Labour Leader Joseph Muscat yesterday pledged the Labour Party’s full support and promised to become more pro-active to take full advantage of Malta’s EU membership.

Dr Muscat was speaking during a courtesy visit to the EU Representation Office, where he was welcomed by head of EU representation Joanna Drake.

He also referred to an announcement made by the MLP yesterday stating that his former contestant for the post of party leader, George Abela, will represent the Labour Party on the Malta EU Steering Action Committee (MEUSAC).

“We will do our best for Malta to be a success within the EU,” said Dr Muscat.

He expressed his disappointment at the high number of infringement procedures initiated against Malta, especially in the field of environment.

“These directives should be implemented not simply to conform legally but in the spirit of change and conformity,” he said.

Dr Muscat also pointed out that EU funds are not fully exploited by Malta – especially by NGOs and the private sector.

He criticised the government for failing to comply with a bureaucratic procedure and not giving the EU the exact number of local action groups. “By failing to do this, Malta cannot fully benefit from the Leader Programme and we are being held back from using several funds.”

Dr Drake spoke about the importance of bringing the EU into the home of each and every single Maltese citizen. “The EU is not about Brussels and the role of this office is to send out the EU’s message, making it relevant to the Maltese citizen.”

She also expressed her satisfaction at the MLP’s role in the MEUSAC and pointed out that full participation in debate is always important. “People are informed about the EU because of the high-level of debate there was, and is still going on.”