By becoming members of the EU, on 12 June the Maltese will be voting for their representatives in the European

Parliament where they are expected to work for Malta to grow in Europe.

Speaking in Gozo, Dr Gonzi said that the Nationalist Party candidates for the EP election were capable, consistent and credible and this is why they were in the best position to give their contribution.

Malta will also have the support of the biggest European parliamentary group, the European Popular Party, a support that will only be enjoyed by Maltese MEPs who represent the Nationalist Party.

Dr Gonzi said that all the countries understood that their unity strengthened the EU, unlike the impression that the Malta Labour Party is giving. The MLP was still saying that the Labour MEPs’ function would be to defend, rather than to create opportunities. On the other hand, once Malta becomes an EU member on Saturday, we need to take all the opportunities that we are given.

The way the MLP talks leads one to believe that the party still has to understand what can be obtained from membership, the prime minister said.