Before the networks are filled with sophisticated tables, ideal couples, indestructible families, infallible friendships celebrating the arrival of a prosperous 2023, I will share a brief reflection with you.
Six years ago I bought a one-way ticket, but without a return, to an Andalusian province to pursue my university studies (now completed) with a view to experiencing my first contacts with what they call "the labor market". However, I have not missed any opportunity to escape to my roots, to the island of Lanzarote (Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, October 7, 1993). And returning home for Christmas, without coats or scarves, is within reach of a few.
The Canary Islands are now the protagonist. On November 16 of this year, the starting signal was given to the Presidency of the Canary Islands at the so-called Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (the Conference, hereinafter) of the European Union. This is undoubtedly an unmissable opportunity for the islands (eight in total).
The importance of Europe for the Canary Islands is noticeable at every moment, in every corner, in our identity. Our Archipelago is aware that maintaining a constant and consolidated relationship with Europe is an asset that cannot be dispensed with. A clear example was the economic support received by the Island of La Palma as a result of the volcanic eruption, among many to highlight.
The Conference, established for the first time in 1995, brings together the main leaders of the Outermost Regions (ORs, 6 French, 2 Portuguese and 1 Spanish, Canary Islands) with the aim of finding a fit for the specificities of these territories which, not only because of their remoteness that distances them from the continental sphere and the classic freedoms on which the Internal Market rests, but also to defend their particularities in the European integration process.
Thus, the Canary Islands now assume the leadership of the Conference and become the interlocutor of the nine ORs of Spain, France and Portugal before the European institutions. In this context, they will address issues of utmost importance such as the approval of the Migration and Asylum Regulation (a legislative act directly applicable to the Member States) which considers the singularities of the outermost regions so that there is a shared management and approach in those territories that fulfill a function of containment, and almost "deprivation" due to the geographical nature of the same that are the southern border of Europe with migrants arriving on our coasts, rather, significantly dangerous.
This Conference, added to the economic growth and consequently a decrease in unemployment, record tourist visits, opening of a new shopping center in the capital, among others, make us have a more positive view of the current situation and hope that in 2023 all the projects that today rest on the commitments of our representatives can be fulfilled, in the conviction that we are Europe, despite the distance, and that we are ahead, despite indicating one hour less on our clocks.
For all these reasons, I hope you enjoy a good sit-down this Christmas and a prosperous year 2023, full of health and much hope.
