You’ve long been an advocate for a more Social Europe, but how has this reflected in your work as an MEP? Is your work on the access and affordability of medicines a good example here?
The need for a more Social Europe only continues to increase as time goes on. Our society has faced various challenges such as social inequality, which have been accentuated further with the pandemic. Therefore, our parliamentary work always remains tied to battling the challenges of the given day.
As a member of the European Parliament’s Intergroup for Children’s Rights, we are continuously pressuring in favour of children’s needs and fundamental rights both within and beyond the European continent, especially for those who face the realities of war.
On another note, it remains important for us to continue working towards the accessibility of medicines and healthcare. Accessibility is not only a question of whether a particular medicine is in stock or not, but whether the average patient can afford it! This is why I will continue pressuring the relevant actors in Brussels to effectively revise the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation and introduce other measures in this spehere.
What is certain is that we need to manufacture more essential medicine within the EU. This would make it easier for the timely provision of medicines whenever necessary.
Another important point is on the use of innovative technology to develop certain medicine and cure which may not be accessible enough as is. This is why I brought forward a number of amendments with regards to the aforementioned pharmaceutical law revision, including with respect to the availability of orphan medicines for persons suffering from rare diseases.
After all, timely and affordable access to medicine and care should be there for all. This being irrespective of their illness or of the region people call home, including small islands like ours that depend on imports.
You’ve recently participated in a debate on social media and mental health. What is the European Union doing about this, and how can we go further?
I would first like to thank the Office of the European Parliament in Malta that always does its utmost to organise interesting discussions on various topics, many being directly relevant to our work. This time, the topic for discussion was social media and mental health where I highlighted that in spite of the benefits that social media presents us with, we must speak more about the adverse effects it may be having on our wellbeing.
During the last Strasbourg plenary for the year, we voted on two important reports. The first report related directly to mental health and the need to see to it that there is more attention and less stigma. In the same way that we take care of our physical health, we need to care for our mental health. This report recognises the need for a comprehensive and holistic strategy in this regard. As a member of the MEP Alliance for Mental Health, we have already done a lot to raise awareness about this issue, but surely, more must be done.
Social media is important as it connects us with other places in the world and allows us to communicate with people on the other side of the planet, but there are also many challenges. The report highlights how cyber bullying, mental health, and addiction are all examples of these challenges. In fact, there are a number of studies, which show that scrolling through social media is in many ways similar to other addictions to drugs and alcohol.
Therefore, it is important to see what more we can do. At a European level, we have already worked on important legislation such as the Digital Services Act and the AI Act. I am very proud to have actually worked on these two laws myself as the main negotiator on behalf of the Committee on Transport and Tourism. That being said, we need to recognise that much more must be done. The EU needs to look at the possibility of further regulation that to address the reality of the addictive design of social networks on its users that is actively leading to depression and anxiety, amongst other detrimental effects. Last plenary, we voted on another report calling for action in this regard on the basis that we cannot leave it only to self-regulation. Now we must work harder to ensure that this report leads to tangible change, whilst also not forgetting the importance of education on social media risks to children, youths and adults alike.
Another area you work directly upon is the transport sector. The maritime industry is being asked to undergo some major changes, what is being done to help the sector successfully transition?
Shipping is an essential industry for Malta and Gozo. While I cannot highlight enough the importance of environmental responsibility, the way we transition remains essential. By this I mean that we must transition in a sensible way that does not hamper the connectivity between our islands as well as to the European continent.
A few weeks ago in the European Parliament in Brussels, I co-hosted a business breakfast where we spoke about the importance of skills in shipping. As the sector is also undergoing a digital transition, and hence further automation, as well as adopting numerous new sustainable technologies and practices such as using cleaner fuels, the skills required to work in the sector have, and will continue to, radically change. In this context, I tabled a number of amendments to the Net-Zero Industry Act. This will allow more funds to hasten the adoption of sustainable fuels through investing in the necessary related technologies.
What is certain is that the seafarer of tomorrow will need to have a whole variety of digital skills. Therefore, it is critical that we start working towards this digital tomorrow today.
We also need to collaborate more with the International Maritime Organisation to ensure that shipping emissions start going down on a global scale. For this to happen, effective changes are necessary. The European maritime sector must maintain its competitiveness by pushing for EU standards to become global standards.
Many have rightfully raised concerns on the new Emissions Trading System for shipping, which as it is now risks putting EU ports at a disadvantage. This being so as business may decide to shift away from the Euro-Mediterranean ports towards more competitive North African ports. This is certainly a threat to ports like our own, which have already started being effected by the carbon leakage effects, a point that I have been raising constantly with the European Commission and in every occasion and related discussion at the European Parliament.
I have been working consistently as an MEP towards finding a just deal for Malta in matters like this. We must remain resolute in our work to ensure a green transition that is not only sustainable for our planet but also for our competitiveness.
The skills shortage is not only a challenge for shipping, but also for sectors like tourism, which you also work on directly. What can you tell us about this?
Tourism is another sector, which is facing a skills shortage. This challenge already existed before the pandemic and has now only continued to get worse. Addressing the labour shortage is one of the topics I emphasise a lot on in the European Parliament’s Tourism Taskforce and the Committee for Transport and Tourism.
The shortage has developed in a way that hotels, among other businesses in the industry, have actually been forced to limit their offerings or close altogether for periods of time. Labour shortages are not only bad for business, but place even more pressure on the workers who may themselves end up choosing to quit for a less stressful job. All this has a knock-on effect on the quality of our tourist product.
That is why I believe that it is important that we recognise and address this challenge, which does not only exist in our country, but also around the EU and beyond. The EU is working on legislation to facilitate better targeted and skilled migration into the Union that will help address shortages in key sectors such as tourism. Nationally, there has also been an emphasis on the importance of the skills card and training for foreign workers.
Recently there was COP28 in Dubai, what are your thoughts on the state of global action on the climate crisis? Can we do more to protect islands against the worst impact of a changing climate?
A few weeks ago, I was invited to address the INSULEUR General Assembly in Athens. INSULEUR is an association that brings together the different Chambers of Commerce of European islands, including that of Gozo.
I believe that islands can be at the forefront of the climate change debate and action, as was reflected in the sheer energy of the discussions we had in Athens. Something I continue to emphasise the need for more infrastructure resilience. Following last summer, we are well aware of the direct challenges climate change is having on our energy distribution systems. This is also, why the Maltese Government is doubling down its efforts to strengthen the national grid.
Moreover, we also need to see that our transport hubs like airports and ports are equipped for the effects of climate change.
Another important point is tackling the impact on tourism seasonality. Many people have so far visited the Mediterranean for its warm and pleasant weather, but will this remain the same as temperatures continue soaring? I’m not saying this to scare people, but because we need to see how best to prepare for the challenges of the climate crisis, much like we did with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whilst I look forward to continue my work in the European Parliament in the new year, may I take this opportunity to give my best wishes to the viewers and staff of the Malta Independent. During this festive period, let’s do more to buy local, visit and appreciate traditional crib exhibitions and other cultural activities. Finally, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas and be generous with one another!
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