Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1521709
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 JUNE 2024 MEP 2024 Q&A Is the European Union relevant to the Maltese? The European Union is extremely important to the Maltese. Malta's EU membership has offered consid- erable economic benefits, including access to a huge single market that expands trade and investment possi- bilities. We are no longer just a small island within the Mediterranean Sea. It is much easier to export and im- port goods and services more freely, which helps to boost the economy and create jobs. EU funds is another aspect where the Maltese have gained a lot from the EU. Such funding has been crit- ical for Malta's growth, helping with social programmes that raise the standard of living as well as infra- structure, education, and environ- mental protection initiatives. When Malta joined the EU, we gained a much stronger voice. Mal- ta's influence in international affairs is increased by the union. Further- more, all Maltese citizens have been able to enjoy the benefits of the four freedoms. One can now go study, work, or live in another member state, therefore broadening pros- pects on a personal and professional level. The Maltese electorate is motivated by issues which are local and often partisan, does this not make it more difficult for you to campaign? Indeed, it is true that Maltese peo- ple are very driven by local politics. There are unique opportunities as well as challenges when managing a campaign in the Maltese politi- cal system, where local politics play a major role. Voter interests can be superseded by party loyalty, and re- grettably, we sometimes have a ten- dency to prioritise local politics be- fore outlining our vision for Europe. Nonetheless, the EU framework may also be used to address these local concerns. It is very critical to link local con- cerns with that of the EU. Bridging the gap between local issues and EU policy can be achieved by highlight- ing concrete advantages, such as the creation of jobs through EU invest- ment or environmental improve- ments sponsored by EU programmes. Partisanship is not always a bad thing, as long as people can think critically. This indicates active citi- zens. I believe that rather than mak- ing it more difficult, campaigning can be more successful if local and partisan problems are addressed within the framework of EU benefits and policies. Malta has a small representation in the European Parliament, can we be influential? Despite Malta's relatively small rep- resentation in the European Parlia- ment, we have the potential to have significant influence. Malta's six MEPs play an important role in co- alition formation, which is essential at EU level. By creating alliances and focusing on the most pressing issues, Maltese MEPs can ensure that our interests are acknowledged and dealt with. Furthermore, Malta's distinct location and viewpoints can offer in- sightful information on matters such as migration and small-state diffi- culties, assisting in the development of more inclusive EU policies. Even though we are small, we can none- theless have a significant impact on European policy. Why are you so motivated to stand as a member of the European Parliament? I want to be the link between the Maltese and the EU. As a young MEP candidate, my main reason for run- ning was my belief in the power of young voices to effect significant change. We require a healthy mix of experience and fresh viewpoints. My goal is to ensure that policies in the European Parliament represent the interests of youths by bringing new ideas and solutions to the table. Many people feel disconnected from EU politics, and I intend to help bridge that gap. Above all, I want to understand why youth in- volvement has dropped and attempt to get young people closer to the po- litical arena. In addition to serving all constituents and influencing pol- icy decisions that benefit Malta, my aims are to positively impact society. Most importantly, I aim to inspire all newcomers, regardless of party affiliation, to be courageous enough to take this leap. Our country needs you. M i r i a n a C a l l e j a Te st a fe r ra t a d e N o to Nationalist Party MEP election candidate Is the European Union relevant to the Maltese? Brussels passes up to 200 laws per year. These apply to the day-to-day life of the Maltese. For instance, the Waste Water Di- rective which was supported by the Maltese government in Brussels is set to increase the costs of medicines in Malta. New EU rules on road, air and sea transport are leading to higher cost of living for the Maltese as we import most of our goods. What happens in Brussels does not stay in Brussels. We ur- gently need to adapt the EU better to Mal- tese needs given that we have very specific circumstances as an island and as a small na- tion. This is why we need to vote and choose the best six competent people to represent us at the European Parliament on 8 June. The Maltese electorate is motivated by issues which are local and often partisan, does this not make it more difficult for you to campaign? All politics is local. My role is to make Europe think Maltese and make Malta more European in practice. During the past years, I tackled a good number of lo- cal issues through the EU solutions. Over the past years, I advocated for the safe- ty of Hal Farrug residents by urging the Commission to enforce safety measures in compliance with the EU Seveso Directive. I successfully lobbied the Commission to safeguard the interests of Maltese lampuki fishers from Tunisian counterparts. I upheld the interests of Maltese consum- ers during the onset of the war in Ukraine, advocating for the European Commission to intervene when wheat exports to Mal- ta were blocked by other European coun- tries. As a member of then president Antonio Tajani's cabinet, I spearheaded efforts to ensure that Malta pursued full justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia and her family. I secured €700,000 in EU funding to es- tablish free Wi-Fi in public spaces in Mal- ta and initiated an audit on the use of EU funds for sewage treatment in response to recurrent sewage outflows into our seas. If elected, as MEP, I will treble my out- put. I am committed to leveraging my ex- perience of the EU and my energy to deliv- er tangible results for Malta and Gozo. Malta has a small representation in the Eu- ropean Parliament, can we be influential? I speak out of experience as I have negotiat- ed dozens of EU laws at the European Coun- cil and parliament. There is no one in the EU willing to make our life in Malta more difficult. If you are able to present your ar- gument well, supported with robust reasons and with full knowledge of the wider con- text, you can achieve results notwithstand- ing the size of your country/delegation. The Maltese government is not making the case well on the specific realities in Malta and the four Labour MEPs have been busy cov- ering up for their government. This needs to change. We need to be better prepared through sound arguments and prior con- sultations before laws are adopted. Recently, Minister Silvio Schembri commissioned a study on the economic challenges of Malta following the adoption of a new EU-wide environmental shipping tax. Things should work the other way around. Impact assess- ments must precede adoption of laws. Why are you so motivated to stand as a member of the European Parliament? I would have the amazing privilege of helping the people of Malta reap the full benefits of EU membership. My strategic vision is centred around six key priorities: 1. Ensuring effective implementation of EU Laws and standards: It's imperative that we move beyond mere paper check- lists to ensure practical application giv- ing real rights and adopting proper EU standards within Malta. 2. Combatting corruption through new methods: Leveraging resources such as the EU anti-fraud office OLAF and EU directives, I am committed to fight cor- ruption and uphold transparency. 3. Tailoring EU legislation to Malta's unique context: Proactive engagement is crucial to shaping EU legislation in a manner that best serves Malta's specific needs and challenges. 4. Facilitating access to EU opportuni- ties for youth and organisations: I want to treble the amounts of free travel, trainee- ships, work and voluntary sector oppor- tunities for the Maltese. 5. Enhancing Gozo's connectivity: Strategic use of EU funding to invest in modern ferry boats to enhance connec- tivity and drive economic development in Gozo. 6. Extending the benefits of EU funding to a wider circle: Ensure funding oppor- tunities reach the common citizen and the smaller entities in society including NGOs, cultural organisaitons and small- er businesses. These priorities reflect my commitment to proactive governance, collaboration, and progress, ensuring a brighter future for our communities. Pe te r Ag i u s Nationalist Party MEP election candidate