Malta is one step closer to obtaining assistance from the EU to tackle its flooding problems after the main parliamentary committee of the European Parliament responsible for drafting amendments to the Commission’s proposal for such a programme agreed to include Simon Busuttil’s definition of the causes of flooding.

The definition made by Simon Busuttil states that heavy rainfall must also be considered as a cause for flooding. The initial document of the European Parliament did not include rainfall.

“At first we had a definition which did not take into consideration the specific situation in the Mediterranean. This would have deprived Malta of much needed assistance and also expertise,” Dr Busuttil said.

Dr Busuttil had already made his proposals in another committee, the Regional affairs committee, but ultimately it was up to the Environment committee to take the final decision.

“Work on convincing people of the need for this change has been going on for a few weeks. I hope that now we have the final result in sight,” Dr Busuttil commented after the vote.

“This is one more proof, if need there was, that being inside the EU and being part of the largest political group in the European Parliament counts,” he continued.

The draft directive as now amended will be voted by the plenary at the beginning of June and it is expected that it will be adopted with a convincing majority.

It is hoped that the Council will subsequently reach a final agreement on it by summer.