"The EU and its policies are ever so relevant to the Maltese maritime industry particularly at this juncture when an unprecedented focus is being placed on decarbonisation and taxation issues.  For this reason, the country needs a structured and efficient mechanism of consultation to screen the horizon for EU laws in the pipeline, perform preliminary analysis, consult with key stakeholders in industry and revert back to the EU with strong positions in favour of Malta and its unique characteristics." 

The Chairman of the Malta Maritime Forum (MMF) made this statement upon welcoming to a meeting with his Board of Directors Hon Dr Bernard Grech, Hon Ivan Castillo and candidates running for the forthcoming MEP elections, namely Louise Anne Pulis and Peter Agius.

Godwin Xerri continued that the EU should safeguard its position and credibility by conducting its own rounds of consultation with a value-chain approach and stress testing its the laws and regulations it proposes to ensure that they are able to deliver their pre-defined objectives.

For this reason, the MMF recommended on-going dialogue and exchange between industry and MEPs to ensure that the interests of Malta are continuously safeguarded in the face of legislative proposals coming out of Brussels.

Members of the Board commented on the Forum's current key policy priorities namely the articulation and implementation of a national maritime strategy; the establishment of a Maritime Court; the setting up of a dedicated maritime authority; and the upholding of high standards to safeguard the international reputation of the Industry and the country.

The MMF thanked the Leader of the Opposition and Ivan Castillo for taking an objective and non-confrontation approach with respect to the Industry and for giving it the desired importance to the extent of naming a Shadow Minister for Maritime Affairs. 

On his part, Bernard Grech praised the work and commitment of the Malta Maritime Forum.  He said that the Maritime Industry could take centre stage in a new economic model which transforms from a punitive to a motivational approach with the support of a continuous and mutually reinforcing PPP.  He said that this will enable greater potential from the maritime industry which will no longer be treated as a fringe sector.