The first part of the questionnaire regarded general questions on his personal and professional career and his independence from interests.

I Personal and professional

1. What aspects of your professional experience do you feel will be of particular relevance in your prospective role as Commissioner?

I have been following European Affairs closely since 1989, when I was charged by the Prime Minister with spearheading preparations for Malta’s application for EU membership. In that year I set up and headed the EU Directorate in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, a role that I continued to fulfil until I was elected to Parliament in 1995. I was shadow Minister for Industry and the Impact of EU Policies between 1996 and 1998, and upon the Nationalist Party’s re-election in 1998, was made Parliamentary Secretary responsible for European Affairs for six months before being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs with direct responsibility for the accession process, and eventually, accession negotiations.

I also believe my previous professional experience as a lawyer and as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malta will serve me in good stead in my new position.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs I have attended and participated in all meetings of the IGC, as well as all the meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council since the signature of the Treaty of Athens in April last year, giving me new and important insights into the inner workings of the Union.

II Independence

2. How would you describe your obligation to be independent in the performance of your duties and how do you concretely envisage putting this principle into practice?

The obligation of independence in the Treaty is crystal clear and I take it very seriously indeed, In this regard I am fully committed to adhering faithfully to the Code of Conduct for Commissioners and shall always seek to act in the general interests of the Union.

3. What importance do national interests have for you?

As Minister of Foreign Affairs I have been charged with serving the national interest of Malta, which I have done to the best of my ability. I have always identified this national; interest as being bringing Malta closer to the European Union, and I consider accession on 1 May as being the climax of a long process of convergence between Maltese and European interests.

As Commissioner, I will be committed to serving the interests of the Union before any other. I am convinced that, as is the case with my fellow Commissioners, my extended experiences in one particular member state will enrich the collective experience of the Commission as a whole and make it better able to take decisions that serve the common good.

4. Do you hold an active position or a function in a political party? Are you prepared to give up this active position or function if you are nominated Commissioner?

I am a member of the Maltese House of Representatives, elected on behalf of the Nationalist Party, which is affiliated to the European People’s Party. I will give up this position if I am nominated Commissioner. I will remain a member of the Nationalist Party but will not be holding any active position therein if I am nominated Commissioner. I fully subscribe to the principle that my membership of the party will not compromise my service in the Commission.

5. Do you have, or have you recently had, any business, financial interests or any other commitment that might clash with your prospective duties? Are you prepared to disclose all your commitments?

No, I have no business, financial interests or any other commitment that might clash with my prospective duties as Commissioner. I am ready to make a full disclosure of my commitments and make a declaration of my and my wife’s interests and holdings. I believe that this practise is essential in order to ensure full transparency of the institutions and the credibility of those having a political mandate.

(To be continued)