Territorial continuity grant frozen for years

The territorial continuity grant, which supports aerial and maritime transport between Corsica and mainland France, has remained frozen at 187 million euros since 2009, without adjustments for rising fuel costs or taxes.

Amendment secures temporary funding boost

Michel Castellani, a deputy from Haute-Corse, pushed for an exceptional 62 million euro extension to the grant just before the National Assembly session ended on the 2027 finance bill, securing its adoption despite opposition from the government and the rapporteur.

Funding negotiations remain difficult

Castellani explained that the grant, which goes to the Corsican Collectivity, has not kept pace with changes in transport costs and passenger volumes since 2009, leading to ongoing and difficult annual negotiations over funding levels.

Deputies seek long-term indexing

The two nationalist deputies have repeatedly called for the grant to be automatically indexed to inflation and transport trends, to avoid annual fights over funding and ensure consistent support for Corsican transport needs.

Castellani urges support for indexing

Castellani argued that Corsicans, including the sick, students, and residents with limited means, rely on transport links to the mainland and called for both immediate indexing for this year and a long-term automatic adjustment based on inflation and transport demand.

Amendment moves to Senate for final approval

The amendment will now be considered in the Senate, where it must gain a majority to pass. The government could still block it using special procedures, but the deputies are working to secure support for the measure.