The aim of the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) was to oversee the overall accession process, thus rendering it a focal point of Malta’s preparations to join the European Union. MEUSAC was composed of representatives from all strata of Maltese society and proved to be a very exhilarating and successful experience.
Although MEUSAC had served as an important consultative forum in the run-up to EU accession within the Maltese society it stopped functioning in 2004.
However one of the first steps taken by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi during this term in office was the revival of MEUSAC. This time round the role will be to discuss and advise the government on matters of a specific nature relating to the EU legislation and policy. Nine sub-committees will be formed and these will bring together various NGOs as well as external experts operating within the area of responsibility of that particular sub-committee. This renewal of value harvesting within the European Union forms the backbone of this international society.
This will be an opportunity for organisations such as local councils, unions and the various NGOs to face to the new realities of EU membership, among them the new demands and pressures relating to liberalisation and privatisation. As members we have to shoulder new responsibilities but these carry with them also new rights through the various framework programmes provided by the EU. It is up to these organisations to channel their energies to maximise the attainment of the funds made available. Let us take advantage of this new empowerment of our civil society. We are given all the tools together with the workshop. It is up to us to make the most of it.
Before Malta’s entry to the EU the committee was responsible for the negotiations, whereas now it deals with directives, legislation and conformity. The certainty is that its role is similarly vital today, now that we are part of the family.
The committee has been reappointed to serve as a sharp tool in the European workshop. Having been well involved in the MEUSAC committee before our entry in the EU, I can personally say that the sterling work done is of great value to our European relations. As (former) executive secretary of MEUSAC, I accumulated a great deal of experience on dealing with our European counterparts.
And while we are talking of valuable committees, one cannot fail to mention the MCESD. The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development is an advisory body to the government on issues relating to the sustainable economic and social development of Malta, while providing a forum for consultation and social dialogue between social partners.
A regional committee of the MCESD for Gozo was recently set up, and this was another step among the numerous initiatives by which the government has set up entities like the Gozo tourism authority, other Gozitan NGOs and local councils. These entities all function with one aim in mind, the common good of Gozo. We can therefore say that a dominant factor is being applied by our new government, that of consistency. Consistency in the way we have committees working on a local level, like the MCESD, as well as others like MEUSAC at an international level. The leading principle is nonetheless one: the common good of our country.
As many of you know, I have always been at the forefront of the movement that promoted our entry to the EU. Today I can say that I am very pleased with the way things turned out. The benefits have been and will live on to be both qualitative and quantitative. Although I take great pride in being highly involved in the team for Europe, I strive to renew this opportunity to guide and represent citizens in the highest European institution, every day.
In the same way that our country is unique, the laws and directions must be adapted to our needs. This is seldom an easy or trivial matter, but thanks to a committee like MEUSAC it can be done professionally, so that our needs are duly fulfilled.
These direct relations between this group and the EU provide the perfect medium for this process of holistic individualisation within the context of adaptation.
This is the perfect vehicle that moves us through the road of the true European democratic society, where everyone’s voice is heard, respected and valued. During these past four years, I have represented Malta in the highest European institution.
On the same lines as the MEUSAC committee, I too act as a vehicle, serving as the voice of the people. This has been a great experience from which I have learnt, a will continue to learn a great deal.
This inspires my wish to represent you again, to be your vehicle to Europe.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
[email protected]
www.davidcasa.eu