Malta is one of the 28 Member States of the EU. It acceded nearly a decade ago and coming May 2014, we will be having the third round of elections to elect six representatives to the European Parliament. Our country is one of the smallest and the densest in Europe. It is a nation as any other member state of the EU. This year we, Maltese and Gozitans, will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary since our country became a member of the United Nations, an acknowledgement of our independence and sovereignty which our forefathers had strongly toiled for. Maltese and Gozitans are diverse from other member states within the EU. This is a fact which we need to conserve. This diversity will help us read our identity in contrast to other member states. We are unique and this is what makes us distinctive in the EU. This is what constitutes our soul. In 2000, the students and youths of Europe selected unity in diversity as a motto for the EU. This is the millennium gift of the young generation who comprehended the essence of the varying member states. Existence is what makes it happen. The diversity of the member states is a fundamental characteristic of the EU.

The spirit of time

Since Malta is in the EU, we have to comply with EU law, a body of legislation and treatises which impinge, directly or indirectly, on the laws of a given member state, Malta is no exception. The sources of EU Law are three: primary, secondary and supplementary. The first relates to the Treaties establishing the EU; the second relates to regulations and directives emanating from primary legislation. Supplementary sources incorporate case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and international law. The Council of Ministers and the European Parliament may institute such regulations and directives in line with objectives set out in the Treaties. These sources are there to regulate and enforce conduct within and amongst member states. Ministers of the National Parliament of Malta are members of the Council of Ministers and there are six nationals, elected through a popular vote, to represent Malta and Gozo inthe European Parliament. The EU projects itself as a power within the global scenario. It is important that one encourages and secures free movement of people and free movement of goods, important axioms of the EU amongst member states. They provide grounding foreconomic, social and territorial cohesion, and solidarity, imperative objectives of the EU.

The spirit of place

The corpus of EU legislation is applicable to all members states. But all states are diverse and have their unique characteristics. The one size fits all culture communicated through the EU via the European Commission is, unfortunately, applicable to all member states. Varying states have their limitations and constraints. In the case of Malta, we have a number of characteristics, mostly due to our geography, which do impose limitations on us. The case for Gozo is more acute. If insularity is an issue for Malta, it is more so for Gozo. These are physical limitations arising from the geographical location of our islands and, limitations which become more significant given the dense population of the islands and the, almost exclusive, dependence on imports. In this context, it is imperative that Council of Ministers and the European Parliament press for the importance of regulations and directives being applicable to the varying realities of the diverse member states forming the EU. The reality of Malta is different fromother states and thus, whilst conforming to the spirit of the EU legislation, these two institutions of the EU should put forward a case to the European Commission in this sense. Yes, Malta can be a pioneer in this sense. We certainly live it day to day and know what it entails. To cross over to mainland Europe we need to take a plane; it is not a matter to drive through a frontier of another member state. In the case of Gozo, it is even worse and the Gozitans have to take a boat to Malta to catch a plane.

With them but not theirs

At the EU level, the interest of our nation comes first and foremost. Together with the other member states, we form part of the EU. We do not belong to them but we are with them: Ahna maghhom imma mhux taghhom. This is not just a slogan for political convenience; it is not a catchphrase for the upcoming European Parliament which I am contesting on the Labour ticket. This is not a vision. This is what we are. This is how we place with other EU member states. Although elected on the party ticket, all the six representatives are representing our nation at such a European Forum. Their interest should be Malta First and Foremost: Malta L-ewwel u Qabel Kollox. The EU is not the forum to damage your country; to inflict pain on one’s brothers and sisters. If we have differences, important for healthy political environs, we should resolve them amongst ourselves. Using the European platform to damage your nation is certainly not on. At EU level, all six representatives from Malta should be one voice. We will surely show maturity if all MEPswill be one voice in Europe: B`Vuci wahda fl-Ewropa. We have all the qualities to be leaders and not just followers/endorsers. We can be pioneers in varying spheres affecting EU citizens, including Maltese and Gozitan communities.

A nation of survivors

What is decided at EU level affects Malta and Gozo. It is imperative to take note of what is taking place now, the spirit of time, and the unique, diverse character of Malta, the spirit of place. Through sacrifice and hard work, values which were consistently and systematically undermined, our forefathers survived; we are here. We are a nation of survivors; our land provided for us shelter and still does. The natural resources of our islands are very insignificant. We, citizens, are the human capital of our country. This is us. Our country is one of the member states of the EU. Our dignity is as absolute as any other member state. For Malta in the EU, we all have to be one voice: we are with them and not for them;B`Vuci wahda, ahna maghhom imma mhux taghhom.

Prof. Perit Lino Bianco

PL candidate for the EP election, May 2014