Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi  has called on the European Parliament to take a leading role in the current economic crisis by promoting measures that will help to foster growth and jobs in Europe.

Speaking in Strasbourg yesterday for the first time since becoming the first female Member of the European Parliament from Malta, Ms Mizzi said: "The European Parliament must send out a strong signal that it is here for the citizens that it represents.  We must ensure that all the decisions taken by us help our citizens improve their quality of life by promoting growth and making sure that no one is left behind".

Yesterday she was appointed member of the economic and monetary affairs committee (ECON), which is widely considered as one of the most influential committees in the European Parliament.

She has also been proposed as ECON's vice-chair, a position which will be made official in the next meeting. Speaking about her role, Ms Mizzi said:  "In my role as a member of the ECON committee, I will be doing my best to ensure that our economies get on the right track as soon as possible.  I believe that now more than ever, we must work hard to push forward sensible economic measures which promote sustainable growth".