Gozo as an island in the European Union

Abstract

The position and situation of Gozo as an island in the Mediterranean is a very strategic one especially since it is not a nation on its own but it is a sister island of the main land Malta. This position becomes even more delicate and sensitive when considering Gozo as part of the European Union. In this thesis I intend to consider the situation of Gozo in these respects. The following is a brief outline of the methodology I intend to use for drawing up the said thesis. In the introduction I will be giving a brief overview of the historical and strategic position of Gozo as an island in the Mediterranean, taking m consideration also its position as a sister Island of Malta as the main land. I will be considering the accession agreement which has been entered into by the Maltese Government with specific reference to the island of Gozo while special consideration will be given to the notion of Gozo as a Region and as to whether Gozo qualifies as a region or not under European Union legislation. Specific reference will be made to the opportunities, possibilities, programmes, regional funds and other facilities which Gozo will be able to benefit from upon the membership within the European Union. Significance will also be given as to the possibilities which Gozo has of benefiting from other funds and programmes as forming part of the Maltese territory and not only as regards its position as a region. Furthermore, a comparison will be made between the position which Gozo has achieved within the European Union under the Maltese accession agreement and the position which other Mediterranean Islands have achieved under their accession agreements entered into by their respective main lands, with particular reference to the Italian and French positions. In the conclusion I will tie up the whole situation and the question will be as to whether what Gozo will acquire from membership with the European Union is sufficient and whether it is possibleto achieve more for the better positive development of the island.