In a speech to the European Parliament this afternoon, Member of the European Parliament for Malta Roberta Metsola underlined the need to remain one step ahead of criminals and terrorists, while fully respecting the values cherished in Europe.

Dr Metsola said: "We are facing security challenges that are unprecedented; the answer is not, as some have said, to close our borders or become Police States but to ensure that we have modern legislation in place to respond to new threats. At the same time we need to ensure that such incidents do not fuel racism and xenophobia."

Dr Metsola, who is also the Shadow Minister for EU and Foreign Affairs, referred to Tuesday's attack on Corinthia Hotel in Libya, saying: "We witnessed another terrorist attack with more lives lost and more innocent victims. We are facing a situation that is growing and one that we must face. Coming from Malta, I know only too well the grave effect of what is happening so close to my home." Dr Metsola added that the EU must put Libya at the forefront of its agenda before the situation deteriorates further.

Giving a concrete example of a measure that can be implemented to fight terrorism, Dr Metsola said that the EU needs to introduce a Passenger Name Record System that would ensure better and faster sharing of information, rather than having fragmented arrangements. Having the proper oversight mechanisms in place can be a valuable tool that will improve citizen safety.

The attack in Libya was not isolated, said Dr Metsola;  it comes after the attacks in France that were much more than horrific attacks on individual people; they were also attacks on the values and freedoms that Europe was built upon.

 

"We must stand firm. Our values cannot and will not be watered down in the face of terror."