The Regional Minister of Finance and Relations with the European Union, Matilde Asián, has signed an agreement in Brussels with the European Commission that will allow the Canary Islands to manage 10 million euros earmarked for projects in West Africa. The document was signed with the Director General of DG Regio, Themis Christophidoux.
This is the first pilot experience in which the Commission is handing over the management of resources from the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument to a regional government. The funds will be directed to initiatives linked to the Interreg-MAC programme, which includes Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Mauritania, Senegal and Sao Tome and Principe.
The agreement responds to these countries' demand for a more direct role in project funding. Until now, the OMC programme did not provide for financial transfers to its African partners, which limited their capacity to be involved in joint actions.
With this formula, local institutions will have direct access to co-financing, always under the supervision of the regional government's Directorate General for European Affairs. The aim is to move towards a more balanced model, in which each partner assumes responsibilities in accordance with its participation.
The Canary Islands government is already designing the administrative procedures to guarantee agile and transparent management. Asián stressed that this step “strengthens regional cooperation” and opens the door to greater identification of African countries with the projects developed in their territory.
The resources will be allocated to strategic areas such as energy transition, the promotion of sustainable economies, the fight against climate change and disaster prevention. As an outermost region, the Canary Islands aim to consolidate their role as a bridge between Europe and Africa, favouring a more innovative and resilient joint development.
