MISA Response to the European Commission Consultation on an EU Strategy for Islands

The Malta International Shipowners’ Association (MISA) has submitted its response to the European Commission’s consultation on an EU Strategy for Islands.

The development of such a strategy is particularly important to ensure that EU policies adequately reflect the structural realities of island Member States, including their dependence on maritime connectivity and the absence of alternative transport modes.

For island Member States such as Malta, maritime transport is not one mode among others but the only physical link to the European mainland. Trade, energy supply and economic activity depend on efficient and competitive maritime connectivity.

MISA highlights that recent regional climate measures, including the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, may have disproportionate impacts on island Member States where structural constraints are not adequately taken into account. In such contexts, impacts are transmitted across supply chains and may affect the cost of essential goods and services.

MISA reiterates that decarbonisation of shipping should be pursued through a global framework at IMO level. Regional measures should remain transitional and, where maintained, should be adjusted to address distortions and preserve competitiveness. The Association supports the review and strengthening of existing island-related provisions, including ensuring that their scope and application adequately reflect the specificities of island Member States.

The EU Islands Strategy provides an opportunity to ensure that EU policy better reflects the structural realities of island Member States. MISA remains committed to contributing constructively to this process.

Read more here.