Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/302202
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 27 APRIL 2014 16 Europe 2014 JURGEN BALZAN ALTHOUGH Maltese voters are mainly concerned with lo- cal issues, Labour, PN and Alternattiva Demokratika are affili- ated with their respective pan-European parties, which have a European manifesto, outlining their vision for the next five years. While Alternattiva Demokratika and the European Green Party manifestos are identical, Labour and the PN do not agree with the European People's Party and the Socialists & Demo- crats on a number of issues, particularly on the introduction of a financial transection tax and migration. While EPP has not pronounced itself clearly on the introduc- tion of a financial transaction tax, the European Socialists are proposing the introduction of a 'Robin Hood' tax on transac- tions made by financial institutions. However, both Labour and the Nationalist parties oppose the tax, which they argue would damage the financial services sec- tor, which employs over 7,000 and makes up around 10% of Malta's GDP. How do European manifestos compare? All European parties have now approved their electoral manifestos for the forthcoming European elections. MaltaToday takes a look at the programmes of the three parties represented by local parties and how they compare EPP S&D GREENS DIGITAL RIGHTS EPP vows to reinforce citizens' privacy rights and protect personal data, Creating a single market in digital service is central in the creation of new digital jobs. The Socialists view the digital world as a tool to create economic, cultural and democratic opportunities. While acknowledging the need to safeguard citizens' privacy rights, the Socialists say the digital revolution can enhance freedom of expression and media pluralism. The Greens want a digital bill of rights as they hold that personal data belongs to individual citizens, not to companies or governments. Privacy must be respected. The Greens are also proposing the abolition of the data retention law, which obliges telecom providers to store data about whom citizens communicate with. ECONOMY EPP promises the creation of conditions which favour SMEs by investing in research, education and technology. EPP is committed to invest in education, research and technology, leading to innovation, new ideas, a competitive economy rooted in knowledge and new digital services Advocating a progressive economic model, the Socialists propose a gradual reduction in national budget deficits alongside targeted investment and support for the most vulnerable. This would boost growth, create jobs and bring down public debt. The Socialists also believe that social issues should be central to the economic and monetary union, putting social rights and standards for all Europeans on equal terms with economic goals The Greens' answer to the economic crisis is a Green New Deal which includes a strategy of economic transformation built upon sustainability, solidity and solidarity. The economy should serve the people and the planet now, and for future generations. They also maintain that the crisis has shown that an economic model based on a narrow vision of economic growth has failed. ENVIRONMENT EPP advocate sustainable growth based on a competitive and innovative economy, while respecting the environment. The Socialists are proposing a new set of laws e.g. forcing car companies to make cleaner cars, reduce industrial emissions through an improved 'cap and trade' system, switch energy use to alternative sources, including biofuels and create binding targets for all EU countries to further reduce emissions at national level. Supporting a agricultural reform, the Socialists are also proposing that funding should be based on contractual payments, rather than generalised subsidies. They also propose the setting up of sustainable fish quotas, an end to fish discards, protection for small-scale fishermen and improved standards in fisheries agreements with non-EU countries. Perennial advocates of sustainability and environmental justice, the Greens are proposing an outright ban on GMOs, better management of fish stocks and fairer treatment for small-scale, local fishing inside and outside Europe, a reduction in animal transport times and to end live animal exports, climate-smart, sustainable, fair and ethically sound farming, a ban on the use of food crops for fuel and greener transportation especially by increasing efficiency in railway connections and making electric bicycles, tramways, trains and cars more attractive. ENERGY The party says it is determined to combat climate change through more efficient use of energy and investment in renewable energy while preserving Europe's industrial base through affordable energy prices. Energy security and clean energy top the Socialists' agenda. They intend to do this by investing in renewable energy and the green economy, end energy poverty and guarantee minimum access to energy for everyone. A carbon-neutral society by 2050 tops the Greens' agenda which they believe can be achieved by reducing energy consumption by 40% over the next 15 years and at the same time, renewable energy, excluding agrofuels, must be boosted to ensure 45% of energy consumption by 2030. On safety and security grounds, the Greens oppose nuclear energy and fracking for shale gas, which they say doesn't create long-term jobs, and its effect on energy prices is minimal. They also advocate greater energy independency, which can be achieved by cooperation among member states when it comes to energy, and for a Europe-wide electricity grid that means countries in Europe's north can rely on solar energy generated in the south, while countries in the east can rely on wind energy generated of Europe's west coast.