Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1206972
In the past we have even seen "big and rich" countries arguing that they have been discrimi- nated against or badly treated by the European Union. The EU defends its princi- ples and democratic values which are universal. It does not "look down" or "look up" to any Member State. The same principles and the same values equally apply to all Member States. You served as Commissioner for the environment fisheries and maritime affairs. Beyond local issues like pollution, tu- na penning is often seen as an unsustainable practice as it depletes stocks both of tuna and fish used for feeding. Yet this industry is seen as im- portant for Malta's economic growth. How have your views matured on this issue? One of the tasks of the EU Commissioner in charge of En- vironment, Oceans and Fish- eries, is to strengthen the sus- tainable growth of the overall aquaculture sector in the EU. Though, overseeing the sector's operation at a national level is a Member State's competence. Aquaculture in the EU ac- counts for about 20% of fish production. Since 2000, glob- al aquaculture production has grown by nearly 7% per annum. However, the EU's overall out- put, for the same sector, has shown much lower levels of growth. It was only between 2014 and 2015 that the EU aq- uaculture sector started show- ing signs of growth, by around 4% in volume and 8% in value. However, throughout the past 20 years, the EU aquaculture sector has shown much high- er progress in terms of quality, sustainability and consumer protection standards, when compared to the same sectors in other parts of the world. Looking at the bigger picture, global population is expected to be nearly 10 billion by 2050. How will we feed them with- out putting intolerable strain on our natural resources? To answer this question (during my time as EU Com- missioner) I asked the EU High Level Scientists team to produce the "Food from the Oceans Report". Their short answer to the aforementioned question was "more culture, less capture". Of course, we must continue our work on sustainable wild fisheries, but if we are to get more seafood, it has to come from sustainable and responsible farming. The EU imports some 60% of its fish demand. Aquaculture can help us reduce our reli- ance on imported fish, where at times environmental creden- tials may not match our strict standards. More in general, we would consume fish with less "food miles" and greater assur- ance about production stand- ards. Thanks to world-leading EU funded research, and thanks to close cooperation between the Commission and national authorities, the sector is be- coming more sustainable than ever before. The EU provides 1.2 billion euro exclusively for aquaculture. This is comple- mented by EU funded research on topics like feed efficiency, breeding, environmental man- agement and innovative tech- nologies to help farms invest, grow, and become more inno- vative, sustainable and efficient. From your experience as Com- missioner, do you agree with criticism that industry lobby groups have disproportionate power within the European Union's structures? Is there a level playing field between different interest groups try- ing to influence European leg- islation? Lobbying is an integral part of a healthy democracy. It allows for various interest groups to present their views on public decisions that may come to affect them. It also has the po- tential to enhance the quality of decision-making by provid- ing channels for the input of expertise to legislators and de- cision-makers. But regulating lobbying is a rather recent concept. The previous Commission decided that Commissioners, as well as cabinet members and di- rectors-generals, should only meet interest representatives relating to policy-making and implementation in the EU, if the interest representatives are registered in the EU transpar- ency register. This register is a database that lists organisations that try to influence the law making and policy implementation process of the EU institutions. It shows what interests are being pur- sued, by whom and with what budgets. In this way, the regis- ter allows for public scrutiny, giving citizens and other in- terest groups the possibility to track the activities of lobbyists. When it comes to transparen- cy, it is important to go for the highest standards. EU countries have different approaches in this regard. Cur- rently, there are only seven EU Member States that have legis- lation on lobbying activities, as well as a mandatory register of lobbyists. To date, Malta has no such legislation. However, I under- stand that the current govern- ment has committed in its 2017 electoral manifesto to initiate decisions on the introduction of a public transparency regis- ter. Prime Minister Robert Abela has already committed much deserved attention on the sub- ject under the wider umbrella of good governance and I trust he will be delivering on this promise during the course of his mandate. Do you exclude a return to pol- itics or public service? I have learned in life that most of the best opportunities often come unplanned. My whole life has been a very diverse and wide-ranging ex- perience. I enjoy working – whether in the public or private sector – and I cannot imagine myself not doing anything. But I do not think I could go for a 24/7 commitment as I want to enjoy more time with my fami- ly, especially my grandchildren. Nonetheless, throughout my political and professional ca- reer I learned and gathered a lot of knowledge. I would be more than glad to utilise and pass on this experience, in the public or private sector, hope- fully for a good use. 9 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 FEBRUARY 2020 INTERVIEW