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21 Opinion maltatoday, SUNDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2013 Syria in crisis When push comes to shove A s the summer recess comes to an end, the corridors of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg are once again bustling with activity. With this being the last parliamentary session before the EP elections of May 2014, many might think of this year as a wasted and useless year, with no real work of substance accomplished and most of the MEPs focusing on their own re-election campaigns. The reality, however, could not be more different than that. Finding a solution to the current economic and social crisis is still one of the areas of utmost priority for this parliament. In the next Strasbourg plenary session, in fact, the European Parliament will be called to vote upon two very important reports on the establishment of a European banking union. These two reports are considered to be an important step forward in ensuring that the European Union – more specifically, its banks – are better equipped to deal with any future economic crises. Apart from the reports on the banking union, the next plenary session will also feature the annual State of the Union address by Marlene Mizzi the President of the European Commission, Manuel Barroso. The State of the Union speech has become a very important and muchawaited speech, as it highlights the priority areas of the EU for the coming year. In particular this year's speech will be awaited, not only for its economic message, but also for what it has to say about other important international issues. The area of foreign policy has always been one which has put the European Union in considerable discomfort. Up to now, all attempts at a common foreign policy have resulted in failure. The current situation in the Middle East, therefore, is a delicate issue which must be treated with extreme sensitivity. That being said, such sensitivity must not be used as an excuse for the EU to cower away from its moral responsibilities. The situations in Egypt and Syria are, in fact, worrying for a number of reasons. First of all, the two countries are geographically close to the border of the European Union – with Egypt sharing the Mediterranean basin with a number of EU members. Therefore, any I believe that in such a situation as Syria, the European Union could lead the efforts, not only in providing aid and assistance to those who are suffering, but also in ensuring that both sides are able to actually sit down together and negotiate an end to this conflict The area of foreign policy has always been one which has put the European Union in considerable discomfort. Up to now, all attempts at a common foreign policy have resulted in failure instability in the Mediterranean region can negatively affect the economies of neighbouring European countries. This may also mean that there will be an increase in the influx of asylum seekers towards the safer European countries. We must therefore understand the consequences that such conflicts will have upon us and prepare ourselves accordingly. The EU must realise that the influx into any of the EU peripheral countries is effectively entry into the EU, and that it must face this objective fact with concrete action, not flimsy words. More importantly than any economic consideration, however, is the fact that the conflicts going on in Syria and Egypt are resulting in the loss of human life. As a union which has always been at the forefront of the upholding of human rights, we must therefore do our best in order to ensure that these conflicts are resolved and the massacre of innocent citizens is immediately stopped. The situation in Syria is particularly worrying. The recent news that chemical gases may have been used on civilians is most disconcerting. The current UN mandate to verify the situation is a very good step forward. However, it must not be the last step. I believe that in such a situation, the European Union could lead the efforts, not only in providing aid and assistance to those who are suffering, but also in ensuring that both sides are able to actually sit down together and negotiate an end to this conflict. This year will be a crucial one for or us parliamentarians. The European Parliament has been strengthening its power of oversight and legislation within the union, as it effectively should. In order to keep such a pace, the only solution is to face the problems that are in front of us with adequate professionalism and maturity. We must not be afraid of tackling thorny economic issues or international conflicts. It is only by doing so that we can ensure that the only directly elected European institution is given the support and respect that it deserves from its own citizens. Sitting back and watching is not an option. Marlene Mizzi is a member of the European Parliament