Dr Busuttil said that the recent elections sent a clear message of disenchantment and disinterest

of European citizens in the European project. He said that one can only combat indifference or even scepticism by communicating Europe in an effective manner. And one can only

combat the fear of the unknown by making things known.

Dr Busuttil called upon Euro-parliamentarians to “get out of their seats and talk to the people”. People, he said, do not feel that Europe makes a difference in their lives – most probably because they are not aware that it does make a difference. This is why they did not bother to turn out to vote.

But the new EU Constitution now gives us an opportunity to bridge the gap with the citizens, he said: “If we explain the new Constitution, people will understand it. And if they understand it, they are much more likely to accept it than to reject it,”

he said.

Dr Busuttil also referred to the election results in Malta saying that these were not good for the party in government which lost the third seat to the Opposition. He said that this was ironic given that this party had campaigned very strongly against EU membership. However, it showed that electoral support is volatile and can never be taken for granted. On the positive side, he said, this experience now puts a greater responsibility on Labour MEPs to embrace EU membership fully and irreversibly and to engage in the European Parliament’s work constructively.

The Maltese delegation was led by Dr Simon Busuttil and included outgoing observer MEP Mario de Marco and newly elected MEP David Casa.