Manuel Domínguez Highlights Decisive Step at FEAGA to Keep POSEI Within New EU Financial Framework

The Vice President of the Canary Islands Government and Minister of Economy, Industry, Trade and Self‑Employment, Manuel Domínguez, visited the Agricultural, Livestock and Fisheries Fair (FEAGA) in Fuerteventura on Saturday. The fair has become the most important event for the primary sector in the Canary Islands. Accompanying him was the Minister of Tourism and Employment, Jessica de León, and together they emphasized the joint work carried out to guarantee the continuity of the POSEI (Special Regime for the Outermost Regions) under the new European financial framework for 2028‑2034.

Domínguez explained that a few months earlier there was serious concern that POSEI – a crucial instrument for the Canary Islands’ primary sector – could be diluted without a dedicated budget line.

“Today we have taken a decisive step to recover POSEI with a clear name and identity, distinct from the CAP, and with explicit recognition of its uniqueness for the ultra‑peripheral regions,” he said.

He noted that the inclusion of an amendment backed by Canary Islands MEP Gabriel Mato and supported by all political groups represents “a first great success” and acknowledges the institutional effort launched from the Canary Islands to defend a program he deemed “vital” for the present and future of Canarian agriculture. The amendment, approved by the European Parliament’s Budget Committee, reinforces the need to keep POSEI non‑centralised and to increase the funds allocated to it throughout the next financial period. Domínguez projected that the increase could reach around €300 million per year.

Minister of Tourism and Employment Jessica de León highlighted the importance of standing beside the primary sector at a particularly challenging time. She pointed out that the Canary Islands have recently approved support measures worth more than €8 million.

“The sector has not stopped growing,” de León added, stressing that there remains ample room for development, especially concerning water management in Fuerteventura. She praised the commissioning of the new wastewater treatment plant and called for continued promotion of the fair, describing it as “undeniably essential for the majoreros.”