Strasbourg plenary sessions are always a hive of activity, with many of the reports being voted upon during these meetings combined with visits of heads of states from Europe and around the world.  The sessions present an opportunity to formally and informally discuss issues that are relevant to Europe and the world of today but also to finalize the details on potentially complex dossiers before they are voted on in the hemicycle. It is not just a normal week at the office. But the July session that just came to an end had even greater significance. This is when the composition of Parliament and the roles of MEPs within it are established.

During my third term as Member of the European Parliament I shall be sitting on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee and the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee. I had already been active in both committees during the outgoing legislature and I was author to various reports concerning these two very relevant areas. I feel very strongly about many of the topics that fall within the ambit of these Committees – but it is the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs that is closest to my heart.It is thus a great satisfaction for me to have been elected ‘EPP Coordinator’for the Committee.With the help of a team of advisors I shall be responsible for organizing the EPP’s work in the said committee, follow issues that are relevant to this committee and that are being discussed in other fora, formulate policies and appoint fellow MEPs as rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs. I contested the post against Thomas Mann, a German MEP and a true gentleman, who I am sure, will be an indispensable asset in this committee as he has always been.

I believe that it is of utmost importance to make all important decisions with a social conscience. As policy makers it is sometimes very easy to get lost in paperwork and bureaucracy and give way to insensitivity and I am adamant not to let this happen. The citizen should always be at the centre of our decision making at all levels.

Times in Europe are, to say the least, challenging, withworrying unemployment levels across the EU and too many hovering around the poverty line. It is our responsibility to ensure that as many as possible get the support, training and encouragement to succeed. It is most worrying that young people are finding it so hard to find work. While it is important to encourage tertiary and specialized education we must also cater adequately for those that choose a different path.

Within the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs I also wish to raise issues that concern the elderly and stress on the importance of them remaining active in our society for as long as possible. Europe faces demographic challenges and we must be sensitive to this reality. The adequacy of traditional pension schemes also comes into question and we should definitely concentrate on finding relevant ways to ensure that pensions and primary health care are safeguarded. Having said this, we also need to find effective methods to clamp down on abuse. Millions of euros of taxpayer’s money are lost due to loopholes in the system at the detriment of those who are really in need.

The coming five years will be challenging for Europe, for Malta and for us as MEPs. With the Nationalist Party electing three members for the first time, we shall surely have a stronger voice and we fully intend to make the best of this.

I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate my colleague Roberta Metsola on her appointment to Vice-President of the Committee on Petitions. I am sure she will carry the task with competence and enthusiasm and will definitely continue to build on the reputation that Malta has in the European Parliament. It is a crucial committee that is the closest to the citizen. I have every faith that Roberta will use her appointment effectively for the benefit of her constituents.

ThereseComodiniCachia will be working in the Committee on Legal Affairs as well as the Committee on Culture and Education. These are areas where Therese’s legal background, technical expertise and undeniable competence will be great assets to ensure her success.

The PN delegation is committed to maintaining the reputation that our Party enjoys in the EU. We look forward to continue proudly representing our country as we have always done in the last ten years.