The Deputy Prime Minister Mr Louis Grech said, in an address to a conference at the Westin Dragonara entitled “The EU Presidency 2017: Malta in the Driving Seat”, that Malta, together with its trio partners the Netherlands and Slovakia, will contribute towards building tomorrow’s European Union.
In just six months’ time, Malta will be assuming the Presidency of the Union at a time when the very sustainability of the EU will be put to the test, as it is set to face one of its most delicate and fragile times, depending on next week’s UK referendum outcome and next year’s elections held in France and Germany.
Mr Grech held that the Presidency shall perhaps be the biggest challenge that Malta will face since its accession to the EU. However, the Deputy Prime Minister is confident that “our country will face this challenge with the usual strong resoluteness and firm determination to ensure that the Maltese Presidency achieves its objectives.” Furthermore, Mr. Grech also thanked Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg who together with himself immediately set about with the necessary preparations upon taking office.
During his address to the conference organised by MEP Dr. Roberta Metsola, Mr Grech maintained that Malta will focus on the relevant priorities of the EU Presidency. Key issues such as security and migration, the maritime sector as well as the Mediterranean will be at the forefront of the Maltese Presidency, and also legislation related to the Single Market, including the digital single market, the energy union, climate change as well as the banking union and financial services.
Other key issues which will be discussed during the six month period include the review of the Multi-Annual Financial Framework, poverty, social exclusion, and climate change. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Member States retaining sovereign control on direct taxation.
"In this respect, the work carried out during the tenure of our Trio, and Malta’s first ever Presidency will be significant building blocks towards a more relevant Union and the re-launch and continuation of the European Project,” Louis Grech said.
The Deputy Prime Minister remarked that during Malta’s Presidency, Europe will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, a truly iconic moment and a unique achievement in its own right.
He said that at this delicate time in Europe’s history, the European Union must concentrate on fundamental issues and principles, whilst being flexible enough to cater for the needs and wants of the Member States. In particular, Europe must focus on security and the quality of life of its citizens.
Mr Grech added that EU Member States need to have the willpower to transform setbacks into positive outcomes, whilst retaining the fundamental core values that have served us for over the past 60 years. Malta will certainly adopt this approach during its Presidency to achieve this goal.
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by saying that Malta’s Presidency will be intense and testing, but will be an opportunity to show our capability and maturity as a Nation.