Dr Ian Borg, Parliamentary Secretary Presidency for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU funds is currently visiting the official seat of the European Parliament in Strasbourg as part of his preparations in view of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which Malta will be holding in the first six months of 2017.

During his time in Strasbourg, which coincides with the plenary session of the European Parliament, Dr Borg is holding a number of bilateral meetings with key figures within that institution.

During his meeting with Klaus Welle - Secretary General of the European Parliament - Dr Borg discussed the main issues facing the European Union at the moment. He is also taking the opportunity to discuss the role of the European Parliament in the co-legislative process together with the Council. At the same time, he is explaining the work being done by the Maltese Government together with the governments of the Netherlands and Slovakia as the two other Member States forming part of the ‘Presidency trio’.  This will be on top of the agenda in his meeting with Jerzy Buzek, Former President of the European Parliament and Chair of the EP Committee Chairs and Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).

Amongst the meetings being held, Dr Borg also met Gianni Pittella, Head of the S&D Delegation within the European Parliament and Giovanni La Via, Chair of the EP’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food safety (ENVI).

Furthermore, on the evening of 16 September, Dr Borg hosted a dinner which brought together all six Maltese MEPs as well as the Maltese Commissioner-designate Mr Karmenu Vella.