Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/779073
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 29 JANUARY 2017 EU Summit 5 six - month EU presidency Europe's neighbourhood Europe's security and prosperity are interlinked with those of its neighbourhood, with countries bordering the Southern Mediterra- nean facing serious challenges, including armed conflict, terrorism, political instability and radicalisation. Aware of the potential ripple effects of instability beyond Europe's borders, the Maltese Presidency will focus EU engagement on the stabilisation of its neighbourhood. The EU Global Strategy will be an important reference to guide the Union's action and determine its role as a relevant and effective player. Particular attention will inadvertently be paid to the EU's southern neighbourhood, with the stabilisation of Libya and the Union's con- tribution to a peaceful transition being key priorities. The Maltese Presidency will support EU and international efforts for the resumption of the Middle East Peace Process between Israel and Palestine and will seek to ensure that the democratic transition in Tunisia remains on track. Contributing to the EU and international efforts to address the Syrian conflict, deepening the relationship between the EU and the League of Arab States, and engagement with the Eastern Neighbour- hood will remain important for the presidency, including supporting Ukraine and ensuring cooperation with Russia on issues of global and regional concern. Social Inclusion The Maltese Government said it will be guided by close consul- tation with social partners, civil society and citizens in order to advance gender equality and rights of minorities and vulnerable groups. Improving participation of women in the labour market remains a key objective. The Maltese Presidency will hope to achieve pro- gress on issues relating to gender balance including the proposal for a directive on improving gender balance among directors of companies listed on stock exchanges. Malta will also continue to combat gender-based violence, in particular by promoting the sharing of best practices and ex- changing information on existing legislation, policies and strate- gies, as well as statistical data and studies. A ministerial-level conference on LGBTIQ issues will be hosted by Malta in order to further explore the Commission's roadmap on this area. Maritime The EU will be increasingly dependent on the seas and oceans and Malta will be pursuing the sustainability and continuing development of the maritime sector, under the EU Integrated Maritime Policy. In addition, the sector provides a diverse spectrum of innovative research and commercial activities that could be developed into high value-add- ed job opportunities in line with the Blue Growth Initiative towards growth and competitiveness. International Ocean Governance will also be formally put on Malta's agenda, with the aim of ensuring political endorsement on the way forward on a more coherent, comprehensive and effective EU policy to improve the international ocean governance framework and the sustainability of the oceans. The Western Mediterranean Sea Basin Initiative is expected to be launched early in 2017, targeting a specific geographical area of inter- est to member states and neighbours. The initiative will build on exist- ing structures, within the context of the Blue Economy, to improve maritime governance (with the aim of achieving a level playing field in the region), exploit strengths and address weaknesses, whilst ensuring a sustainable approach.