Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1189466
4 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 DECEMBER 2019 MASSIMO COSTA THE basis of trust between Malta and the European Union "does not seem to be there any- more," Dutch MEP Sophie In't Veld has told journalists after meeting Prime Minister Joseph Muscat earlier this morning. "We have made it very clear that there is a problem. This is now an issue between Malta and the EU, not just between the PM and the Maltese. That trust has been very seriously damaged. Justice being and that truth is coming out and this is the most important thing," In't Veld said. The Dutch MEP is leading an urgent fact-finding mission in Malta in the wake of the Daph- ne Caruana Galizia murder in- quiry. German MEP Sven Giegold said that Muscat admitted that he knew that Yorgen Fenech was somehow involved. "He refused to say since when exactly he knows… he under- stands that he somehow made a mistake. It was a tense meeting. I can only say that this govern- ment brings the EU into disre- spect, and puts Malta at the EU table in disrespect. How can Mr Muscat represent a member state and say he is legitimate while having announced his resignation?" After their meeting with the Commissioner of Police, I'nt Veld said she felt the po- lice were doing good work but refrained from commenting on former chief of staff Keith Schembri. "We have to allow due process to take place," she said. The Dutch MEP told Mal- taToday that it was too early to trigger a punitive Article 7 measure against Malta. "We are still at a very pre, pre- stage, let's not rush things. It is clear the spotlight is on Malta and the rule of law, it's not easy to draw conclusions, but we can see there are big concerns." In addition to meeting the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia and civil society repre- sentatives including NGOs and journalists, MEPs will also meet justice minister Owen Bonnici, President George Vella, the At- torney General, the Speaker of the House, the Commissioner of Police, and the Chamber of Advocates. Following visits to Malta and MEPs 'unconvinced' at Muscat but praise police investigation The MEP delegation leaves the AG's office