The head of the EU delegation to Malta, Ronald Gallimore, was addressing the latest in a series of monthly business breakfasts organised by The Malta Business Weekly and Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel.

He said that many of the problems currently faced by the EU are in the southern region and Malta can play an important role in solving these issues.

“Libya is the most recent case. It is opening up and only this week its leader met the President of the EU Commission. There are signs that Libya may soon request to join some of the institutional processes. This presents significant opportunities for Malta, especially when considering its relationship with Libya which has been traditionally good. Other member states will be looking enviously at Malta’s position and maybe they will be accessing the know-how to penetrate Libya’s system. Malta’s strategic position will certainly ensure that other member states will be listening to Malta’s advice,” said Mr Gallimore.

Discussing his views on the road ahead and Malta’s future as an EU member, Mr Gallimore said that the experience for new member states, working in an environment of 25 individual countries, will be a challenge.

Referring more specifically to Malta, Mr Gallimore said that discipline is important to ensure that the commonly agreed systems, structures, standards and regulations are maintained and enforced at the required level. “Although it may sound easy, it is difficult to implement. Nonetheless, it will be the responsibility of government and citizens. At EU level, the Commission, the Court of Justice and the Court of Auditors can all intervene to ensure that discipline is maintained,” he said.

He added that in Malta a lot has been done to pass the required legislation and set up the necessary structures and procedures. It has been a remarkable effort in a very short period of time and Malta is ready to join just like all the other new members. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done within the many transition periods that Malta has negotiated. Another important factor is the effective enforcement of what has already been put in place.

“The Union framework, which establishes the common principles and rules, is highly competitive. Countries and regions are competing for investment, capital, tourists and markets. Putting in place a supportive and attractive environment for business, investment and tourists will be a major consideration. Quality and differentiation are the keywords for all areas. This requires a clear and jointly agreed national strategy and focus across sectors,” said Mr Gallimore.

“Education and skills development policies are another area of prime importance. They are one of the main success factors of the Irish model and the investment of the future,” added the Head of the EU delegation.

The Lisbon agenda aims to make the Union’s economy the most competitive by 2010. Although behind schedule, it is the basis for growth and job creation. This depends on national governments, as the approach is based on the open method of coordination where annual guidelines are agreed upon.

Outlining a few of the considerations that will make an impact on the road ahead, Mr Gallimore said that on a global level, it is important to absorb the reality of the changes taking place from tomorrow.

“Europe is not across the water any longer but it is here in Malta. Membership is not just opening borders but opening minds to the reality of the new situation. Membership can be considered as a new beginning for Malta. All the ingredients are there, including the new horizons and opportunities which will provide renewed initiative. Change is progressive and requires patience and determination. It has borne fruit for many member states and will surely be the case for Malta,” said Mr Gallimore.

Commenting on the forthcoming EU Parliament election, Mr Gallimore said that this will be a good test.

“Traditionally, participation in many member states has been low. The EU Parliament is where democratically elected representatives discuss issues of European relevance. There are excellent Maltese candidates vying for votes in June and I am sure that Malta will once more break the record for voter turnout,” said Mr Gallimore.

“Each MEP will have the challenge of explaining the EU framework and its complex systems in a comprehensible way to citizens. Unfortunately not much attention has been paid throughout the Union to this difficult but key task. It will be the duty and responsibility of elected members to explain to the citizens the implications and motivations behind what is being decided at EU level,” added Mr Gallimore.

When asked whether the Union should start reducing the ever-increasing regulatory powers, Mr Gallimore said that the EU has tended to operate in cycles varying the balance between the

centre and national level. The Commission is systematically reviewing all the legislation and the implications of each section on the different areas.