Agricultural and fishing organisations in the Canary Islands have launched the campaign “Save the POSEI: Do We Bury It or Save It?” to raise awareness of the potential consequences of the European programme’s disappearance or dilution. They warn that a weakened POSEI could lead to fewer local products and higher prices for consumers.
The initiative was presented during a press conference in Tenerife, where Gustavo Rodríguez, spokesperson for FEDEX, emphasised that POSEI is a vital lifeline for the islands. He highlighted that the European Commission’s proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework threatens the programme with potential dismantling.
Rodríguez explained that Brussels plans to merge POSEI with a national fund alongside other financial supports, which would pose a “real threat” to the outermost regions. If this plan goes ahead, funding intended for addressing the unique challenges of the Canary Islands would no longer come directly from the EU but would rely on member states.
He cautioned that this move could disadvantage the Canary Islands, as their needs are not comparable to those of other autonomous regions. POSEI, he insisted, is more than just aid; it compensates for the structural disadvantages stemming from isolation, insularity, and their status as an outermost region.
Rodríguez added that the impact of weakening POSEI extends beyond farmers and fishermen, affecting the broader Canary society. He pointed out that households already import over 60% of their food, and without POSEI, this reliance would worsen, resulting in fewer local products at higher prices.
The campaign is calling on the EU to maintain management control of POSEI and to update its financial provisions. They further demand greater awareness from European institutions regarding the unique circumstances of outermost regions, as outlined in Article 349 of the EU Treaty.
Planned actions include social media campaigns, meetings with political representatives, and a petition on Change.org, which had already garnered over 1,000 signatures prior to its official launch.
