Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1116643
12 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 15 MAY 2019 EUROPE 2019 Cyrus Engerer 'Working for Malta, means working to see our country's reputation on top' Cyrus Engerer served as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to the European Union. He is known for his activism on Human Rights and Civil Liberties and was appointed as the first Chairperson of the Maltese Consultative Council on LGBTIQ rights. Cyrus graduated in European Studies and Communications and read a Masters Degree in European Politics at the College of Europe in Belgium. He is partnered to Randolph De Battista, Labour's CEO. Name Cyrus Engerer Party Partit Laburista (S&D) Age 37 Contact 99003561 or email cyrus@cyrusengerer.com Facebook Engerer.Cyrus Twitter @Engerer Instagram Engerer www.cyrusengerer.com Knowing the institutions and the people within them is key to a successful term in the Eu- ropean Parliament. The work done as the Prime Minister's Envoy and Head of Council's relations with the European Parliament during the Mal- tese Presidency now needs to be converted in effective work for Malta. After listening to people in door-to-door visits and in each and every square across the islands, these are the areas I wold like to con- tribute on in the coming five years: For Malta, always and in all circumstances As a representative of those living in Malta, should I be given the mandate, I will always strive to put the interests of those liv- ing on our islands first and fore- most, irrespective of who is in government. Working for Malta, means working to see our country's reputation on top, bringing more investment and more jobs for all. We have been rated as a top economy with top finances, our aim is to reach a top-rating on our democracy, rule of law and human rights. This can be achieved through the changes being proposed by government and with our lobbying across Europe. For a sustainable future, our environment takes priority Europe must remain at the forefront of our battle against climate change. Yes, it is im- portant to see all our Member States committing themselves to our ambitious goals, but now it is time for climate action and for diplomatically convincing others like the United States and China to follow suit. A clean and healthy environ- ment results in a better standard of living and is less costly on our health systems. It's time to once and for all end single-use plas- tics from our continent. Malta could become Europe's bench- mark, as Gozo will become the gold-standard on eliminating emissions from motor vehicles. European Union funds must include a new priority focusing on the creation of open Green and open spaces across the Un- ion. Empowering Europe's youth through connectivity It Is time for the European Union to lead the way in provid- ing free data on mobile phones. We have all seen what facebook managed to do in Africa, the Eu- ropean Union must be a leader in this regard. Giving free data to youths on their mobile phones could be the first step which also opens the way for direct online dia- logue between the institutions and Europe's youth. This proposal would mean an additional investiment of €5 billion on our youths aged 16 to 35, together with the €5 billion already being invested on Eras- mus+. Europe: the land of equal op- portunity Malta has become the bench- mark on LGBTIQ+ rights and it is time for us to take our ideals forward to the rest of the Euro- pean Union and our Southern neighbours in North Africa. Our advocacy work must begin in earnest and work for equality across our continent and in our region. The gender pay gap is no longer acceptable. Equal pay for equal work must not only be enforced but incentives must be given to all employers to make sure that their workforce is treated equally. People of all abilities have a lot to contribute to the future of our Union. Together, we are stronger. EU funds directed at small states We have never had a Maltese MEP sit on the committee that discusses the way that Structural and Cohesion funds can be used by the Union's Member States and regions. It is time for a Mal- tese MEP to sit on the Regional Development Committee. A one-size fits all situation is unacceptable on EU funding. What applies to a German Lo- cal Council, NGO or company, employing thousand of work- ers cannot be applicable to a Maltese Local Council, NGO or company employing twenty or less people. It's time for small states to make their voices heard. Europe at the centre of our future Malta has never had an MEP sitting on the Committee dis- cussing the future of the Euro- pean Union, AFCO. It is im- perative that the voice of small Member States is delivered and heard on any future Treaty changes. It's time to have a better func- tioning European Union that is closer to its citizens. A Social European Union that elevates those stuck at the bot- tom. A European Union of human rights and justice. A European Union being the global leader against climate change and a better environ- ment for all. A European Union of state-of- the-art free health care for all. A European Union with the best education systems. A Europe of unity in diversity. I feel strongly about these principles... Do you agree with the creation of an EU army? No. Member State armies should collaborate together. Should corporate taxation be harmonised across the European Union? No Should children of refugees born on Maltese soil be entitled to Maltese citizenship? Yes, but It should not lead to citizenship to relatives. Should MEPs have the power to veto decisions taken by the European Council? No. The current system created a balance which should be maintained. Should Malta stop selling citizenship, which is also EU citizenship, under the IIP? No. I agree with Government's programme, which is not necessarily the sale of citizenship. Should Turkey be a member of the EU? No, not until Turkey becomes a democracy that respects fundamental human rights. Should border controls be reintroduced in Schengen countries? No Do you agree with a 'Mare Nostrum' style European rescue mission in the Mediterranean financed by the EU budget? Yes Quick-fire Q&A THIS IS A SPONSORED FEATURE