Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499757
THE Russian war on Ukraine has further exasperated an al- ready volatile energy market that faced instability because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prices had already been rising due to post-lockdown energy demand exceeding supply. Following that, the war, and then the uncertainty that en- sued shot prices up through the roof. It created a situation of instability, with fears of what might be if oil and gas supplies were abruptly halted. Europe depended on Russia for 40-45% of its imported gas and about a quarter of its oil. Europe depends on imports for more than 50% of its daily energy needs. This effectively meant that consumers faced price volatility, with ener- gy bills rising exponentially throughout the past year, leaving households struggling to heat their homes and busi- nesses closing down. Protests on European streets over food and fuel surged in 2023. This was not limited to Europe alone. According to one Politico article, research- ers defined an unprecedent- ed global wave of more than 12,500 protests across 148 countries over food, energy and cost of living increases in 2022. The largest protests were in Western Europe. Against threats of a com- plete supply shutoff by Rus- sia, Europe sought to unplug itself from Russian energy, turning to alternative sup- plies such as the Middle East and elsewhere and accelerat- ing investments in efficiency and developing new renew- ables for the European con- tinent to become self-suffi- cient. But for autonomy to ma- terialise, investment has to flow. Against this backdrop, Malta is actively calling on and leading talks with the Eu- ropean Commission to invest in renewable energy systems and make the Mediterranean a Green Energy Centre. As a net energy importer, Eu- rope's door of opportunity with North African countries is wide open. With technolo- gy advancing and North Af- rica investing in renewables, this is the time for Europe to make a match. The role of the Mediterra- nean in this scenario is broad and robust: it sits as a bed for multiple corridors of connec- tion and offers the potential for offshore energy gener- ation. The Mediterranean, therefore, would not only facilitate the flow of energy from North Africa to Europe, but it can also generate its energy, complementing these efforts. Additionally, Eu- rope can offer North African countries the security of sup- ply as their economies grow. Technology has advanced so that southern European countries can be connected to Northern African coun- tries through long-distance, subsea interconnectors. Our geographical position makes Malta traditionally a bridge-builder in the Medi- terranean, and we will contin- ue to act as such, harnessing the potential that surrounds us. This week in Malta, we will host the European Commis- sioner for Energy, Kadri Sim- son, and the nine European Mediterranean Countries including Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Por- tugal, Slovenia and Spain. During this first-ever Med9 Meeting of Energy Ministers, we want to ramp up discus- sions on accelerating the EU ambition on renewables and developing the Mediterra- nean into a Green Energy Centre – the centre through which multiple corridors of connection can be created. This Med9 Meeting antici- pates the EU-Med9 Summit, which Malta will be hosting later this year, bringing to- gether the Prime Ministers of these nine countries. We want the Med9 meeting to come out with tangible re- sponses: the urgent challeng- es that need to be tackled to accelerate the deployment of offshore renewables, the dis- position and distribution of investment, reinforcing the security of energy supply and fostering collaboration with neighbouring countries. It is essential that we move beyond just talking about off- shore technologies. Despite challenges such as deep wa- ter depths, wind speeds, and investment costs, the deploy- ment of offshore technologies shows great promise. Further analysis is necessary to fully understand its economic po- tential in the region. How- ever, these challenges should not deter the EU from explor- ing this option further. I truly believe that we have all the right elements and the political will to drive this for- ward. The Mediterranean region has great potential to become a green energy hub, which supports the EU's sustaina- ble energy goals and can aid in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The EU aims to decrease green- house gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and this initiative aligns with those objectives. The REPowerEU Plan, which seeks to eliminate fos- sil fuel dependence, is also in line with this effort. Diversi- fying energy sources through the Mediterranean can de- crease vulnerability to supply disruptions and energy price fluctuations. Furthermore, the TEN-E Regulation ad- dresses the development of interconnections to connect renewable energy sources in the area with the EU network. Over the past decades, the EU has looked at the Mediter- ranean as a problem – a route for migrants, often ending in human tragedies. This is the time to change this – the re- gion's opportunity to make this sea a route for clean en- ergy, generating interesting symbiotic prospects for both sides in the process. CONSENSUS building and dem- ocratic involvement have been at the heart of this Government's core principles. There is no stabil- ity and economic progress without consultation by 1wfamilies and so- cial partners, together with a frank discussion on the topics at hand. Prime Minister Robert Abela's administration has now taken inclusion and social dialogue to another, higher level. The Youth Advisory Forum (YAF), which is currently in its application process, will provide the opportunity to youths who yearn to be more vocal on the topics that matter to them, and make their voice heard across the nation. For the first time, the Prime Minister and Cabinet Mem- bers will receive advice in a struc- tured manner on key issues which affect youths in Malta and their future. This, however, is not the first time that a labour government strenghtened the voice of youths in our country: we are the party that historically lowered the voting age. It was a Labour administration that in recent years lowered the voting age to 16. This not only encour- aged active citizenship but also provided a platform for youths to be an active participant in the dem- ocratic process. It is, after all, their natural right. Some might say that young people in Malta are disengaged and not in- volved enough in the changes they want to see. I disagree. Youths are heavily and deeply involved in pro- moting social causes and changes. Politics is the most effective way to bring about change in society, and that's where we want to enhance and increase the involvement of young people. After all, political decisions affect our standard of living and quality of life. And in order to enable and em- power youths to influence gov- ernment on a national level, we set up a platform whereby they can regularly influence government's policies and strategies. These nine youths that will be chosen after a public call, will even get the chance to propose the agenda for discus- sion, thus being able to discuss any topics freely. And the Cabinet is there to lis- ten. We are there to listen, as we have done throughout this admin- istration. Because, we believe, it is through listening that the best-in- formed policies are laid out. On a regular basis, Cabinet meet- ings are held outside Auberge de Castille in order to increase engage- ment with society and the relevant stakeholders on the numerous and various topics to be discussed. We have met with educators, students and parents to discuss education; with workers, business owners and citizens from all walks of life to dis- cuss the public service, amongst many other examples. Even within the MCESD, Cabinet members are in attendance on a regular basis to discuss crucial reforms with social partners. Public consultations are being launched continously and the rel- evant government portal is con- stantly reviewed and updated. We have asked and are still asking citizens to give their feebdack on major reforms, from justice to the construction sector, and from en- vironment to civil reforms. Also in terms of employment, we are seeking that decisions are taken after an inclusive and holistic re- view. That's why we set up a Low Wage Commission comprised of unions and employers, and by the end of this year, the commission is expected to present recommenda- tions on the revision of the mini- mum wage in Malta. And through this consultative process taking place, this Youth Advisory Forum will serve as an impetus for the government to put forward more inclusive poli- cies and strategies. It will also keep this administration abreast of is- sues that our youths feel strongly about. Most of all, the government will gain insight on youth's views at early, interim and implementation stages of policy and legislative de- velopment, as the duration of each term will be that of 18 months. I truly look forward, together with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members, to engage with the first group of young people in the com- ing months. I therefore encourage all those who want to make a differ- ence and make their voice heard, to apply on primeminister.gov.mt This first step is the key to obtain- ing the experience and voice you have aspired and wished for. 12 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 MAY 2023 OPINION Statistics: A tool to be used in the right way Encouraging youth engagement through YAF OPINION Silvan Mifsud Andy Ellul Andy Ellul is Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue Silvan Mifsud is council member of The Malta Chamber and chairperson of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Thematic Committee