The new year will present difficult and tough challenges for Europe during which Labour MEPs will continue to safeguard Malta’s national interests, said Alfred Sant, Head of the Labour Delegation at the European Parliament in a New Year’s Message. Maltese Labour MEPs will continue to follow developments in Europe which can leave their marks on Malta and Gozo and ensure that in each instance, Maltese and Gozitan interests are safeguarded.

Dr Sant said he is confident that 2017 will be a successful year for all of us.

“Economic and social developments in Malta over the past twelve months were positive, I would dare say, very positive. We should be satisfied with these achievements, even more because the prospects for the new year look also very positive. Unfortuntaley the same cannot be said about Europe. During this year uncertainties, let’s not call them crises, dominated Europe. Uncertainty prevailed on the economy, immigration, terrorism, Brexit, relations with Russia and now even with the United States. These events may look distanced from our daily lives, but should interest us because being a member state, events in the EU will definitely affect  Malta and our daily lives,” Dr Sant said.

Dr Sant said Malta’s Presidency of the EU during the first six months of 2017 will coincide with new circumstances developing across Europe.

“During the last three years, the Maltese Government has prepared itself intensely  to fulfill its duties as President of the EU. I am convinced that the Maltese government will meet its obligations with honours.

"I wish  all Maltese and Gozitan families a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year," Dr Sant said.