Clavijo Secures State Backing for RUP Status
Pedro Sánchez backs the defence of the Canary Islands and all EU outermost regions (RUP) in the upcoming Multi‑annual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations.
State Backing
The Spanish prime minister has sent a letter to Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo, guaranteeing his government’s support in defending the interests of the archipelago and the nine other outermost regions (RUP) during the EU budget talks for 2028‑2034.
“Spain demands and will continue to demand that the European budget for the period 2028‑2034 fully takes into account the particularities and needs of the RUP.”
Sánchez also pledged to press the European Commission for changes to the proposal drafted by Ursula von der Leyen’s team, ensuring “sufficient financing and visibility for agriculture, fisheries and territorial cohesion.”
Implications for the EU Budget
The Spanish government’s stance aligns with the concerns voiced by President Clavijo over the possible disappearance of the Specific Options for Remoteness and Insularity (POSEI) programme, which is vital for the survival of farmers and livestock breeders in the Canary Islands and for the archipelago’s overall cohesion with mainland Spain.
In a letter dated 23 December, Sánchez confirmed that he had personally conveyed Spain’s rejection of the current MFF draft at the European Council in Brussels on 18 December. The defence of RUP status was also raised by French President Emmanuel Macron and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro during the same meeting.
Upcoming Summit and Veto Power
Sánchez expressed willingness to take part in a forthcoming summit of the three states (Spain, France, Portugal) together with the presidents of the nine RUPs, aiming to forge a common front. He wrote:
“We would welcome the convening of a meeting between the French president, the Portuguese prime minister and myself with the presidents of the nine RUPs; I would be delighted to attend.”
The next European Council is expected in March, and the RUP summit is hoped to occur beforehand so that the 27‑member gathering can present a unified voice against the loss of specific aid.
Member states retain a right of veto in the European Council, a tool that could force the von der Leyen team to renegotiate the MFF. The draft presented in July must also clear the European Parliament, where MEPs from outermost regions are rallying support for the RUP cause.
Financial Stakes for the Canary Islands
- Current EU allocation (2021‑2027): €4.6 billion total
- €2.73 billion from the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) and the European Social Fund (ESF)
- €1.878 billion from POSEI
These funds are essential for the Canary Islands’ economy, especially for agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
“It is necessary that member states get involved in defending their overseas regions, because we are strategic for each of them from a geographic, environmental and cultural point of view and we need final funds to maintain and develop our economic and social system.”
The Spanish government’s heightened involvement marks a significant step toward safeguarding the RUP status and the specific aid programmes that underpin the livelihoods of the outermost regions.