An innocuous question asking the three newly elected MEPs how Malta can best safeguard its objective one status in the EU had both Marlene Mizzi and Claudette Abela Baldacchino scratching their heads this morning.

Both of the MEPs, elected on behalf of the Labour Party, said that they will “refrain from commenting,” due to lack of understanding of the issue.

Objective one status allows Malta to benefit from additional EU funding. The island’s position is under pressure having exceeded the parameters necessary in order to qualify for the extra funding.

Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas, who was elected for the Nationalist Party, said that it is vital that Malta proves that is has used the EU’s funds sagely in order to safeguard Malta’s objective one status.  She said that it is vital that all channels are kept open with the permanent representatives in Brussels.

The MEPS were speaking during a business seminar organised by the European parliament office in Malta and the Malta business bureau.

All three females MEPs expressed themselves willing to engage with the business society in Malta, saying that their doors are always open.

The MEPs said that they will make it a point to visit Malta on a weekly basis in order to keep and ongoing dialogue with business and their constituents.