In an emotional visit to Maltese businesses destroyed in last weekend’s storm, Member of the European Parliament for Malta and Gozo, Roberta Metsola promised to continue to do her utmost to help those affected to get back on their feet.

“It is so moving to be here and to see thriving businesses, farms and waterpolo clubs reduced to rubble overnight. But the thing that struck me the most was the determination of those who lost everything to pick up and start again. There was no sense of hopelessness, just resolve to come back and to come back stronger. We will rebuild.”, said MEP Metsola on a visit to St Paul’s Bay - one of the worst hit localities in Malta and Gozo.

“This is a moment for coming together and I’ve been in constant contact over the last days with the highest levels of the European Commission to push for tangible European funds to help the rebuilding effort and with Government to ensure that as MEPs we will continue to do what we can to help.

Europe has a role to play, and when disaster strikes in one State it often brings out the best of the spirit of solidarity within our community of nations.  We will help Government with efforts to secure tangible European solidarity and to ensure not only funding but that we use all the tools we have as an EU Member State to make sure we are better prepared next time”, added MEP Metsola.

MEP Metsola underlined that while EU funds are being sought, Government could and should step in to help in the immediate aftermath of the storm.