As we start a new legislature within the European institutions and get ready to embark on another five year long journey in the European Parliament, a man who has had a brief yet challenging period of time representing the reputation of our country will be stepping down from his role.
Tonio Borg will be making way for Labour's chosen candidate - Karmenu Vella - after a little over a year serving as European Commissioner. However, in that short period, his role was essential and perhaps one of the most important so far when it comes to Maltese delegates and their purpose in the EU.
As a long serving MEP, I have experienced the change in perception at a European level of our nation. Malta managed to make a name for itself in record time, only for unfortunate events involving the previous Maltese commissioner John Dalli to take over and make the headlines. Dalli's resignation led to a crumbling in Malta's reputation, and it was ultimately Tonio Borg's job to recover and repair it.
And Tonio has done exactly that. Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi knew exactly what Tonio had to offer when he proposed that Tonio take over the Maltese commissioner slot, and the results show that, as was the case many times, Lawrence Gonzi went about his job in a quiet, patient yet fruitful manner.
At the age of just 57, Tonio has seen it all and succeeded at any role he has been entrusted with.
Tonio started off his career within the PN with secretary general and president roles in the youth section MZPN in the early 80s. He then became President of the General Council of the PN, whilst serving as member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (in line with his experience within his legal profession) and member of the Council of Europe parliamentary assembly, before being elected to parliament in 1992.
His effectiveness was immediately noticeable and he was appointed as Minister for Home Affairs within three years. Since then, he has gone on to serve as Minister for Justice, Minster for Foreign Affairs, as well as being chosen as Deputy Leader, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House of Representatives.
When Tonio was nominated to fill the vacant position of EU Commissioner from Malta, he took on a challenge which at the time was unprecedented and, to be very honest, unappealing. Hearing fellow MEPs and other Commissioners badmouthing Malta or referring to our country with an evident lack of trust or admiration - something we had achieved with flying colours during the previous years - is painful, but Tonio stood up to the task.
Tonio took on the Health and Consumer Affairs portfolio and instantly remedied the errors that led to Dalli's resignation. Tonio launched a new EU Tobacco Directive, mostly intended to educate and protect people from the negative impacts of tobacco and similar products, and this passed with ease when it came to the test.
Even though knowing his mandate was a short one, he launched initiatives to decrease cancer cases by 15% by the end of this legislature, by encouraging screening programmes in the European member states. Even in these closing days of his tenure, Tonio has continued his work fervently, currently tackling the ebola crisis and entering talks into implementing prevention measures.
Tonio's work has been impeccable. He has been there when needed and has never placed his personal ambitions before the needs of his party and his country. Therefore he has not only earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and party members, but also that of his political adversaries.
This was never more evident than that inspiring day when the European Parliament strongly voted in favour of Tonio. As one of the members who was entrusted with getting Malta's message across as Tonio's approval date approached, I realised first hand why Tonio got such a positive result. His diplomacy, his reputation and his results know no better.
And as Tonio prepares to leave this role in a stronger and better state, I want to be the first person to genuinely say - thank you, Tonio. You made us proud.