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MALTATODAY 19 May 2019

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34 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 MAY 2019 EUROPE 2019 Miriam Dalli 'If we want to safeguard our planet for future generations, we need to innovate and change' Married and a mum to two boys. Miriam Dalli started off her professional career as a TV journalist and later became the first woman news editor of a TV and radio station. A lawyer who holds masters' degrees in European Studies and business administration, she enjoys jogging, reading, swimming and following the occasional TV series. Over the past five years since being elected MEP in 2014 she became the environment coordinator for the Socialists and Democrats and led tough negotiations on a number of legislative files including setting a 2030 target for the reduction of CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and the allocation of €10.4 billion for asylum and migration to ensure solidarity with countries like Malta. Other work includes combating online sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, the operation of the Schengen Information System as well as the potential of research and innovation in the blue economy to create jobs and growth. Another important achievement for consumers and citizens alike was the push she made together with other colleagues, on taking the EU animal cosmetic testing ban to a global level. She is the chair of Europe's Mental Health Alliance and Richmond Foundation's mental health ambassador. Named by Politico as the only MEP in their list of influencers set to influence European politics and way of life in 2019. She was also listed in the Politico 40 - a list of 40 MEPs who mattered and made a difference during the 2014-2019 legislature. Name Miriam Dalli Party Partit Laburista (S&D) Age 42 Contact 21463241 or email miriam@miriamdalli.com I will continue working hard on the issues that mat- ter to people. That's why I am investing a lot in meet- ing people and businesses all across Malta and Gozo. If re-elected, I commit to continue building on these five years. Safeguarding Malta's interests First and foremost, safe- guarding Malta's interests. This is about defending the national interest against threats to our economic sta- bility. It is our responsibility to improve and reform, but we also need to make sure that we do not play in the hands of those who ignore the realities of island states like ours who are at the pe- riphery of Europe. A fair society I believe in a fair society, a society that fights discrimi- nation and gives persons with different abilities the support needed to maximise their potential and talents. This is also about ensuring an inclusive education that promotes different abilities and prepares students for future careers. It's not about a one-size-fits-all system but a tailor-made education that addresses different needs and abilities. A fair society is also an equal society. As we push harder for women empower- ment - including by increas- ing the number of women in decision-making positions - we need to ensure equal- ity at all levels. This needs policies whereby parents are encouraged to share the responsibility of bringing up their children. I will keep on pushing for shared paren- tal leave and other policies which would also allow for a better work-life balance. Healthy citizens Promoting a good quality of life is also about safeguard- ing our mental and physical health. Citizens need green spaces where they can relax and wind down, practise out- door sports and enjoy their free time. It is also about ensuring that we continue regulating substances that are harmful for our wellbe- ing - such as glyphosate and endocrine disrupting chemicals. Climate action We can no longer delay climate action. Not only do we have binding Paris Agreement targets but, we are already experiencing the repercussions of climate change. If we want to safe- guard our planet for future generations, then we need to innovate and change. Tech- nological advancement can help us substitute polluting operations, develop sustain- able alternatives whilst al- lowing the creation of quality jobs. To breathe cleaner air should not become a luxury. We need production systems that incorporate sustainabil- ity within them. Innovation Innovation is the catalyst of new economies. It can regen- erate crafts and trade whilst using new developments to improve different kinds of services - be it the health sec- tor, mobility or manufacture. But we need clear policies in place to foster this innova- tion. In this regard, my five priorities are: (i)increased investment in research and development, (ii)access to funds, (iii)educational pro- grams, (iv)increased collabo- ration between researchers and (v)partnerships between universities and educational institutions, the private and public sectors - both at local level and even at European level. Do you agree with the creation of an EU army? No. Such a move should respect the neutrality of countries like Malta. Should corporate taxation be harmonised across the European Union? No. Should children of refugees born on Maltese soil be entitled to Maltese citizenship? As things stand, all children born in Malta have the possibility to apply for citizenship. Should MEPs have the power to veto decisions taken by the European Council? No. During trilogues, the European Parliament and Council reach their common consolidated position, facilitated by the European Commission. This puts both institutions on an equal footing. Should Malta stop selling citizenship, which is also EU citizenship, under the IIP? Across the EU there are a number of citizen programmes and residence programmes. All should undergo a strict due diligence process. Should Turkey be a member of the EU? When it fulfils all criteria like all Member States, including safeguarding human rights, its application may start being considered. 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? Only if clear, workable rules are agreed between Member States and if all Member States agree to relocation. Quick-fire Q&A THIS IS A SPONSORED FEATURE

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