President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca this morning addressed a press conference alongside ten other EU Presidents who took part in the Arraiolos group meeting in Wartburg and Erfurt in Germany.

The Maltese President appealed to the members of the group to adopt a family-like approach when pushing for social justice. She hoped that during today’s and tomorrow’s Summit in Brussels, an a positive outcome would be reached especially for those who are going through a humanitarian struggle.

Mrs Coleiro Preca stressed that educational systems need to aim for the wellbeing of our societies. Education was the key to eradicate poverty, she said, noting that one in every four citizens in the EU were living in poverty. She also referred to the thousands of youths who do not manage to find a job after years of studying.

Migration was discussed at lenght during the meetings. The President referred to the many young migrants who had to flee their countries and leave their parents in search of a better life. Providing education for these children was important for them not to fall prey to extremist groups.

Yesterday, Mrs Coleiro Preca spoke to her counterparts about the need for countries to truly listen to what people were saying for the sake of social justice.

This was the first time that Malta was invited to attend the meeting. Mrs Coleiro Preca, the only female President at the meetings, was invited because of Malta’s importance in the southern European region, a statement from the Office of the President said.  

“Malta was invited to take part in the meeting after the diplomatic efforts by Mrs COleiro Preca with German President Joachim Gauck. Their diplomatic relationship was further strengthened after Mr Gauck visited Malta in April.”