Malta is a member state of the European Union (EU). It is one of its 27 member states. Each state is unique and diverse. The unity in diversity of the various member states is a principal characteristic of the EU. The beauty of each state is its uniqueness which renders and enriches the European capital. The diversity of each state has to be respected at all institutional levels of the EU; all legislation, directives and regulations are equally applicable to all. Yet, each member state, and Malta is no exception, has its own particular characteristics. The one size fits all approach of the EU does not address the diversity of each member state. Each has its own characteristics which gives rise to specific circumstances which are exclusive to it. In the case of Malta, and more acute for Gozo, insularity is a characteristic which burdens Maltese and Gozitans and imposes further limitations than other states on mainland Europe.

 

Malta first and foremost

 

In all member states, the national interest comes first. What is in the interest of a given member state comes first and foremost for that particular state. Prior Malta’s accession to the EU, this approach had been adopted in Malta. Both the late Prime Ministers Dom Mintoff and Gorg Borg Olivier believed in this vision and both, in their own distinctive manner, worked for this aim. It is true that Mintoff, given the character, education and training, his message was more vociferous, passionate and determined. Malta L-Ewwel u Qabel Kollox was the vision which led to Malta becoming independent in 1964, a republic in 1974 and free from foreign military presence in 1979. Malta joined the EU a decade ago. An important event, which we will be celebrating its golden jubilee this year, is Malta’s accession as a member of the United Nations. Yes, Malta (and Gozo), became a member of this highest global body, half a century ago. At this level, Malta is equal to numerous other member states of the EU with the exception of the United Kingdom and France. Yes, at this level, Malta is on an equal footing with Germany with one vote each.

At the European Parliament (EP), the scenario is different; Germany has the highest number of seats in parliament, nearly 100, whilst Malta is one of the four member states with the least number of seats, namely six. The number of seats, which sounds discouraging, does reflect the population of a given member state. Yet, this does not have any bearing on one’s vision. We, Maltese and Gozitans, may differ in personal opinions, political ideas and ideologies but it is of paramount importance that, away from the islands, we are one. For us, Malta (and Gozo) was, is and will remain first and foremost. They are the islands which our parents bequeathed to our children. We are just their guardians; we are survivors. We survived despite that our islands are poor in natural resources, they are rich in the human capital, you and me, us together. The latent motive was the national interest. It came first and foremost and must remain such to respect ourselves, what renders us Maltese and Gozitans.

 

National interest(s)

 

At EU level, Malta’s interest(s) in the coming years are various. Central themes are certainly un/employment, youths, poverty, environment and immigration. Unemployment and precarious work is a major problem. These affect all strata of society. A special mention is the youths, the young citizens and tomorrow’s leaders. These are being exploited openly under the precept of ‘internships’. This is unacceptable. In the national interest, they must be treated with dignity and encouraged to participate proactively in innovative ways.

When we refer to the environment, reference is often made to nature which is very important. The environment is our life, our health. But under this heading, other spectra from our daily living come into play and this includes, although not much reinforced, the socio-economic setting. Poverty is a reality, a reality resulting from various factors which include unemployment and/or precarious work. Irregular immigration is another significant issue. This issue is caused by the instability affecting sub-Saharan countries. One had to address the cause rather than just treat the effects. Such immigration is impinging significantly on Malta and Gozo and may give rise to security issues.

 

Final comment

 

Malta has got six seats in the EP. All have to be filled. They are ours. I sincerely hope that Maltese and Gozitan voters will elect the best six candidates to represent us at this institution within the EU. It is imperative that all have the credentials and credibility to project and effectively convey the national spirit within this European forum. Experience and expertise are of paramount importance. Equally vital is that all are mature to work for the national interest first and foremost. Political ideology may differ, so one’s personal opinion, but it is of overriding importance that all candidates elected at the EP are mature and transcend the local/national mentality. At the EP level, all MEPs have to be one voice, the voice of Malta and Gozo. At the EU, we are a nation equal to any other member state. We are diverse and that is what makes us unique. We have to be one voice in Europe; we are with them, not theirs – B’vuci wahda fl-Ewropa; Maghhom, mhux taghhom.

 

 Lino Bianco is an MEP candidate contesting on the Labour ticket