“The rise in the utility surcharge is inevitable,” Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told the media yesterday during a break at the European Council meeting, after pointing out that the Maltese pay utility surcharges that reflect the international price of fuel of six months ago.
Although the Irish “no” vote on the Lisbon Treaty on 12 June almost hijacked the European Council meeting, Dr Gonzi insisted that the EU should remain focused on the rise in the price of food and fuel.
Speaking to journalists, Dr Gonzi insisted that the EU should not let institutional questions sway the focus from fuel prices, which he said would in all probability continue their upward climb. In this scenario, a rise in the utility surcharge was inevitable.
The prime minister said the EU governments have already stated their intention about diversifying their energy sources, with some countries proposing a nuclear or other alternative energy.
The Maltese government, said Dr Gonzi, will be issuing its energy proposals by the end of the year, given that no technical or technological hitches hindered the government’s plan. The prime minister would not reveal into which particular area the government would invest its efforts, however, he said wind energy was surely on the government’s books, and he did not rule out solar energy.
He also pointed out that an immediate solution to the problem is close to impossible as measures taken now will inevitably take effect in the long run. He reiterated the Nationalist Party’s electoral promise to distribute energy saving light bulbs as well as aid schemes for the use of photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters. Better rates for electricity generated through alternative sources and released in the national grid are to be expected, said the prime minister, yet the country’s economic reality should always be borne in mind. Dr Gonzi said the Malta Environment and Planning Authority will be involved in devising incentives for people who turn to alternative sources of energy in their private residences.
However, he was more positive regarding the rise in the price of cereals, which is predicted to slow down.
Speaking about the Lisbon Treaty, Dr Gonzi said he respected Ireland’s decision, as it was a democratic one, however, the decision of 19 member states, including Malta, who have already ratified the treaty should also be respected.
Earlier, European Parliament president Hans-Gert Pöttering told the council that Ireland should be given a chance to take stock of the situation till the next council in October.
This would lead to the treaty being ratified prior to the next EP elections of June 2009. In this case, Malta will gain another seat in the EP.
The summit of heads of state and government was preceded by a meeting of the European parties. Dr Gonzi, as Nationalist Party leader attended the European People’s Party (EPP) meeting.
Dr Gonzi told the press that the EPP discussed the best way forward for the Lisbon Treaty after Ireland’s rejection. The EPP advocated that member states carry on with the ratification process notwithstanding Ireland’s decision. In this regard, said Dr Gonzi, his counterparts noted with satisfaction that the UK’s House of Lords ratified the treaty on Wednesday. There are now 19 member states, including Malta, who have already ratified.
Dr Gonzi said the EPP was in favour of giving Ireland enough time to reconsider.
The EPP also discussed the rise in the prices of fuel and food, with Dr Gonzi indicating that the party looked into analyses and the implication of the phenomenon throughout the bloc, with a view to finding an internal solution.
The political grouping also discussed migration, an issue having a sharp impact on Malta. Dr Gonzi noted an interesting development on the issue of burden sharing, but stopped short of saying what the development was. The subject will be discussed in Council today.
The meeting ends today and will mark the transfer of the 27-state union presidency from Slovenia to France.