When Malta joined the European Union, it joined a common economic bloc with a common set of rules that supposedly create a fair and level playing field for all its member states.

The proposed lengthening of maternity leave exemplifies one case where the ideal is not living up to expectations.

This week, the government, to the surprise of many, and probably to the consternation of the country’s employer bodies, said it was ready to back an EU directive that would increase maternity leave across the bloc, as long as the changes are done on a level playing field.

In Malta’s case that will mean an increase of four weeks paid leave, from the current 14 weeks to 18 weeks of maternity leave, as well as an additional two weeks for fathers, as has been proposed by the European Commission as part of a revision of the Pregnancy Workers’ Directive.

The legislation, which seeks protection against dismissal and provision of the breastfeeding, health and safety and reproductive rights, was blocked by a number of member states during the last Employment and Social Affairs Council meeting, including Malta.

But in explaining its stance, the government observed that the length of maternity leave differed from one member state to another and in some cases it was not even paid in full, unlike Malta where it is paid in full.

This is a matter of competitiveness, plain and simple, and Malta’s competitors in the EU cannot be allowed to skimp on maternity leave wages and place Maltese enterprises, and their price levels, at a clear disadvantage in the process.

Yes, the EU must legislate along the Commission’s lines but it must not do so to the disadvantage of any single member state. Malta should stand firm and refuse to be dealt the short straw.

A hero’s send off, a hero’s welcome

Every once in a while there is a story that catches the nation’s collective conscience. It hits a collective nerve, something tweaks and the country bands together in sympathy or joy.

But these stories are few and far between. Some restore faith in humanity as we struggle through our mundane routines. Some give us a new perspective on life. Others, however subliminally, instruct us and help us to live better lives.

The story of the heroism demonstrated by Ashih Tekleab Haile this week checked all three boxes, and more still. Testimony to the fact is the multitude of tributes that have poured in for this Eritrean immigrant who died in the most noble of fashions – in the process of saving another’s life.

The Prime Minister is to be commended for quickly proposing a change to the law to allow a foreign person to be given the state’s medal for exceptional bravery, so that it could be awarded to Ashih, albeit posthumously. Following the legal amendments, he will then recommend the President to bestow the honour upon him. We have no doubt that both deeds will be done in the shortest timeframe possible.

As such, the state will be giving Ashih a hero’s send off.

Now we should help to give Ashid a hero’s welcome back in Eritrea, where his family wish for him to be buried. Donations toward this end are being accepted by Jesuit Refugee Services and details are on our back page. Please give back just a fraction of what Ashid gave in his final act on earth.

Ashih, Malta is today proud to have been your home for however short a time. May you rest in peace.

Palestinian Statehood

On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council meets and the world has an opportunity to embrace a new proposal that could turn the tide on decades of failed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks – United Nations recognition of the State of Palestine.

Over 120 nations across the world have endorsed the initiative, but Israel and the US vehemently oppose it while Europe is reportedly still undecided.

Malta has long been a sympathiser and supporter of the Palestinian cause and, unlike most other nations, has accorded full diplomatic recognition to the Palestinian ambassador.

It was reported earlier this month that Malta would back a bid by Palestine in September to bring the issue to a United Nations General Assembly vote. That is undoubtedly the right move for the Mediterranean, the Middle East and world peace.

But a positive Security Council vote this week could shake matters up considerably. Let us hope so. The issue is, after all, very close to home.

As the late Guido de Marco had once remarked, “We can devise any Euro-Mediterranean process or a Mediterranean Union, and while these initiatives can do many good things, unless this issue is resolved there can be no peace in the Mediterranean.”