Insularity Chair ‘The Challenges of Insularity: European Union, Transport and Costs’ seminar from the Chair of Insularity The event included three presentations and three round tables with 21 participants
The Chair of Insularity, a collaboration between the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) and the Regional Department of Economy, Finance and Innovation, and managed by the University-Enterprise Foundation of the Balearic Islands (FUEIB), hosted the seminar ‘The Challenges of Insularity: European Union, Transport and Costs' on 26th April in the conference hall at Sa Riera Building.
The event included three presentations and three round tables looking into essential issues on island connectivity and accessibility, as well as the impact from transport costs and maritime transport decarbonisation required by the European Union.
The event focused on providing cross-cutting insights into insularity, fostering collaboration between government institutions, private sector representation and academic research, and promoting informed decision-making. Moreover, it emphasised supporting public access to information on insularity.
The seminar welcomed representatives from each Balearic island, public institutions and civil society organisations, including business associations, economic forums and chambers of commerce, all of whom face different transport issues. The event also welcomed academic experts and lecturers to provide perspectives on the challenges arising from insularity.
Dr Pere Suau-Sánchez, Full Professor in geography at the UOC, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Cranfield, gave a presentation on air transport links in the Balearic Islands. Dr José A. Hernández, Senior Lecturer in human geography at the University of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria gave a presentation on air transport links between ultra-peripheral islands, such as the Canaries or Azores, and the mainland in order to understand the issues in play. The last presentation from Dr Stefano Matta, Associate Lecturer at the University of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), looked into the economic impacts arising from insularity.
The three round tables discussed topics such as the use of renewable fuels, de minimis impact and the extra transport costs for the general public and businesses. The 21 attendees included Mr Fernando Fernández, General Director for Agriculture, Livestock Breeding and Rural Development in the Balearic Islands; Dr Joan David Janer, Lecturer in public international law at the UIB; Mr Rafael Matas, Chair of the SME Petrol Station Association; Mr Toni Ginard, Head of the Balearic Port Authority; Mr Francisco Tutzó, Chair of the Minorca Economic Forum, and Mr Joan Guasch, Chair of the Ibiza and Formentera Chamber of Commerce.
In short, attendees at the seminar were able to delve into important issues such as air transport links on islands, and the costs and challenges arising from new EU legislation on energy transition and climate change. Moreover, the event promoted interaction and dialogue between participants at the round tables, as well as during the coffee break and lunch, giving attendees the chance to exchange ideas and network.
Finally, the Chair of Insularity will host a second seminar at the end of June on insularity, economic activity and land use, with a view to continue reflecting on and discussing this crucial issue for the Balearic Islands.