"The Commission can launch infringement proceedings to ensure this, which can result in fines. However, this is always the last resort, and I hope that the Maltese authorities will deal with the Maghtab landfill as required by EU legislation," Ms Wallstrom told MaltaMedia.com in an exclusive interview.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi last week said Maghtab would be closed by 1 May. However it will still be used for temporary storage of waste until one or two interim landfills are built. These landfills would be used until an engineered landfill is constructed.
“Aren't we creating extra problems in the process of solving one?” MaltaMedia.com asked Ms. Wallstrom. "No, you're not," answered the Commissioner. "Any new landfill would have to be built in accordance with EU legislation. If all the requirements are met, there should not be a problem. It is up to the Maltese government to find a solution that is in line with EU Law."
The European Environment Commissioner is aware that the application of the Birds Directive might make some Maltese hunters feel uncomfortable. Ms Wallstrom said: “It is in our common interest to preserve healthy and viable bird populations. Hunters depend on it just as much as ecosystems and the environment do.”
Like the other nine new EU member states, Malta has committed itself to applying the EU Birds Directive from the date of accession. Its aim is to protect threatened and vulnerable bird species and their habitats. “This does not mean that it is against hunting or hunters,” Commissioner Wallstrom said. “But it seeks to ensure sustainable hunting, which allows the hunted bird populations to remain healthy and viable.”
Maltese hunters are well aware of the Birds Directive and they are expected to field their own candidate for the upcoming European Parliamentary elections. If elected this candidate would work to ensure that local hunters keep enjoying their hunting conditions.
“Who the people of Malta elect to the European Parliament is their democratic choice. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on this,” Commissioner Wallstrom told MaltaMedia.com. She said the Commission has always worked with MEPs of all political persuasions and opinions, and will continue to do so. “But I am of course aware that the application of the Birds Directive might make some hunters feel uncomfortable.”
The fact that almost one out of every three children in Malta suffers from asthma and there are over 270,000 vehicles on Malta’s roads worries Commissioner Wallstrom. “A clean environment is very important for health, but it also determines our quality of life. Decision-makers and policymakers have a duty towards their citizens to give them a healthy environment. I believe that the Maltese authorities are aware of, and are tackling, the problems that you mentioned.”
Commissioner Wallstrom noted that the European Commission has assisted Malta in carrying out an independent assessment of air quality and of the equipment required to monitor it, in line with the requirements of EU legislation. “Malta then requested further support in solving air pollution. It has asked for experts to assist in designing a national air quality monitoring programme and equipment. With regard to noise pollution, Malta has requested support to formulate effective public health regulations to control residential noise. It has also requested assistance in training people to investigate and monitor residential noise and to use the appropriate noise monitoring equipment.”
Commissioner Wallstrom told MaltaMedia.com that after accession and until 2006, some €5 billion from the Cohesion and Structural Funds will be available to the ten new member states for environmental projects. “The two sewage treatment plants in Malta are one example of important projects; other typical ones are solid waste treatment facilities, equipment to monitor air and water quality, environmental impact assessments that are required when infrastructure is built, and the establishment of Natura 2000 sites to protect environmentally valuable areas that are rich in biodiversity.”
Ms Wallstrom, who had visited Malta in May 2001, said she hopes that Malta and the EU will closely co-operate in protecting the country’s environment.
(Pierre J. Mejlak interviewed Commissioner Wallstrom in Brussels while on a stage for journalists organised by the Malta-EU Information Centre.)