Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1520947
8 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 MAY 2024 ANALYSIS Labour's MEP manifesto: From naive LABOUR'S concise manifesto for next June's MEP elections of- fers a small island perspective on economic themes, committing its MEPs to bring local realities to the European table. From shipping to climate change, Labour's MEPs will have the task to put Malta's smallness on the EU agenda. However, the manifesto con- spicuously omits several themes important to European social- ists, including the rule of law and feminism. It also fails to recog- nise Russia's aggression against Ukraine as "a turning point in history". And while taking a dig at Roberta Metsola for her stance on Gaza, it falls short of advocating sanctions against Is- rael's relentless violations of in- ternational law. Peace and love in the age of aggression The Labour manifesto refer- ences Ukraine twice and de- scribes the Russian invasion as "an aggression" once. It largely appeals for caution on both the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing tensions in Gaza and the Middle East. It speaks of the need to "engage in diplomat- ic efforts" and takes a dig at Rob- erta Metsola by warning against "premature reactions, which could possibly lead to tragic con- sequences." But it remains unclear how one can negotiate with Vladimir Putin in the absence of Russia's withdrawal from conquered Ukrainian territory. The reality is that we are not living in an age of peace and love but in an era where international law is being constantly challenged by actors who believe that might is right. Labour's definition of neutral- ity is qualified in the manifesto as one which does not exclude "a clear position against any wrongdoing." However, unlike the European Socialists, Labour seems to ignore the changed ge- opolitical reality, in which Eu- rope is facing an aggressor that has no qualms about using mil- itary might to crush insubordi- nate neighbours. In this context, Labour's paci- fist credentials underlined in the commitment that Labour MEPs will "ensure that the Europe we are part of serves as a promoter of peace amongst people world- wide, rather than a source of conflict or division," sounds like empty declarations made by Eu- rovision or Miss World contest- ants. This raises the question; is La- bour naive or is it ready to un- dermine the current EU consen- sus and partner with the likes of Victor Orban? Labour's foreign policy stance clearly contrasts with the Eu- ropean Socialists' recognition that "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is a turning point in history," which under- scores the need for "greater col- laboration and deeper solidarity" in facing a new and dangerous international environment. In contrast to the PL, the Eu- ropean Socialists underline their support for the European de- fence industry through targeted and smarter spending. The PL's stance on Ukraine clearly falls short of the EU Socialists' "un- wavering support" for Ukraine, by "providing political, human- itarian, financial, and military assistance for as long as needed", with the goal being "to support Ukraine in restoring its territori- al integrity and achieving a just and sustainable peace". One can criticise the EU So- cialists (and the west at large) for double standards, especially when one contrasts their sup- port for Ukraine and their timid support for a "sustainable cease- fire" in the current aggression against Palestinians in Gaza. While the Socialists "support an international peace conference to achieve an equitable two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians that respects the rights and duties of the two peo- ples," they fall short of calling for effective sanctions against Israel punishing its blatant violation of international law. This is one aspect where one would have expected Labour to bring its historic support for the Palestinian cause to the European table. Labour candi- dates could make a difference by working alongside socialist MEPs from countries like Spain to push for a fundamental shift in the EU's position. However, Labour's manifesto falls short of any forceful reproach of Israel's contempt for international law. Against the one-size-fits-all dogma More understandable is Mal- tese Labour's focus on Malta's small island realities. This pro- vides Labour MEPs with the op- portunity to make a difference by bringing Maltese realities to the negotiating table and to shape the progressive agenda. One of the most interesting pro- posals made in Labour's manifes- to is for a "systematic evaluation of the impact on small member states and island state members" to be "carried out before enacting any legislation." While there is no excuse for delaying measures addressing existential threats like climate change, bringing Malta's realities to the table can comple- ment and even ensure greater consensus for these commit- ments. The PL's manifesto correctly notes that as an island member state, Malta has a far greater de- pendency on the aviation and maritime sectors compared to other countries. These sectors are crucial for all our imports and exports and for the tour- ism industry. Still, Labour's intransigent commitment that its MEPs will "stand firm in the face of pressures that oppose our national interests" and that "Maltese and Gozitan families and businesses will always come first" is alien to the give-and-take diplomacy that characterises the European Union. Moreover, there is no guarantee that Malta will always have its way. At best, it can mitigate the impact of cer- tain measures. For example, Labour now speaks of protecting and pro- moting the Maltese maritime sector, "while offering incen- tives for decarbonisation efforts and supporting shipping routes that connect us to other conti- nents." Yet the government has been criticised by local business lobbies for not doing enough to protect local industry when new EU regulations were recent- ly introduced. The EU can't be expected to delay measures di- rected against one of the most polluting industries, but a case can be made to mitigate the im- pact on smaller countries. The Labour Party manifesto is pragmatic on economic realities and naive on foreign policy. JAMES DEBONO compares it with that of the European socialists, finding some glaring contrasts and omissions. The PL manifesto (inset) for the European Parliament election was unveiled by Prime Minister Robert Abela during a public activity in Siggiewi. (Photo: PL)