Due to our geographical position and our vibrant historical past that brings cultures together, Malta will continue to give the Mediterranean dimension top priority and to reaffirm the long-standing belief that there can be no security in Europe if there is no security in the Mediterranean.
In my address this week to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), the Executive Bureau of which I am a member, I reiterated Malta’s role with regard to the migration agenda that we have been substantially shouldering for years. I stressed that this was not only a political issue but also a human issue: the plight of mothers and fathers who want to give their children a better future with hundreds and thousands ending up losing their lives.
Like most other social phenomena, migration has a dual face: one of striking a balance between humanitarian assistance and security and the other of the sustainable management of migration. This is because when migration is addressed and managed in a humane manner and through legal channels, it can offer a huge potential of actual and novel opportunities of growth and development and address ageing, skill and brain-drain issues, the replenishment of human capital and demographic deficits and ensure future sustainable economies and development.
Migration issues
These considerations are among the issues we are facing in Malta today. We have a strong and blooming economy, with heavy foreign investment pouring in, but in specific fields we lack the necessary human resources, resulting in our business owners importing workers from third countries.
The possibility of opening legal pathways of migration, linked with dignified and secure employment opportunities, acts as the solid foundational pillars upon which to build peaceful, resilient and strong societies. Furthermore, countries – whether of origin, transit or destination – need to recognise that fair, smart and dignified labour migration can never be separated from education, training and empowerment. Such increased cooperation on the education-labour front could greatly benefit the development of more humane and manageable migration flows.
The concerns of Malta and the EU
It is, in fact, encouraging to note that only last Wednesday, at another venue, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini also called for further concerted action by the EU, member states and partner countries to better manage migration together. She confirmed that, in the last two years, our energy has been dedicated to tackling, in a humane way, one of the most challenging phenomena of our times. EU Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos has also said that we are exiting crisis mode gradually and are now managing migration in a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, inside and outside the EU.
On numerous occasions, Malta has called on European states and international bodies and institutions to implement an inclusive and equal dialogue with neighbouring and southern states – a dialogue that includes different actors and which explored distinct views on ongoing challenges which might be turned into opportunities for us all.
In 2015 Malta was instrumental in bringing to the forefront the important role played by root causes and the need for sustained and continuous dialogue with key participants. The 2015 Valletta Summit on Migration brought together European and African heads of state and government in an effort to not only strengthen cooperation and address the current challenges, but also explore the opportunities linked with migration, including employment. The summit recognised that migration is a shared responsibility of countries of origin, transit and destination.
Follow-up to Malta’s presidency
It has to be remembered that, during the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU and as a follow up to the 2015 Valletta Summit on Migration, Malta organised a Senior Officials meeting (2017). On 8 and 9 February this year, delegations from across Europe and Africa engaged in constructive dialogue, taking stock of progress made under the five pillars of the Joint Valletta Action Plan.
In my address to the PAM conference this week, I emphasised that as members of Parliament – and it was indeed very positive to be together as PAM and IPU – we have the political and moral duty to ensure that high standards and opportunities of employment are shared across different professions and backgrounds. We need to step up action to combat discrimination and negative attitudes and divisive discourse about migrants.
Malta is, in fact, in the process of publishing a national strategy for the integration of migrants with a vision for the year 2020. A strategy based on equality, respect for diversity and social cohesion. In fact I concluded my speech by encouraging those present to name and shame employers perpetuating abuse and to champion the identification of a safe platform from which to flag irregularities and exploitation and seek remedial action through the legal framework that should be in place. In the end, the fair society we are striving to build through myriad bold initiatives and civil rights, needs to be inclusive, even when we address migration issues.
Gozo’s new courts
In Friday, I unveiled the new proposals for a different site and revised designs for Gozo’s new court building. The consultation process is now open to public scrutiny and suggestions, after the Gozo Ministry and its team of architects from the Projects and Development Directorate came up with a responsible decision after geological studies carried out at the former proposed site had confirmed that a project of that size could not have been undertaken.
An alternative site has now been identified between Victoria and Xewkija, near the new information hub and the RS2 company. This site is easily accessible, is part of an area of regeneration and is compatible with the Court’s project. The original site was chosen more than 15 years ago, when an initial survey – carried out in 2001 – first identified structural weaknesses.
In another geological study, carried out last year, the architects and other experts established that the fault in the rock would pose a real danger to the building. My immediate brief upon taking office was to search for a new site, which had to be central and adequate for purpose by being safe and offering sufficient space for both the courts and parking spaces. I also insisted that the new court building must be fully accessible, offering ancillary facilities in line with European directives and standards applicable to similar buildings, and must be constructed using modern methods to reduce environmental impact.
It is now estimated that with the relocation of the project the cost will be reduced from €14 million to €5.5 million. We propose having a building with five courtrooms and an underground car park in an adjacent square, and not directly under the Court, which would create security risks. In this case too I stress the importance of being accountable at all stages and secure quality standards and safety.
Naħseb Fik campaign
As part of my social commitments, this week I have launched the third Christmas Naħseb Fik (I think of you) campaign. It is an initiative by which people from certain groups are able to make their wishes for a Christmas gift and the public is invited to fulfil these wishes. This year, as well as older people in long-term care homes in Gozo, we have included people with disability and children undergoing serious treatment or therapy.
The beauty of this project is that we create more awareness of the fact that around the festive season we have people who, for various reasons, cannot share the joy associated with Christmas. It is therefore very meaningful that we fulfil their wishes, and put in practice the basic Christmas values.
Anyone wishing to participate can visit the website or the Naħseb Fik Facebook page, or send an email to [email protected]. I am confident that, together as a community, we can make a difference this Christmas and help the vulnerable people around us to appreciate the kindness of our fair society – the truest characteristic of the Maltese and Gozitans.