Three of Malta's six MEPs tonight won coveted 'MEP Awards' during a ceremony in Brussels which recognises their achievements in different categories.

Member of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola has been awarded the prestigious MEP award for her work on Justice and Civil Liberties issues in Europe for the second year in a row. MEP Therese Comodini Cachia and MEP Miriam Dalli each picked up an award for the first time, in the Corporate Governance and Energy categories respectively.

While accepting the award, Roberta Metsola paid tribute to her Maltese colleagues and thanked all the MEPs who voted for her saying that "while the work in the Parliament goes beyond awards, it is an honour for Malta and for me personally to have been given the award. It is always satisfying for your work to be acknowledged and even more so when this comes from other MEPs from across Party lines. Having three MEPs win awards proves again that the geographical size of Malta need not hold anyone back from fulfilling their potential and making a difference for the people we represent."

MEP Comodini Cachia expressed gratitude for the nomination and thanked MEP colleagues who voted for her. Therese Comodini Cachia said "This award reflects my belief that politicians must dialogue with stakeholders to understand their obstacles and aspirations and only then can we bring about the right conditions for effective opportunities for stakeholders. I believe that irrespective of the size of our country we can make a difference in shaping European policy. In accepting this award, I strengthen my endeavours to continue working to ensure that the interests of Maltese businesses and consumers are upheld."

Dr Dalli commented on her award, “This is an award for all those who believe that we can make a difference. For those who believe that we should work harder for cleaner energy so as to make sure that what was decided during the Climate Change conference in December will be implemented. We owe this not only to ourselves, but to our children and grand-children.”

The 'MEP Awards' are organised by The Parliament Magazine, a Brussels-based publication that focuses on European affairs. MEPs are nominated in different categories and are voted for by other MEPs.

Commenting on her award, Dr Comodini Cachia stated that good corporate governance and enhanced business transparency could continue to rebuild trust and confidence in the European industry and economy. "We need businesses and SMEs that reflect the aspirations of society and which through digitalisation can keep pace in a competitive environment. We need companies that take into account the needs of employees whilst being accountable to shareholders and respect stakeholders. This is why higher standards in corporate governance and the right balance between rights and responsibilities of employers and employees are important. Effective corporate governance is the key to long-term business success."

Addressing participants Dr Comodini Cachia expressed gratitude for the nomination and thanked MEP colleagues who voted for her. She said that this was an honour for the people of Malta and Gozo and for her. Dr Comodini Cachia was nominated by the Malta Business Bureau (MBB) - the EU-business liaison office of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA).