Madeira's Business Challenges Presented at EU Commission
Madeira GuideCarlos Perdigão Santos of ACIF-CCIM presented the critical challenges faced by Madeira's businesses in ultraperipheral regions at a Brussels conference.
On April 21, 2026, Carlos Perdigão Santos, vice-president of the Commercial and Industrial Association of Funchal (ACIF-CCIM), addressed the European Commission in Brussels. His speech highlighted the significant challenges facing businesses in Madeira and other ultraperipheral regions of the European Union.
During the Implementation Dialogue, Santos spoke under the presidency of Raffaele Fitto, the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. The focus was on the structural threats posed by the proposed Cohesion Policy reform which could severely impact Madeira's economic landscape.
Santos identified three major structural threats. These threats are critical as they could reshape the economic environment in Madeira, a region highly dependent on specific EU policies due to its geographical isolation.
Key Threats Identified
- Reduction in EU funding which is vital for infrastructure and business development.
- Changes in trade policies impacting local industries and tourism.
- Regulatory shifts that could disadvantage Madeira compared to mainland regions.
The concerns raised by Santos reflect a broader apprehension among ultraperipheral regions, which rely heavily on tailored EU policies to ensure their economic sustainability.
Madeira, known for its beautiful landscapes and as a tourist hotspot, faces unique challenges that mainland regions do not encounter. As such, the advocacy efforts by ACIF-CCIM are crucial in safeguarding the economic interests of the island.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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