on carbon-intensive fossil fuels, in particular now with the government’s plan to renew the Gozo Channel fleet.
A key proposal is the creation of a national park at Fort Chambray, reclaiming its undeveloped and unrestored areas from further commercial exploitation. The plan would protect the site’s heritage, restore the historic British barracks, and provide Gozitans with a high-quality green space for the community.
Carmel Asciak, treasurer of Momentum, said, “Gozo deserves a future shaped by the people who call it home. We want to empower Gozitans to make decisions about their own region, create new opportunities through European funding, improve sustainable transport, and protect the natural and historical heritage that makes Gozo unique. Development must serve the community, not come at the expense of the island’s identity and open spaces.”
Whilst looking forward to Victoria being the cultural capital of Europe for 2031, Momentum warns that we should not repeat the negative experience of Valletta 18, whereby, while the city’s derelict buildings were refurbished and regenerated, the city has become devoid of residents, who are being forced to abandon the capital, which has been taken over by tables, chairs and late-night noise in the streets, apart from the excessively high rentals being demanded in the capital. Victoria 31 must ensure that the residents are made welcome and encouraged to live the daily reality of Gozitan life.
These proposals form part of Momentum’s wider vision for a fairer, greener and more sustainable Malta and Gozo. The full Momentum Pre-Budget Document 2027 is available here: https://partitmomentum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Momentum-Pre-Budget-Document-.pdf
The public is invited to send feedback by e-mail to [email protected]
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