Mr Watts, who served as vice-chairman of the Malta-EU Joint Parliamentary Committee and is a member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, explained that the European Commission will soon try once again to pass the Self-Handling Directive which would deal a deadly blow to port workers across Europe.

European Socialists were instrumental in stopping an attempt to pass such legislation some time ago. “That is why we need more Socialist members in the European Parliament and that is why it will be important to have as many members as possible from the Malta Labour Party,” said Mr Watts.

GWU president Salvu Sammut and secretary-general Tony Zarb showed an active interest in the issue, since the union represents Maltese port workers. They also briefed Mr Watts and Mr Muscat on the situation at Air Malta and other workplaces. The two sides pledged to keep in touch during the coming weeks.

Mr Watts and Mr Muscat, who have been working together in recent months, also had meetings with the Malta Union of Teachers and the Gozo Channel Company.

With the MUT, the discussion revolved around the mutual recognition of qualifications with the EU. The main topics during the talks with the Gozo Channel Company were regional transport and safety.

Speaking about his visit to Malta, Mr Watts stressed that next June’s election will not be a vote for or against Europe, but a vote on whether people want the EU to put people before profits.

Mr Muscat had positive comments about Mr Watts’ visit and said that it was a concrete example of collaboration and solidarity between Socialists from different countries.