Malta will have a representative on the new European Parliament Committee dealing with anti-terrorism measures after MEP Roberta Metsola was elected as one of the MEPs forming part of it.

“The EU needs to act faster and stronger when it comes to preventing and responding to acts of terror. Intelligence will remain a national competence but this new Committee will look at cross- border counter-terror measures in the European Union, recommend where we can improve and identify where we need to plug any gaps” said Metsola.

The Committee will have a 12-month mandate to address the practical and legislative deficiencies in the fight against terrorism across the EU.  Thirty MEPs will sit on the Committee. The committee is to deliver a mid-term and a final report containing factual findings and recommendations.

The committee will make visits and hold hearings with other EU institutions, the relevant agencies, national parliaments and governments of member states and non-EU countries, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, judges and magistrates as well as victims’ organisations.

Speaking in Strasbourg, Metsola said “As the Maltese MEP on the Committee, I will be part of the negotiations and discussions and will look at how and why information is shared between law enforcement authorities and what role the EU can play to make sure that our systems are always kept one step ahead of those who wish to attack our values and way of life in Europe. 

This new special committee is a strong signal that security matters will always remain at the top of our agenda and that the safety and security of our citizen is paramount.”