Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning met with EU Health and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Tonio Borg. The two discussed a number of issues including the recently adopted tobacco directive.

Dr Borg had promised that the directive would be approved by end January and despite criticism that the directive won’t go through, Dr Borg said the Commission had done so six weeks ahead of schedule.

The European Parliament and Council of Ministers are expected to fully approve the directive by June 2014.

The controversial draft Tobacco Directive was approved for consultation by the EU commission on December 19 and the ban on snus is to be kept in place. This Directive was placed before the EU Commission for its consideration by Malta’ s Commissioner.

Dr Borg replaced John Dalli after Mr Dalli was forced to resign.

 

PL committed to work with Commissioner Borg 

 

The Labour Party is committed to work with Commissioner Borg in national interest, if elected to government, said Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat in a meeting with Dr Borg, at the Labour Party Headquarters.

Among the challenges linked with Dr Borg's role is our country's name. This led the PL to support his nomination in light of the need to unite the country and to look forward to a future that unites people.

Dr Borg reiterated his thanks to the PL and noted that after three weeks since taking office, he faced his first test and presented the Tobacco Directive.

Despite the fact that he no longer represents the Maltese government, he cannot forget his home country. His portfolio also affects many people and includes directives of great interest for consumers and patients.