Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1521306
13 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 MAY 2024 MEP 2024 Q&A Is the European Union relevant to the Maltese? Overall, the EU is vital for Malta's eco- nomic growth, social progress, and envi- ronmental sustainability. EU membership provides substantial economic benefits, including access to the single market and significant funding for infrastructure and development projects. Socially, EU mem- bership allows Maltese citizens to trav- el, work, and study freely across member states, enriching their cultural and educa- tional experiences. Environmentally, the EU supports Malta in implementing strict regulations, promoting sustainability, and funding projects that address climate change, waste management, and renewable energy. The greatest success of the EU remains the fact that, for generations, we have managed to maintain peace on the continent. Un- fortunately, some EU politicians, including those with the power to affect change like Roberta Metsola, are now focusing on wars, armaments, and the number of tanks at our borders. In contrast, we should be working towards peace. For decades, we have taken peace in Eu- rope for granted. I hope that future gen- erations, like mine and those before, will also experience enduring peace. However, achieving this requires concerted effort in the EU institutions. There is no progress without peace. That is why I am committed to helping build a coalition for peace with other like-minded progressives who aim to secure a stable and peaceful future for our children. The Maltese electorate is motivated by issues that are local and often partisan. Does this not make it more difficult for you to campaign? Not at all. Local issues are European is- sues, and European issues are local issues. Throughout the election campaign, I've engaged with people from all walks of life. Every day, I meet young people, seniors, busy workers, trade unionists, and expe- rienced entrepreneurs who are eager to improve their lives and our country. The recurring themes in these conversations are price stability and peace of mind. Many express relief that energy prices in Mal- ta remained stable, unlike the situation in other parts of Europe. They emphasise the importance of defending the right to ener- gy subsidies within the European Union. For the elderly, one word stands out: pen- sions. They repeatedly tell me how the re- cent pension increases have significantly improved their lives, a stark contrast to a few years back when pensions were stag- nant. Their faces light up as they describe being better able to care for their children and grandchildren. There's also a strong sentiment about the importance of not harming our country. Many feel disheartened by seeing Maltese MEPs who, while defending other coun- tries, do not hesitate to criticise Malta. The electorate wants MEPs to unite and advo- cate for Malta's interests. Malta has a small representation in the European parliament. Can it be influential? A Member of the European Parliament must be firm, convincing, and capable of uniting diverse parties. Competence is crucial, ensuring that our positions are well-informed and thoroughly researched. We should avoid claiming any special sta- tus or divine right to dictate to others. In- stead, we must emphasize Malta's unique characteristics as a small, insular island on the outskirts of the European Continent, recognising that not every law will suit our specific needs. We can transform these challenges in- to opportunities and serve as a model for Europe in various areas. Malta has a prov- en track record of success, exemplified by achievements of Maltese MEPs. For instance, Joseph Muscat played a pivotal role in drafting legislation that resulted in lower mobile telephony bills across Eu- rope through regulated roaming charges. Similarly, Miriam Dalli successfully unit- ed different factions within the European Parliament to legislate for cleaner vehicle emissions. When equipped with competence and a clear vision, we can make impactful de- cisions. Malta's contributions in the past illustrate our potential to continue being effective and influential within the EU. Why are you so motivated to stand as a member of the European parliament? We need competent individuals who can effectively persuade and negotiate with- in the European Union Parliament. They must be proficient at uniting political par- ties, factions, and diverse opinions to en- sure that European directives and laws are beneficial for both the EU and Malta. This task is particularly crucial in the coming years, as the next five years will shape the EU for decades to come. Key issues on the agenda include digital and environmental transition, along with legislation concern- ing finance, artificial intelligence, and la- bour market. With my experience across various fields and my distinctive qualities, I believe I can play a pivotal role in achieving these objec- tives. Steve E l l u l Labour Party candidate for the MEP election M a r i j a S a ra Ve l l a G a fa Is the EU relevant to the Maltese? Without a doubt. EU membership has renewed Malta's geopolitical rel- evance as a small island state in the Mediterranean. It has led to funda- mental political, economic, and social developments. In today's day and age, the EU is more important than ever in promoting economic stability. With global conflicts around us, it's clear we need to focus on Europe's own eco- nomic growth and reduce dependen- cies. The EU helps maintain peace and security among its Member States, pre- venting conflicts through cooperation. It also plays a key role in internation- al affairs, as seen with Malta's OSCE chairmanship, and sets high standards for human rights, social welfare, and environmental protection. Europe leads in research and innovation, funds important programmes, and manages crises like climate change, migration, and pandemics with coordinated ef- forts. Labour representatives have con- sistently shown leadership in these are- as, unlike those who push for wars and criticise aid during times of hardship. The Maltese electorate is motivated by issues which are local and often partisan, does this not make it more difficult for you to campaign? I disagree. The issues facing the Mal- tese are not all unique to us. Our so- ciety is evolving and learning to navi- gate its own economic progress, which comes with challenges. Like any other relatively young nation, we have our difficulties: Our size, the fact that we are an island, and that for many years we were led by other countries until a Labour government obtained freedom for us all. Today, only 45 years later, we are receiving one economic certificate after another, confirming us as the best performers among our neighbours and even superpowers. My campaigning is only made easi- er by those making puerile arguments and trying to paint everything in dark- er hues. Those who use nostalgia as a political weapon imply, without say- ing it directly, that they want to turn back the clock to a time when women's place was at home, when jobs were scarce, when we had fewer graduates, when traveling was seen as a luxury, and when we looked up to other coun- tries, dreaming of living their lifestyle. Today, we live much better in our own country. Malta has a small representation in the European Parliament, can we be influential? The small size of our country does not diminish the influence we have through strong Euro-Parliamentary Members. What matters is having the best interests of the country at heart. As an MEP, listening to the Maltese and Gozitans and being their voice in Europe can make a significant differ- ence. In the European Parliament, MPs have a lot of flexibility in how they vote – they can follow their conscience, vote according to their country's interests, or adhere to the party's line. Some even vote against their country's interests! While Malta has only six MEPs, each member's vote in committees such as those on the environment, health, and transport carries the same weight as those from larger countries. When Malta held the presidency, no one sug- gested overtaking us because of our small size. Therefore, we must not think that our size determines our im- pact. Instead, we should make the right choice by voting for Labour candidates who prioritise our country's needs. Why are you so motivated to stand as a member of the European Parliament? I am motivated because meeting peo- ple has shown me how much work there is to do. I chose my themes after consulting with the people themselves. My political purpose is to listen to and act on what people are telling me, af- ter carefully studying the situation. First of all, I stress the importance of investing much more in mental health education. Here, we can truly make better use of European funds. An- other important topic is the need for more funds specifically dedicated to affordable housing. When a person or couple is buying their first home, there should be no stress related to financial problems. We need to consolidate Eu- ropean schemes and introduce strong financial education programmes start- ing at an early age in our schools. Ad- ditionally, a major issue affecting many citizens is the red tape experienced with local banks. It is unacceptable that services continue to become more dif- ficult while bank tariffs constantly rise. We can examine good European prac- tices and implement them in our coun- try so that people, like you and me, do not give up before they even reach the bank's doorstep. These are but a few motivating factors... there's so much more to discuss! Labour Party candidate for the MEP election