Duty-free products for Gozo?
Labour MEP John Attard Montalto has urged the government to apply for special EU measures allowing Gozitans to buy duty-free products, such as fuel, in compensation for their double insularity as an island off Malta.
Dr Attard Montalto said this would be possible because other member states have managed to obtain such concessions.
Speaking in the European Parliament, Dr Attard Montalto mentioned Portugal, which has submitted a request to apply a reduced rate of excise duty in the autonomous region of Madeira on locally-produced and consumed rum and liqueurs. Malta should do the same on other products with regard to Gozo, he said.
Since Gozo needed assistance through the introduction of similar special measures, it was the duty of the Maltese government to identify which special measures would be best suited and, subsequently, to apply to the EU to adopt such measures, he argued.
"All EU member states endeavour to get special exemptions for their island regions and it appears Malta is an exception."
Asked by The Times to identify which products could be exempted from excise duties in the case of Gozo, Dr Attard Montalto said that "the government should try to apply to have reduced excise duty on leaded and unleaded petrol and gas oil".
According to Commission sources, however, what Dr Attard Montalto is suggesting cannot really apply to Malta. "Can you imagine what would happen if Gozo started selling duty-free petrol? Probably all Maltese would flock to Gozo to fill up their cars," a Commission official said.
45 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
David Degiorgio
Nov 18th 2009, 22:08
@ G.Pisani
I am sorry to say but u have no idea of the real world and whats happening outside of your personal space probably. First of all its non-sense wot u said that Gozo should be given the indpendence. Are we getting so stupid? 2ndly for your information there are a big number of university students who are from Gozo, and let me remind you another thing most of the intellectual people, succesfull well-known professors and others are gozitans. I am a univeristy student from gozo and i pay the ferry fares every week together with accomodation and other expenses that i need to live in malta. I would invite you to join me and see if you can make it for a month!!We pay tax as maltese do and we should have the same rights as the maltese do. The only difference is that i dont go back to the appartment and find everything ready for me but i have to do everything myself and study!!!!!So please lets stop being stupid and we dont talk when we have no idea of whats the reality!!
John Azzopardi
Nov 8th 2009, 18:18
@ Joe Spiteri......We want no bridge between Malta and Gozo. I don't think you even know what you are talking about. Do you know how much it would cost to build a bridge. It's nice to say "let's build a bridge" but Malta does not have the money to build such a project. I will debate anyone who thinks otherwise. Maybe, you think that the EU is going to build it for us. HAHA.
Brian Darmanin
Nov 8th 2009, 06:59
@ JAM
John, I know you to be much more intelligent than this. Would you not be spending your time in Brussels better by striving to get what Malta really needs from the EU instead of coming up with such inane ideas?
Please try to do better to justify the trust the Maltese have put in you by electing you (for the second time) to the European Parliament.
roberta sultana
Nov 7th 2009, 18:09
Madiera is an island off mainland Europe.
Malta is too. Shouldn't that qualify Malta to such
a treatment too! not just Gozo!
Joe Spiteri
Nov 7th 2009, 13:41
Construct a bridge....... linking Malta to Gozo..... problem solved :)
John Azzopardi
Nov 7th 2009, 12:38
Christian, you said it. It's those people who don't know better who think Gozo still lives in the middle ages. Gozitans for their information are world class travelers where thousands of them who now live in Gozo have lived in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. And we are better educated then most. So the assumption of Gozitans are wrong. Leave Gozo as it is. What the government needs to do is create employment and not leave Gozo in the Middle Ages as it wants to do. That is why in the last election, Gozitans did not vote for PN. We are tired of being taken for a ride. We need viable EMPLOYMENT not handouts.
Chantelle Mifsud
Nov 7th 2009, 11:05
I ll agree 100%
Stephen Borg Cardona
Nov 7th 2009, 00:37
What Gozo needs is a Bridge ! During the day we only have one trip an hour most of the time which is very inconvenient, why should Gozitans be treated as second class citizens in this day and age ?
Roderick Cordina
Nov 6th 2009, 21:36
@Patrick Mifsud...biex qed tistghageb siehbi?? jien noqod ghawdex u immur rahal gdid KULJUM. dak mhux sija vjagger ifisser ta but 2hrs to go for work and another 2hrs to come back....that is 4 hrs a day my friend....bhali hemm mijiet ta ghawdxin li jkollom jaqsmu kuljum lejn malta. 4hrs kuljum iffisser al min ma jafx li immur pisa u lura u jibqali....
lgalea
Nov 6th 2009, 18:29
Patrick Mifsud It all come from OUR taxes which the eu takes a lot of them and then gives us something back as if it is carrying out charity with us.
charles zammit
Nov 6th 2009, 18:16
Dr Attard Montalto came out wiht a solution how to help gozo . it is a brave move which could apply to other products if not fuel. we only have to put our heads together but let us not shoot this idea. well done john.
A. Grech
Nov 6th 2009, 17:31
On behalf of the great part of Gozitans a BIG thank you to Dr. Attard Montalto. This is exactly what Gozo needs to get us out of the poor situation that gonzipn put us in.
Christian Sciberras
Nov 6th 2009, 15:16
@Joe deBrincat, Joe deBrincat, Patrick Mifsud - Let's do some counting; it takes 10EUR every day to pass to and from the channel, resulting in 50EUR per week with 10EUR fuel weekly reuslting in 60 weekly.
So, how much do YOU spend to cross between several villages? I don't care about this idea, but the situation for Gozitans is not at all nice; lack of supplies, lack of personnel, lack of interest in REAL education, all of which you Maltese take for granted.
I'm being rather inclusive, and I apologize for that; I've known very nice Maltese which DO UNDERSTAND the situation. The others, simply have no idea what they're blabing about.
@emanuel bajada - Agreed. Don't think it will come to be realized any time soon, though.
@Fred Von Verra - Don't know you, but I've come upon worse, such as planting modern buildings over (and around) ancient sites. A masterpiece of architecture.
Robert Scullion
Nov 6th 2009, 14:41
@lgalea
"No wonder most people nowadays except those who are having it good at our expense are cursing the eu"
that would explain why the anti-EU parties did so well at the recent local & european elections then
Fred Von Verra
Nov 6th 2009, 14:36
The most stupid idea I have come across in years.
Emanuel Muscat
Nov 6th 2009, 14:19
M" ghandux x"jaghmel Attard Montaldo. Hallina, ma tafx li jiddejqu l-Ghawdxin msieken. Tfixkilhomx.
emanuel bajada
Nov 6th 2009, 13:37
Gozo need just one thing - a bridge connecting the islands, period !
Patrick Mifsud
Nov 6th 2009, 13:37
@ Igalea:
There we go again. The fact that we have to pay taxes and duties is the EU's and GonziPN's fault only. Ever thought about how a country works, how a society works, how a system like ours works?
Where do you think shall the money come from that is needed to built and service roads, hospitals, schools, etc, or to secure the services of teachers, police officers, doctors, nurses, other caretakers, etc.?
@ all:
I live in Mgarr and work in Marsascala, that's amost an hour drive to work every morning. Buses to Mgarr don't go frequently, big supermarkets and specialised shops are also far away.
Why should the people in Gozo, who often live more central and closer to work and shops etc. than I do, why should these people get more tax benefits than I?
It just wouldn't be fair!
Joe deBrincat
Nov 6th 2009, 13:01
Here is where the real Gozitan identity prevails.
Hope that, between the lines is well understood.
Christian Sciberras
Nov 6th 2009, 12:49
@Paul Caruana - Nope.
Gozitans flock to Malta to get an education that the *Maltese* government repeatedly refuses to give.
@Carl Briffa - How much does it take you to get to your university? It takes me nothing less then 10 EUR daily to get to a school in Malta, not counting the time spent on traveling.
You may not have noticed it, Gozo is the cavemen's heaven you all dream about. Only problem is, Gozitans aren't cavemen, it's the government (and certain Maltese) which threat them as such.
As to the news, sounds like a good idea to me.
mtanti
Nov 6th 2009, 12:45
This is hilarious to say the least and most of these comments even more so! We would end up buying contraband fuel from Gozo. A (another?) fuel black market is just what we all need :) Oh dear!
Joseph Cauchi
Nov 6th 2009, 12:44
May I kindly tell, all those who have been influenced by what John Attard Montalto has said, that this in NOT applicable to Gozo as there must be certain criteria to apply and which Gozo obviously does not!
I am surprised how some commentators are so gullible and immediately rush to print without first verifying the contents!
This is nothing but cheap political gimmicks!
Well done JAM, for this gimmick; however you did not succeed to fool me.
JC.
G.Pisani
Nov 6th 2009, 12:44
Gozintans like M.Brincat think they are on top of the world, all they want from us Maltese is money, I suggest give them the independence from Malta and let them fend off by themselves. I am sure after one week without the Malta, Gozo will be dead. I also don't like all this special stuff only for Gozitans like cheap ferry service and now this!. Either we are one or nothing.
Joseph Caruana
Nov 6th 2009, 12:10
in the last national election they already had a problem with too many people having themselves registered as Gozitans for all the benefits these people get. This would surely incentive the islanders of Malta to become Islanders of Gozo.
Far Out Dude!
G Bonello
Nov 6th 2009, 11:36
What you also have to take into context is that Madeira is an island in the Atlantic, nowehere near the Portuguese mainland, so these "loopholes" suggested could not be used by Portuguese. If Gozo gets the go ahead , then the same would have to apply to Sicily/Sardinia (for Italy), N. Ireland/ Isle of Wight/ Isle of Man, all the Scottish Isles, etc for Great Britain, Corsica for France, etc etc etc
J. Borg
Nov 6th 2009, 11:27
better to have Gozo outside the EU .... or a special location - such as Gibraltar
Mark Galea
Nov 6th 2009, 11:11
@All
There is a slightly better version that might fit better. Why not increse (tax by 2%) fuel in Malta? Thay way it won't be profitable for Gozitans to cross over to Malta to sell fuel, Maltese will still benefit from the difference, and the Government will have extra revenue. And everybody is happy.
M Attard
Nov 6th 2009, 11:09
@ Adrian Vella
Keep in mind that this proposition was voiced by JAM who happens to be a PL MEP had it been St. Simon or David it would have been the news of the century!
R. Caruana
Nov 6th 2009, 11:09
Daydreaming I say!
Considering the duty on fuel, Malta residents with a Gozo address 'ID' card (and there are hundreds if not thousands) would gain by driving to Gozo just to fill up! It will create a two-tier citizen state, with some more equal than others.
lgalea
Nov 6th 2009, 11:06
Martin Büttner
Of course Maltese and Gozitans would win but the eu petty dictators would them lose their customs duties. No wonder most people nowadays except those who are having it good at our expense are cursing the eu, its petty dictators and those who brought us into this disastrous situation and those who want to keep us in it.
B Zammit
Nov 6th 2009, 10:59
The joke is that they say Gozo is already VAT-free! Now duty-free?
John Azzopardi
Nov 6th 2009, 10:53
All, the EU has brought is division. Period. Gozo does not need special priviliges and it's part of Malta. Let's not fall in the trap of having handouts from the EU and then they can dictate more of what we should do. That's all the EU is good for. Maybe the EU bureacrates wants to retire to Gozo because it's still such a refreshing place, especially between Oct - May.
STEPHEN ZAMMIT
Nov 6th 2009, 10:42
To me this seems like a very good idea.
It would make short beaks in Gozo more attractive.
It would also give a boost to all the Gozitan economy by reducing a primary cost.
I have wrote on other times that Gozo has become too expensive especially for maltese who want to go for a week-end break.
To mention that every maltese would have a gozo ID and cross over evry time he needs to fill up is pure nonsense !
dusty williams
Nov 6th 2009, 10:36
Imma kif aw certi persuni ma joghgobom xejn? ovvjament jekk int ma timxix b'mohhok izda b'qalbek u int xi nazzjonalist ma toghgbokx din il-haga ghax hija soluzzjoni kbira ghal pajjiz mifni. Cheap Politics wiehed qal, heqq xi nghidlek siehbi mela oqod hallas it-taxxi u kontijiet tad-dawl, mhux hekk tridu?
Martin Büttner
Nov 6th 2009, 10:33
Madeira is as far away from the Portugese mainland as Malta is away from Athens. A flight from Madeira to Lisbon takes two hours and costs about 150 to 200 euros. Sure, it makes sense to compare Gozo with Madeira. But would the Madeirans like to be compared with the Gozitans in this sense?
Gozo is too close to Malta and it is too cheap and too easy to get from one island to the other. Such a proposed tax benefit would be abused heavily, and at the end of the day nobody would win from it.
Adrian Vella
Nov 6th 2009, 10:17
J.A.M. might be on to something here. Can we forget the politcs and try to come out with some ideas on how to capitalize on this situation. Let's use the blog to be constructive for a change.
J Brincat
Nov 6th 2009, 10:10
Sounds funny to me!
lgalea
Nov 6th 2009, 10:03
This is somewhat akin to what CNI has been proposing, that Gozo be given autonomy from Malta and would thus not be considered to be in the eu and therefore not bound by its idiotic one-size-fits-all policies.
At least some politicians are seeing the light on how everyone has been negatively affected by eu membership. Many people have seen it before.
M Brincat
Nov 6th 2009, 10:01
@Rita Spiteri>>>>> OH God Help us Gozitans, if 99% of the La di Das Malteses have a Gozitan Residence, i sure to leave the Island as far away from them as poss. No!!! But No Thanks, as brethrens ok but as living next door to them, well thats a different story, Why spoil a habit of a life time, No Bridge and visit us when U can also Bring some money with you and spend it here in Gozo, bu make sure you got a return ticket! Ta Ta.
Carl Briffa
Nov 6th 2009, 09:53
Finally we founfd a way to help the Gozitans to sell their properties.
Every maltese Citizen would try to get a Gozitan ID card, isn't already unfair that they get subsidies ticket to come to Malta for their entertainment and we have to pay the full fare.
I agree that the Gozitans should have special fares only in connection for travelling for work and health purposes only.
This is Cheap Politics
Eugenio Taliana
Nov 6th 2009, 09:46
The European Commission source is right - all we've had since we joined the EU were all the negative things - whereas we were promised before admission heaven on earth - someone even mentioned that Malta would bloom like in springtime!
Robert Cassar
Nov 6th 2009, 09:43
Dear commissioner, so WHAT!
If Portugal can do it then Maltese should also do it.
Please do not treat us like 2nd class European citizens because we have the local government treating us so.
Paul Caruana
Nov 6th 2009, 09:41
You bet!
And let's not forget the gozitans that will start to cross over to Malta to sell their duty free wares!
Rita Spiteri
Nov 6th 2009, 09:39
If this happens I bet 99% of Maltese people will have a Gozitan residence
Andrew Vella
Nov 6th 2009, 09:36
"Probably all Maltese would flock to Gozo to fill up their cars," a Commission official said.
With all due respect, what happens after such a decision would be implemented is none of this Commission official's business. If other countries really have it in place, I can't see why Malta should not.
On a practical level, I don't think that "probably all Maltese" have the time to:
1. drive up to Cirkewwa;
2. wait in the queue to board the ferry (alongside "probably all Maltese");
3. board the ferry (paying the Eur 15.70 car+driver fare);
4. queue up at fuelling stations ("probably all Maltese" would be there);
5. fill up;
6. board the ferry back to Malta (after having waited in the queue with "probably all Maltese");
7. arrive at Cirkewwa; and
8. drive home (wherever that may be).
I guess it COULD however, increase internal tourism with people crossing over to Gozo to enjoy a day or two in the weekend and filling up the tank whilst in Gozo, thereby taking advantage of duty free fuel. I'd be in favour of that, more trips of Gozo Channel, more activities happening in Gozo, more money flowing into the Gozitan economy!