The end is always the beginning! I tend to agree. You finish a chapter, you start another; you finish a book, you start another. The end to the EPP-ED study days means the beginning of starting to take action on what we discussed to guarantee a future made of prosperity, security and solidarity.
They were three days during which influential people gathered on our island and discussed the direction the largest political family in the European Parliament should take. I am proud to say that the Maltese organising team excelled in their work, leaving quite a few MEPs positively surprised.
The three subjects, all of which are relevant to Malta, were discussed thoroughly and through the conference one could feel that everybody is ready to start taking action and play his or her part.
This type of conference permits us to share our reality, which helps us when putting forward issues of national interest. More people who are influential would be able to sympathise with us by understanding our country’s particular needs.
In all the topics, Malta’s position came out predominantly thanks to contributions by distinguished speakers such as President Emeritus Prof. Guido de Marco. In his speech during the EuroMed session, he appealed to Europe to strengthen its political dimension in the Middle East and become a primary player in the Peace Quartet.
In years of conflict where human dignity has been all but lost, and with a Barcelona Process that needs renewal, it is the role of the EPP-ED to put forward proposals and act as a political party not only in Europe but also with neighbouring countries through dialogue.
EPP-ED Group vice-president Vito Bonsignore also brought this idea forward when he said that dialogue on a parliamentary level is planned with various countries in the Middle East, including Palestine and Syria.
Mr Bonsignore also reciprocated Malta’s role in the EuroMed process and its contribution to the Middle East Peace Process. Malta is committed to the Mediterranean; we are part of it and we are affected by whatever change occurs in this region.
The two other subjects, although not exclusively, are also much related to the Mediterranean. Maritime politics interact, influence and are influenced by other sectors. Indeed, the new European maritime policy aims to develop an integrated approach to maritime activities that benefits Europeans, notably by creating economic growth and more and better jobs for EU citizens.
Like other subject, Maritime policy influences and is influenced by other sectors. It is a very positive approach, the one taken by the European Commission, whereby a task force of Commissioners responsible for sea-related policies, chaired by Commissioner Borg, launched a Green Paper Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union: A European vision for the oceans and the sea.
An all-embracing EU maritime policy not only strengthens Europe’s maritime industries in global competitiveness but also helps in the protection of the marine environment. It will also seek to respond to key challenges such as climate change, energy security, migration and drug trafficking, while supporting the development of new sea-based energy sources and increasing employment in the sector.
The Commission, the member states, the regions and the stakeholders must come together to debate what sort of maritime policy Europe needs. The success of the policy may be achieved only if all member states commit themselves to strengthening the EU marine research area, mari-time research and the technology community.
The last session, held on Friday, tackled the subject of irregular migration. The clear message was that all member states must show solidarity and share the problem.
In his speech, Commissioner Franco Frattini stated clearly: “The EU must stand fairly and squarely behind Malta. This is a European problem. No member state can be left alone to manage the EU’s external borders and receive immigrants and asylum seekers. In terms of population and area, Malta is the EU’s smallest member state.
“However, many people in Europe are simply unaware that the search and rescue area (SAR) under the jurisdiction of Malta is larger than the land mass of the UK. Clearly, this is disproportionate to the current resources at the disposal of your country. For this very reason, the EU must turn the principle of solidarity into action, by providing help for Malta and other member states to manage the influx of illegal immigrants more effectively. In other words, the EU as a whole must stand fairly and squarely behind Malta.”
The outcome of this conference cannot be measured instantly, but the aim of the study days is to start things moving so that concrete action is taken. Having the largest European Political Group on our island shows the respect Malta has from all these politicians.
This is a result of the Nationalist Party’s hard work, first to become a member state of the European Union and then to manage to achieve economic growth to adopt the euro. We are proving that we are capable of succeeding at any level of competition.
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David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
www.davidcasa.eu