The Council of Ministers of the EU has approved the Daphne III programme on the “fight against violence” for the next five years.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina, who was among the ministers who approved the programme during a meeting in Brussels last week, said locally, the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act, the setting-up of the Commission on Domestic Violence and the strengthening of existing structures, are a firm indication of Malta’s commitment in this regard.

Minister Cristina also welcomed the European Commission’s initiative to publish a Green Paper on the modernisation of labour law.

“This paper, which was one of the points of discussion during the meeting, will help towards reaching one of the crucial targets set out by the Lisbon Agenda, that of creating more and better jobs in a globalised environment,” Mrs Cristina said.

The Council of Minister’s meeting included discussions on equality, equal opportunities and decent jobs for everyone, which both form part of the European Social Policy agenda

Minister Cristina pointed out that the council commented positively on Malta’s National Council for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), which has started its effort towards the five-year roadmap laid out by the European Commission.

“Many of the challenges highlighted by the Council are relevant in Malta’s regard. Together, on European and local levels, we must work hard to ensure these challenges will be met head-on, towards a more inclusive, balanced society for all.”

During last week’s session in Brussels, Minister Cristina also had the opportunity to hold a private meeting with her German counterpart to discuss Germany’s upcoming EU Presidency, including its plans and strategy of action.