I believe in Malta and am proud of our country. Albeit the smallest member state of the European Union, we can be the Union’s leaders on a number of issues that directly impact us. In all decisions we take, as politicians, whether at national, European or global level, we must reason as Maltese and consider Malta First.

A member of the European Parliament directly represents all of Malta and Gozo. Being the voice of each and every citizen of our country, one must work ceaselessly to ensure that Malta’s interests come first. These are my beliefs and it is with these thoughts that I present myself as a Labour Party candidate for this election. Yes, the Labour Party by choice, because I believe that although no party is perfect, it distinguishes itself by its sincerity and genuine love for our country. The party’s ambition to overcome our geographic limitations and put Malta on the world map is what gives me the strength to continue being an active protagonist within this movement of change.

Malta First because in those decisions that affect our country or us as citizens, in the European Parliament as a legislator, one must put forward amendments and proposals that turn even the most difficult of pieces of legislation to consider our particular circumstances. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all scenario for the Union. One must take a pro-active and assertive role to change directives and regulations in our favour. Our voice must be heard. Ample legislative examples come to mind in this regard, among which is the proposed change in the EU’s Immigration Policy. The Dublin II Regulation, signed by our former government, must consider Malta’s interest and modifications to the regulation are essential.

Secondly, Malta must be at the forefront of a number of pieces of legislation that have a direct effect on our country. Malta’s members of the European Parliament must be the first that come to mind when Parliament assigns its work on these issues. Our ‘ambassadors’ in Parliament must affirm themselves as experts in these fields to be entrusted with leadership. Yes we are small but we are as capable as members from Germany or France to take the lead. On an individual level, each MEP is one among equals in Parliament, irrespective of which State one hails from. 

The vision of Malta the best in Europe is one that I believe in. That was our aspiration when we voted for membership in 2003, believing that we could not only have European standards but also be compared to the best member states in the European Union. My third point is that Malta can be First – the best in Europe. My disappointment was that in past years, our government preferred to compare us to the worst states to show how much better off we were. We aspire to be among the best. Compare us with the best. It is by learning from others’ best practices that we can improve. We are not content by being better than Spain in unemployment figures, we are not content of being better than Greece in fiscal consolidation, we would be happy when we reach Germany’s economic growth, Sweden’s social cohesion, the Netherlands’ employment rates and the United Kingdom’s availability of Civil Rights and Liberties.

Finally, in our personal decisions at home, we must also consider Malta First.  This is not always easy and, as experience has taught me, it could come at a bitter price. But when looking back, when deciding on the national interest first, one can continue moving forward with his head held high and realise that deciding on principle is always best.

The European Parliament elections are fast approaching and we are being given the third opportunity to choose our representatives. With the Lisbon Treaty in place, this is also the first opportunity for Europe’s citizens to decide what direction we want the European Commission to take. Our belief is that we must choose hope over austerity, courage over bleakness, assertiveness over the status quo, innovation and a clear way forward over isolation.

Let’s believe in ourselves. This is the quintessence and strength of our new government. This is what pushes our Prime Minister to achieve in Europe and around the globe.  Standing up to be counted, like David did with Goliath. Yes, we are small in size but big in our beliefs and commitment to achieve – Malta First!

Mr Engerer is a Labour Party candidate in the upcoming European parliamentary election