Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/779073
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 29 JANUARY 2017 EU Summit 11 the next six months. However, from Day One, our Presi- dency is focusing on the issues that matter, the is- sues that address the hopes, concerns and aspirations of every European citizen." Grech ended his speech with another quote, this time by Mahatma Ghandi: "We must be the change that we wish to see in our society." It is up to us, Grech said, all the stakeholders of the EU, to determine our own destiny. nent. In order for our citizens to feel se- cure, we must re-present to them a stable European Union they can all identify as their home. The European Union is a diplomatic body, and we want to utilise this prin- ciple to prioritise Europe's Neighbour- hood. During these six months we want discussions to steer towards aiding stabi- lisation in Libya and doing all we can to help break conflict in Syria. We will also work hard to resume with the Middle East Peace Process. Turkey's relationship with the EU is also among these priori- ties. We will focus on the Single Market, the greatest asset of the EU, and develop the Digital Single Market as well as complete the Internal Energy Market, to bring tangible benefits to our economies, our businesses and our families. Financial and economic wellbeing is especially important in order for the continent and its citizens to thrive. We have already reached agreement the reassignment of the high speed 700MHz band to be used for 5G and want to im- prove access to services for all consumers and eliminating geo-blocking. During our Presidency we will formally eliminate roaming charges and will be seeking to provide Wi-Fi in every town and village in Europe, while also work- ing towards allowing EU citizens to use their home subscription to audio visual content when abroad in the EU. By focusing on energy efficiency, we will reduce consumption in residential buildings, thus reducing costs for citi- zens. During our presidency we also want to find solutions on improving financial aid for SMEs. We promised a presidency that would focus on the citizen and we want to deliver, so we have chosen to prioritise social inclusion. During this time, we want to push towards a better balance between genders in the workplace, while also improving access to finances and the labour market for women and other vulnerable and minority groups. We want to smash the glass ceiling, and this can only be done by eliminat- ing the gender gap. We will also work towards eliminating gender-based violence. During this time, Malta will be hosting a conference on LGBTIQ issues. Last but not least, as an Island State, Malta provides an ideal platform for the discussion of maritime issues. We want to create more jobs for our people, and we can do this by promoting this sector's potential to produce high value added research and job opportuni- ties, while also boosting the industry of nautical tourism. During the 2017 Maltese EU Presidency, the Western Mediterranean Sea Basin Initiative will also be launched, with a view to improve maritime governance while ensuring sustainability. Malta comes to this challenge backed by a history of punching above its weight. We will do our utmost and work hard, but we will also be recognized for our hard work. Our priorities are vast, but they are also humble. We are hope- ful, but we are also realistic. We have chosen these priorities because they are issues that need to be discussed; they affect each and every one of us European Citizens. We are work- ing towards a realistic but pragmatic presidency. Ghandi and … Time is of the essence. What happens short-term will define the future of Europe. We cannot hide. We cannot fail. The buck stops right here ... with all of us ... who must translate hope into action; notwithstanding gigantic obstacles, this is the time to show strength, not weakness; ….. resolve, not doubt; ... unity, not division ... That is what Reunion is all about. In the final analysis it is up to us, all the stakeholders of the EU, to determine our own destiny. As Mahatma Ghandi once said, "we must be the change that we wish to see in our society" We are not talking about a complete re-design of Europe. The EU's fundamental principles are still highly valid and relevant. But due to a deficit in the decision-implementation process, our citizens are asking whether it remains a positive and relevant force in their lives. This is a question all of us have to stand up and answer. Talk of an existential crisis within the EU has become an accepted norm. And it would be a big mistake for the Union to underestimate the size of the challenge that lies before us. However, it would be an even bigger mistake, to walk blindfolded into a downward spiral. Yes, we are living in extraordinary times. But rather than be disheartened, our duty is to come up with an exceptional reaction. This year, the Union must commit itself to finding the unity that has lately eluded it. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary efforts. responsibilities, a time of opportunities