Last week, the European Parliament’s Committee for Constitutional Affairs supported a report concerning the composition of the European Parliament. The new proposed procedure will see an overall limit of 750 seats, with a maximum of 96 and a minimum of six per member state. This means that Malta will be getting another representative at the European Parliament.
When on 23 June, Chancellor Angela Merkel, announced to the press that a deal was reached on the European Union’s reform treaty, it was a clear indication that Malta was on the right track to acquire its sixth MEP to represent its citizens. Last week’s approval during the meeting of the Committee for Constitutional Affairs puts this possibility closer to reality.
The work undertaken by the German Presidency gave leeway to the European Council to draw up a “reform treaty” amending the existing treaties with a view to enhancing the efficiency and democratic legitimacy of the enlarged Union of 27 member states, as well as the coherence of its external action.
The next step will see the report presented during plenary session of the European Parliament where the political groups will vote. If they follow their representatives in the relevant committee, parliament should adopt the report by a large majority, facilitating the necessary process to be undertaken by the European Council, which will be meeting on 18 October.
What does all this mean?
According to rapporteur, French MEP Alain Lamassoure (EPP-ED), these measures will result in a more efficient institution and less expenditure to make it function. This would also mean a true proof of solidarity since large countries such as Germany would be losing a few seats while small countries such as Malta will be gaining a seat. This would mean a lot in terms of results.
All this heightens the expectancy of the outcome from October’s Council. The Portuguese presidency followed on the work started by its predecessor, the German presidency, and following the first working session of European foreign affairs ministers’ positive results during this month’s meeting are very much on the agenda.
Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister Luís Amado said that the atmosphere of the informal meeting in Viana do Castelo “was very positive”. This reinforces the expectations of having a treaty that will allow the EU to face all the different and difficult problems both internal and external.
The new treaty will strengthen the European Parliament position. European Parliament President, Hans-Gert Pöttering, puts concisely the meaning of the agreement reached, “The new Treaty will reinforce significantly the European Parliament and thereby enhance democracy in the European Union. Despite all the difficulties, the European Union has proved its political will to face the challenges of the future together.”
With the effort made by the German presidency and followed up by the present Portuguese presidency, the new treaty can enter into force before the European Elections in 2009. The ratification of the ‘reform treaty’ will put the European Union in a better position to play a full role in a globalised world, promoting its values and using its strength in modern politics.
The reform treaty is concrete evidence that the 18-month programme drawn up jointly by Germany, Portugal and Slovenia is effective. The following up on Angela Merkel and the German presidency work permitted the Portuguese presidency to reach this stage in the process leading to the ratification and implementation of the reform treaty.
The 18-month programme gives further stability to the European Union since further continuity is being planned. This guarantees the setting of long-term goals, which after all are the most rewarding. All this is very important when one considers that the EU’s aims to promote peace, development and solidarity.
With more MEPs representing the Maltese citizens, our voice in representing society not only would be stronger but it will be diversified giving a true reflection of Maltese society. In this manner, we would be able to promote our country and our electorate in more committees covering more issues that may affect our country.
The frame of thought used by the European Parliament’s Committee for Constitutional Affairs is an example that all local politicians should follow. Despite the extreme sensitivity of the subject, the members concerned managed to focus on the common interest rather than on party interest. This is an important lesson that we must learn so that local politics becomes more efficient and will always be aimed to protect the interest of every citizen. Putting national interest at the forefront of every political party is important to assure future success in the European Union and global markets.
With the adoption of the euro this coming January, our country will most definitely become more competitive. It is important that the local political powers discuss issues in a more constructive manner so that we will ensure an upgrade in the standard of living for all the citizens of our country.
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David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
www.davidcasa.eu