Labour MEP Alfred Sant today said that he was not surprised by Commissioner-designate Karmenu Vella's declaration that he voted in favour of EU accession.

Speaking to the media prior to Mr Vella's grilling, Dr Sant questioned why he should be surprised about something "that happened 14 years ago."

He pointed out that such votes are held in secret and everyone is at liberty to vote as they like.

Being a convinced European does not necessarily mean that you are in favour of full membership, he said. 

Dr Sant said the Socialist grouping does not have any reservations about Mr Vella "in person," but there are some concerns about the bundling of the environment portfolio with that of maritime affairs and fisheries.

PL MEP Marlene Mizzi said that in her opinion, all six Malta MEPs have worked together in order to ensure that Mr Vella's hearing goes smoothly. 

One person who is surprised by Mr Vella's yes vote is PN MEP David Casa.

Mr Casa said he smiled when he saw Mr Vella's yes vote declaration.

"At least the campaign in favour of accession had convinced someone like him," he said.

Mr Casa questioned why Karmenu Vella had not attended the Parliamentary sitting in which Malta's EU accession treaty was voted on by MPs.