The directive has been reviewed by a team of economists lead by Professor Lino Briguglio that prepared a report simplifying the text of the proposal and highlighting some salient issues for discussion.

The aim of the directive follows the implementation of the Lisbon Agenda in which, among others, the EU had set the target to become one of the leading dynamic and knowledge-based economies in the world by 2010. In more practical terms the core of this directive aims at reducing regulatory requirements and simplifying administrative procedures, ensuring flexibility and efficiency across the EU.

Mr Galea gave an overview of the entire process leading up to the discussion and eventual adoption of the directive at EU level. Following the feedback from the stake-holders and civic society in general, the directive together with these reactions will be discussed in the Muesec and then again in the EU affairs Parliamentary Standing Committee.

The government will then lobby its position within the EU, probably echoed by a number of Maltese social partners who will lobby separately in the EU structures through their own channels.

He stressed the need for all stake-holders to review the directive consultation document and give their reactions. The comments should reach the ministry by 1 August. Comments will be listened to at any stage, Mr Galea said, cautioning however that once the government would have taken a position on the matter, especially at EU level, any amendments would have to be seriously justified, adding that early feedback would make the process all the more smooth running and effective.

“It is not uncommon to have stern reactions to certain laws after they have passed, even if the bodies making the complaints would not have commented about the issue at consultation stage,” he said.

The directive is being discussed with eight other ministries that are responsible for sectors of civic society that could be affected by this directive.

The idea is to have these ministries involve affected sectors in the process and have as wide a participation as possible.

Parliamentary Secretary Edwin Vassallo was also present at the launch and said that in the coming days he will be contacting the key constituted bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce, the federation of Industry, the unions, for their reactions.

For copies of the consultation document the public can contact the ministry on 2148-4845 or e-mail on [email protected] Alternatively the document can be accessed on the website: www.mcmp.gov.mt