Robert Abela begins Budget 2027 consultations in Gozo

Prime Minister Robert Abela has begun a series of consultations with social partners ahead of Budget 2027, with the first meeting held in Gozo with members of the Gozo Regional Committee.

The meeting focused on Gozo’s future, the economic opportunities emerging on the island and the challenges brought by continued development, with an emphasis on ensuring growth remains balanced and sustainable.

Abela said the government remained committed to implementing measures that put people’s quality of life at the centre of its decisions.

Connectivity between Malta and Gozo was among the key priorities discussed, with an emphasis on providing increasingly efficient, accessible and reliable services for workers, students, families and businesses.

Abela referred to the tender for the lease of a fourth vessel, which has attracted interest from two companies, as well as the continued strengthening of the fast ferry service. The service is expected to carry almost 2 million passengers by the end of this year.

Public infrastructure and urban regeneration will also remain high on the government’s agenda, Abela said, pointing to further improvements to roads, public spaces and village centres, alongside increased investment in safety, accessibility and the quality of the urban environment.

The prime minister also said the same vision extended to sport, culture and recreational facilities, with more quality spaces and opportunities for young people, families and the wider community.

Members of the Gozo Regional Committee presented the government with proposals based on five main pillars: accessibility and connectivity; health; economic diversification; education and human capital; and energy, the environment and climate change.

The meeting also highlighted Gozo’s strong socioeconomic performance in recent years, with growing economic activity, new opportunities and increasing business confidence.

Tourism remains an important pillar of the Gozitan economy, while interest in investment and the creation of new jobs is also increasing.

The need for further economic diversification and the attraction of quality investment was also emphasised, particularly investment capable of creating sustainable employment and new opportunities for young people.

Ministers Anton Refalo, Silvio Schembri, Clint Camilleri, Clyde Caruana and Jo Etienne Abela, as well as Prime Minister’s Office chief of staff Mark Mallia, attended the meeting.