A petition kick-started by PN MEP Roberta Metsola after concerns were raised on the safety of residents where the floating gas storage unit is planned, has garnered nearly 1,400 signatures, the target being to reach 2,000 signatures.

The petition, launched on 18 February, is expected to be presented to the European Parliament.

The petitioners believe that this floating gas storage unit, planned to be berthed at Marsaxlokk’s bay, may run contrary to the provisions of the SEVESO II Directive, particularly as this unit will be berthed so close to a heavily populated residential area, as well as an operational power station and land-based gas storage facilities.

The Directive followed the 1976 factory accident, whose factory produced herbicides and antiseptics. The accident resulted in the contamination of the Seveso region in Italy and the poisoning not only of the factory workers but also of the local population in general