Malta’s nominee Glenn Micallef was approved as European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport after his “culture compass” guided him through a three-hour grilling from MEPs with relative ease.
While his approval is not official, Prime Minister Robert Abela made it a foregone conclusion as he formally congratulated Micallef, describing him as “a youth who will be Malta’s voice in the European Commissioner.”
The main narrative of European Commissioner-designate Glenn Micallef during his MEP grilling on Monday was driven by his idea of a 'culture compass,' which incorporates three main pillars: protecting cultural heritage, better cohesion and boosting competitiveness and innovation.
In an overall uneventful session where Micallef faced questions mainly from the leading Committee on Culture at the European Parliament (CULT), the Commissioner-designate for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport touched on several points, sticking to his narrative when consistently mentioning his idea of a "culture compass."
The "culture compass" will promote social inclusion among Member States, and the work the Commission does on it will be focusing on better cohesion in regions, on protecting and safeguarding culture and linguistic diversities and on boosting competitiveness in creative and culture sectors, which will be the general and main framework in which the work in culture is taken down.
Micallef said that this compass would promote the role of culture in regions. He said there will be a discussion in 2026 for a strategy and a culture compass, complemented by means and monitoring tools to assess progress.
During his grilling, Micallef said that the first step to the culture compass will be to update cultural statistics to have discussions with evidence-based actions in the Commission's work.
He said this will be complemented by a Eurobarometer survey, and when it comes to working conditions of artists there is currently an ongoing assessment in various Member States, the assessment of which will inform the discussion, assessing legislative gaps, and if there are such gaps, the adequate follow ups will come about either in policy or legislative point of view.
The Culture Compass will also guide and harness cultures in policy making, and promoting culture in various areas such as digitalisation, and as a tool which is more accessible to SMEs.
When it comes to tools at hand, Micallef said that the Commission must be strategic in the next MMF, deciding the best way to fund this.
The culture compass must also be accompanied with adequate means and monitoring tools to ensure effective implementation, Micallef said, a framework he will use to work with his fellow designate colleagues in the future College, to reach shared objectives in the cultural sector, Micallef said.
In his opening statement, Micallef said that his personal commitment embodies this portfolio, noting that he had engaged in participatory democracy from a very young age, playing an active role in youth, sports, and cultural organisations.
He said that diversity, fairness and solidarity are the cornerstones of the EU project, and these values will play a key role in his work.
Micallef spoke of enlargement of the EU bloc, dubbing it a merit-based process, however, the union has the responsibility to ensure that many more people can live their own EU dream.
He said that if confirmed as first ever European Commissioner for International Fairness, he will put forward the first European strategy for intergenerational fairness and this dimension will be integrated in all areas.
Micallef spoke about under-represented youth in politics, mentioning that this leads to policies which disregard youths' interests, and the need to increase youth participation.
"Without youths on board, the future of the EU project already lies in the past. We must make politics with young people, not for young people," he said, adding that if confirmed he will work tirelessly to include youths and give them a seat around the table.
This will be also done through assisting the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in setting up a Youth Advisory Body ensuring representation of youths across EU member states and communities, Micallef said.
He spoke of the implementation of the Rights of the Child a reality across the bloc.
"No child must be left behind - one of our greatest challenges is protecting mental health of children and youths and if confirmed I will lead work on an action plan against cyber bullying in order to embrace issues in education and in digitalisation and to combat hate speech," Micallef said.
He promised a new strategic framework for culture which will harness and connect cultural dimensions with today's priorities.
He also said he would work on an AI Strategy for Cultural and Creative industries together with tech sovereignty.
Micallef said that he would also dedicate his energy to preserving and promoting a sporting model that ensures fairness and equality and said that if confirmed he would use the full power of sport and cultural diplomacy in order to promote peace and foster dialogue.
He said that sport is essential to tackling the obesity epidemic and mental health problems, with data showing that up to 44% of people never exercise and 45% of European never do a sport. He added that he would propose a review of the Council's recommendations for health enhancing physical activity.
Addressing sexual abuse of children, Micallef said that the Commission has a moral and legal obligation to protect them, and a lot of work is being done in the current mandate, to deliver a strong children's rights strategy to protect children in court rooms, online, the class rooms, and other concrete measures to protect children.
"Our values should not be something up for discussion, and we will continue to promote the work Commissioner Dalli started in this mandate," Micallef said.
Micallef said that if confirmed, he will have the first set of youth policy dialogues in the first 100 days of its term, and he will be organising them with three pillars: they must be structured in such a manner where young people can express their views; have a follow up with the President of the Youth Advisory Board; and they must be innovative.
"We want to hear frustrations, and we want the youths to tell us this. We also want this to be a celebration of youths," Micallef said.
He spoke of excessive screen time and the cyberbullying action plan, where he mentioned he Digital Act in place including explicit regulations where online platforms have to comply with parental controls, age restrictions and cyberbullying.
"It is now time to take the next step: we need a strategy which really considers the fact that the more people spend time online, the greater the risk of cyberbullying," Micallef said.
Asked on AI law and AI strategy to allow cultural production to promote values rather than endanger values such as democracy, Micallef said that there needs to be a forward-looking strategy when it comes to AI, which enables and reinforces human creativity, brings change and boosts creativity of these sectors, adding that this is a tool being used across the value sector chain, expecting structural changes in the job market.
He said what is needed is something tailor-made, specifically for the cultural and creative sector industries, which needs to support and promote the ethical use of AI with transparency on how these models are being trained and encourage collaboration between tech industry and cultural sector to unleash its potential in the AI sector.
Micallef pointed out that there are young people who are significantly underrepresented, and this is translating into a situation where they are not bothering to vote, as he quoted the recent statistics of the age groups who voted in the last MEP elections.
He said that young people must be encouraged to participate and be active in political life so to create more champions in the political future.
Micallef also said that there will be an EU-wide inquiry on the effects of social media by the Vice President for Technology, and this will go hand in hand with the action plan on cyberbullying to ensure that cases of cyberbullying can be detected and reported, while also working on a common definition of what cyberbullying is which will complement the work done in this mandate on the strategy targeting better internet for children.
Micallef said that this work will be sustained through the implementation of the children's rights strategy. He continued that other policies must be promoted such as sport, to give youths a healthier alternative avenue.
Asked about what actions would be taken to ensure access to cultural events for marginalised communities independently of social condition, Micallef again said that the Commission has to be strategic.
"We have to be strategic when it comes to culture, wherein we have to promote it to help Member States to promote social inclusion," Micallef said, adding that this will be done in the Culture Compass.
He was asked a controversial question on gender ideology in sports, and to define what a woman is, to which he mentioned the values-based EU sports model, saying that soirts is for anyone and everyone, encouraging different genders and identities participation in elite sport events.
On his part, he said that sports will be promoted for all as he believes that we live in a union of equality. He received a round of applause after his reply to this question.
He said that all efforts across different policy areas is needed to develop a strategy with targeted aspects and evidence-based policies and actions guiding the Commission in its work on intergenerational fairness.
Micallef also spoke much about Erasmus+, which is one of the flagship and most well-known programmes in the EU, and the Commission's commitment to it is clear. He continued that he will fight for stronger budgets with regards to Erasmus+.
On the implementation of the Copyright Directive across member states for artists, Micallef said there is the need for robust frameworks which are fairly compensated, and the regulations and provisions in the copyright directives and digital services act are already a good basis for that.
He said the Commission will focus its energy and efforts on this as without effective implementation rules will remain on paper.
Asked whether there should be a moratorium on AI and other technology developments so people can benefit, Micallef said that opportunities brought about by the digital transformation, bring out the need to transform these sectors but also managing risks they bring with them.
He said there is the need of a balance to protect cultural sectors and for them to be reimbursed for their content, and marked online, to protect sectors in the digital age.
Micallef concluded his confirmation hearing by clarifying his commitment which he intends to bring to the role of Commissioner in his portfolio, his actions of which will be guided by the EU values of diversity, fairness, solidarity and democracy.
18:16: That brings the grilling to a close - thank you for following, a summary of what was said will be shared above soon!
18:15: In a press point meeting held by Riehl following Micallef’s confirmation hearing, she briefly said that Micallef emphasized matters of importance in his portfolio, including that of Erasmus plus, and also committed himself on working with other designates on matters which are interlinked in their different portfolios.
Asked if there are any “stumbling blocks” which could determine whether or not Micallef is approved in his portfolio, and whether Micallef answered vaguely on some questions, Riehl said that the CULT committee will be deciding in a meeting in an hour’s time, on whether Micallef’s answers to the MEP questions were constructive or not.
On the controversial question on sports participation between men and women, Riehl said Micallef’s response made a very-well pointed out statement on the EU’s stand on diversity and equality, which the CULT committee supports as a whole.
Riehl could not say whether Micallef has been approved at this stage, leaving it up to the members of the CULT committee to decide shortly.
17:41: Time is now up for questions.
“This is European democracy at its best. I trust I have answered all your questions with clarity, openness and commitment which I intend to bring to the role of commissioner for his role, and the EU values of diversity, fairness, solidarity and democracy will guide my actions,” Micallef said.
“Major challenges stand before us requiring bold European responses; conflict, inequality and climate change are some of the issues we are facing,” he said.
“Our approach to intergenerational fairness, culture, and sports is central to our way forward,” he said.
He said that the Parliament has championed the EU sports model, and if confirmed he said he will work alongside them to strengthen cooperation between the Parliament and the European Commission.
“To achieve this will establish regular communication with parliamentary committees and annual report delivering promises I made today,” he said.
“Together we can ensure young people’s voices are not only heard, but also listened to and acted upon and so that together cultivate power of culture and activate power of sport, arts, literature, and cinema which are central to unique cultural heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and destiny as Europeans,” he said.
“I hope I have earned your trust to enable me to take forward the Commission’s work for youth, culture, and sport as a great honour and privilege in the years to come,” he concluded.
17:38: Asked whether there should be a moratorium on AI and other technology developments so people can benefit, Micallef said: “We have ahead of us opportunities brought about by the digital transformation, bringing out the need to transform these sectors but also managing risks they bring with them.”
“Change is something which can be feared but must be embraced so we do not become outdated,” he said.
“There is the need of a balance to protect cultural sectors and for them to be reimbursed for their content, and marked online, to protect sectors in the digital age,” he said.
On the Creative Europe programme, Micallef said that in this current commission all portfolios are interlinked, and not one policy is not interlinked with another.
He said it is crucial to work as one in a coordinated manner, working as a team with Parliament and stakeholders and member states to make a Team Europe delivering on better objectives and improving quality of life for citizens
One MEP asked how investments will be accessible to small cultural operations who can’t get ahead of the red tape, and Micallef replied that simplification is one of the priorities for the next period, so that people focus on quality and deliverance of project and ensuring a robust regulatory framework rather than red tape.
“We have to promote culture in all policy areas as it can contribute to our regional policy: our education efforts and the Culture Compass will be the framework I will use to work in my colleagues in future college to reach shared objectives in cultural sector,” he said.
17:24: On the implementation of the Copyright Directive across member states for artists, Micallef said there is the need for robust frameworks which are fairly compensated, and the regulations and provisions in the copyright directives and digital services act are already a good basis for that.
When it comes to implementation, the Commission will focus its energy and efforts as without effective implementation rules will remain on paper.
He said he is duty-bound to engage with member states where there are risks and gaps in implementation and this will be done structurally. If engagement is not enough, the tools at the Commission’s disposal must be used to enforce implementation and the Commission must not be afraid to use them.
On the Culture Pass giving simpler access to cultural activities and events, making culture more accessible to young people, Micallef said that he wants to make culture and diverse cultural tapestry more accessible to people building on DiscoverEU which was a crucial initiative where 1.4 million people applied to visit Europe and cultural heritage in 30 days.
“It is very clear in my mind that if we want an effective and impactful Culture Compass it must be accompanied with adequate means and monitoring tools to ensure effective implementation,” he said.
17:21: Speaking about the Digital Services Act, Micallef said that civil society has a huge role to play in communities, and the Commission will always support civil society in its work.
The Digital Services Act has a great many organisations which have built expertise on cyberbullying issues and detecting such cases and that knowledge could be very useful for reporting. He said he has an open door approach to work with civil society in this part of his portfolio and other areas.
Asked about funding for the MMF and how will he resist funding reductions to the Erasmus+ programme, Micallef said that Erasmus+ is one of the flagship and most well-known programmes in the EU, and the Commission’s commitment to it is clear.
He said that the designate for people and skills and for the Budget will strengthen Erasmus+ and said that the Commission now needs to look at how to develop to include vocational skills as well.
“I will fight for stronger budgets in these areas in discussions next year on proposals on the next MMF, which depends on support of the role of legislators. I hope to count on committees support to reach goals in this area,” he said.
17:15: Asked for concrete examples of preventive measures on cyberbullying, the social media inquiry details, and who will assess this, Micallef said that the cooperation with the Parliament when it comes to children will be key, and he said he will work with different committees to strengthen the approach to tackling children’s rights
On cyberbullying, Micallef said that he will develop a strategy based and built on the current robust framework existing in this legislation to protect children online through best practices implemented by member states, promote the flagging scheme, the digital wallet, and ensuring a strategy which is coherent, holistic and protects children online.
Micallef said that in his preparation for this hearing while studying the children’s rights strategy, there was a group of children given an explanation what strategy meant for children, and a boy from Cyprus told the officials delivering it said that this is well said, but that he prefers well done.
“Through a strategy platform for coordination with Commission, we can bring together all parts of Commission to ensure a child friendly approach in what we do,” Micallef said.
17:10: Asked what actions and measures he would take to ensure social inclusion of all generations and full participation in society and economy and legislative changes with regards to youths and intergenerational fairness, Micallef said that intergenerational fairness is about ensuring a voice in society, listening to everyone and not leaving anyone behind while future-proofing legislation.
“This requires a whole Commission approach and collaboration with all members of future college, and I look forward to promote inclusion and fairness in our work,” he said.
Other designates will need to be involved, and there will be a strategy with targeted actions and will use foresight to anticipate future disruptions and opportunities and being proactive rather than reactive, he said.
17:06: Asked whether he would support political activities against white people, Micallef said that the support of cultural heritage and diversities are the pillars on which the Culture Compass will be built on.
Micallef continued that EU values and priorities must be promoted by cultural professionals to access funding, and equality includes gender, age, and equality on different people and that this cannot be compromised on.
He was also asked about different treatment in sports practised by both men and women, and on what measures he intends to take to invite sports federations to ensure that awards are the same between men and women, and preventing discrimination preventing professional growth of women athletes.
Micallef said that one of the foundations of the values-based sports model he will promote is the autonomy of sports organisations to govern their sport independently, but this does not mean that there cannot be an opportunity to be assertive with them and send a strong signal of EU expectations of a values based model which focuses on rights.
He said that when it comes to big sporting events and competitions, equality is something of absolute priority, and the autonomy is not unconditional, they must respect EU laws and principles and the Commission will be clear when engaging in sporting diplomacy and sporting movement outside the bloc.
17:01: Asked about how seniors would be integrated into his work, particularly within the context of their challenges, Micallef said that the way he views intergenerational fairness is ensuring everyone has a voice, resting on three pillars – harmony between generations, having equal opportunities for all generations, having active and empowered citizens which trust
“Low intergenerational fairness create disillusionment. We have ageing populations, lower fertility rates and greater longevity, but we must adopt out policies to address the way we look at housing, education, climate change and other such policies,” he said.
“It will need efforts across all different policy areas, we will develop strategy with targeted aspects and evidence based policies and actions guiding us in our work,” he added.
Asked about children living in institutions with little participation and self-expression, Micallef said that addressing institutionalisation within the context of child participation and improving this for children with fewer opportunities and disabilities is key.
“Children are not the future, they are the now and we must make sure no child is left behind,” Micallef said.
He mentioned EU funds helping with institutionalisation, there is a children’s participation platform and will be very keen to have views of children from all backgrounds and walks of life to enrich our work and empower work, having right to education, to care and equal opportunities.
16:52: One MEP pointed out that the EU has not ratified a convention related to match-fixing in sports because Malta is blocking its approval.
Micallef said that he does not represent any particular member state, but rather the interests of EU citizens.
Integrity and values in sports are crucial, and these are values which Micallef said he holds dear.
He noted that the Commission had presented a proposal to the Council to sign and ratify this convention, and these have been taken on consensus.
“You have my word and commitment to instill dialogue within member states and work with the future presidency with the view of this deadlock being unblocked, with the final decision still in the council’s hands,” Micallef said.
16:45: “I want to promote a model in the EU based on intergenerational fairness and one of the pillars to issue cohesion is to have harmony between generations,” he said, noting that this is one of the foundations he plans to build on.
Micallef said his work will be focused delivering such a strategy which encourages generations to work together, promotes active and empowered citizens and work must be done in many social sectors and areas.
On the creative sector and AI, Micallef said: “We have to embrace change to mitigate its risks but at the same time take the opportunity this brings.”
He said there is already a basis for protecting and supporting cultural and creative sectors industries in the digital world, mentioning the AI act and several initiatives.
“We have to work on a strategy in the AI sector which is deliberate and targets these sectors, supports them in the digital world to exploit the potential and make the change needed, promotes ethical use of AI where content is clearly marked as generated by AI and where we encourage the tech industries and the cultural industries to unleash potential into our economies,” he said.
16:35: Asked about his vision and how he will act on challenges of youths becoming violent and aggressive, Micallef said there is a direct link between the time spent online and the negative effects of excessive screen time, both psychologically and physically.
“We have to work on giving guidance to policymakers on managing digital tools for our children, and take on an EU-wide inquiry on harmful effects of social media so we can plan out a cyberbullying action plan,” Micallef said.
He said the promotion of sports and cultures as alternatives to screentime for youths can improve and better their wellbeing.
16:33: On fighting online piracy which is undermining the sporting and audiovisual sectors, and if the Commissioner will come up with a bill to see that content-related sectors are addressed, Micallef said this is directly related to the culture and sports sector.
He said there is virtually no demand for sports content which is not live, which has an effect on revenue generated by the sports movement, and affects the solidarity in grass roots sports and elite sports.
Micallef said that pirated content as regards to sport is being monitored and assessed, with work to conclude in November of next year, coinciding with the assessment on the recommendation currently in place at the moment.
16:30: Asked about cultural poverty, and how he intends to improve the effectiveness of EU strategies on the rights of minors and how to boost the childhood guarantee, Micallef said the responsibility falls upon legislators, policymakers to ensure a future of hope and opportunity for children.
He said that this mandate has put in place a strong children’s rights strategy, but he said we need to be more ambitious, and around 20 million children are at risk of poverty, being on a cliff-edge to being poor.
The target is by 2030, 11million children are alleviated from the poverty line, however this still leaves a number of children behind. This is something Micallef said he will work on with fellow colleagues, reinforcing the child guarantee, working on the implementation of the pillars of social rights, with a direct link of labour market of parents and children of societies.
16:29: Micallef was asked how youths would be able to see whether their contribution has been taken into account, and in response he zeroed in on the word transparency, where he said that the Youth Check will be applied systematically, and every proposal in the first annex in the Commission programme will be assessed for its effects on youth.
He said there is also the possibility of other co-legislators having their say on which actions they believe are relevant to youths. There will be a youth-specific impact assessment and youth consultations, so if youths feel strongly about a particular legislation they deem to be relevant he will take on this feedback, as his role is to be the voice of youth in this generation.
16:22: Asked how he would strengthen the sports model so that sports club benefit, particularly within the context of the ECJ’s decisions on the Super League and on transfer rules, Micallef spoke of the fact that a sport’s autonomy means that the sporting movement can govern and regulate without undue external influence – but not without conditions.
The preconditions are that they respect EU law, and follow good governance principles such as accountability, transparency and fairness in managing sport.
He said that in his work on the sport model they will be very political, but the respect for competition law is not something which must be compromised on and clubs must ensure that they comply with legislations.
Micallef mentioned how football is being regulated in Italy, and questioned whether there should be reinforcement of state values of the sporting movement.
16:20: One MEP pointed out that people in Croatia are worried about gender ideology, feeling that children are being confused. “Can you please give us a definition to the question of what a woman is? And whether competitions with men in women’s sports are something considered as an EU value?”
“I believe we have a moral and legal obligation to protect our children,” Micallef said, mentioning the values-based EU sports model, and that sports is for anyone and everyone, encouraging different genders and identities participation in elite sport events
Micallef said it is the sporting movement’s decision to discuss such issues, and, on his part, sports will be promoted for all as he believes that we live in a union of equality.
He received a round of applause after his reply to this question.
16:17: Asked about countries which are candidates to join the EU membership, and including governmental and non-governmental youth organisations from such countries, Micallef mentioned enlargement, and spoke about the millions of people neighbouring Europe who aspire to live the EU dream.
“We are duty bound to help them realise those dreams,” Micallef said.
Micallef said this is a powerful reminder of how culture and sport can be enablers in strategic priorities in enlargement and it is in their best interest to use them as such.
He said he looks forward to working with his fellow colleagues to have possibilities to discuss this with youths, and it is the Commission’s duty to help youth in enlargement countries to do the same. There are already ideas that through the youth dialogue, youths in succession countries would be able to share their views.
16:12: Asked about what actions would be taken to ensure access to cultural events for marginalised communities independently of social condition, Micallef again said that the Commission has to be strategic.
“We have to be strategic when it comes to culture, wherein we have to promote it to help Member States to promote social inclusion,” Micallef said, adding that this will be done in the Culture Compass.
He said that significant challenges such as lack of connection to services, and initiatives must be addressed to ensure young people can engage with and attend such events.
Micallef said one of the pillars has to take into account the promotion of culture in these policies, such as in social aspects and education.
16:07: Asked about excessive time on the internet and uncontrolled usage of social media which youths are subjected to, with harmful content threatening their physical and mental health, Micallef detailed the specific actions he would take for the safety of youth.
He said the protection of young people online is an absolute priority, as it is having significant harmful effects on young children who are vulnerable online.
There will be an EU-wide inquiry on the effects of social media by the Vice President for Technology this will go hand in hand with the action plan on cyberbullying to ensure that cases of cyberbullying can be detected and reported, while also working on a common definition of what cyberbullying is which will complement the work done in this mandate on the strategy targeting better internet for children.
Micallef said that this work will be sustained through the implementation of the children’s rights strategy. He continued that other policies must be promoted such as sport, to give youths a healthier alternative avenue.
16:05: Another MEP asked: “The tools engage only a small part of the youth population – how to intend wider range of youths considering all backgrounds and ensure engaging including an actual impact assessment on youth?”
Micallef said that the youth dialogue will be organised with all the Commissioners and he will coordinate such meetings to gather views from youths which can then be used for legislation.
He said that there are young people who are significantly underrepresented and this is translating into a situation where they are not bothering to vote, as he quoted the recent statistics of the age groups who voted in the last MEP elections.
Micallef said that young people must be encouraged to participate and be active in political life so to create more champions in the political future.
16:01: An MEP asked which possibilities Micallef sees in the AI Law and AI Strategy to allow cultural production to promote values rather than endanger values such as democracy, promoting with AI.
“When it comes to AI we need a forward-looking strategy which enables and reinforces human creativity, brings change and boosts creativity of these sectors,” Micallef said, adding that this is a tool being used across the value sector chain, expecting structural changes in the job market.
“We have made significant steps in this mandate to support and protect cultural sector in this age,” Micallef said, mentioning tools predating the general AI boom.
He said what is needed is something tailor-made, specifically for the cultural and creative sector industries, which needs to support and promote the ethical use of AI with transparency on how these models are being trained, and encourage collaboration between tech industry and cultural sector to unleash its potential in the AI sector.
15:58: On measures envisaged on the cyberbullying action plan and how he plans on discussing this with his fellow colleagues, Micallef said that hatred, bullying and harassment has no place in society, applying to both the physical and virtual worlds.
He said excessive screen time is causing harm as well as societal damage. Micallef mentioned the Digital Act in place including explicit regulations where online platforms have to comply with parental controls, age restrictions and cyberbullying.
“It is now time to take the next step,: we need a strategy which really considers the fact that the more people spend time online, the greater the risk of cyberbulling,” Micallef said.
He said that a shared understanding of what cyberbullying is must be identified, and best anti-cyberbullying practices must be rolled out in the union, and reporting on cyberbullying must be encouraged.
15:54: On the growing digital divide and what an MEP said is compelling evidence that youths are misinformed, misempowered, and have their voices go unheard, Micallef said that one of the key tools to address this is EU policy.
The College of Commissioners, and particularly Micallef, will have the first set of youth policy dialogues in the first 100 days of its term, and he will be organising them with three pillars: they must be structured in such a manner where young people can express their views; have a follow up with the President of the Youth Advisory Board; and they must be innovative.
“We want to hear frustrations, and we want the youths to tell us this. We also want this to be a celebration of youths,” Micallef said.
15:51: An MEP spoke of sexual abuse and consent in sexual relationships, and asked whether he would condemn the approach to sexual abuse of children.
Micallef said that when it comes to children, the Commission has a moral and legal obligation to protect them. This is not something he takes lightly, he said, and a lot of work is being done in the current mandate, to deliver a strong children’s rights strategy to protect children in court rooms, online, the class rooms, and other concrete measures to protect children.
“Our values should not be something up for discussion, and we will continue to promote the work Commissioner Dalli started in this mandate,” Micallef said.
Asked about the digitalisation of SMEs and what strategies to adopt to assist SMEs in cultural traditions, Micallef continued that in the EU there is a rich and diverse cultural tapestry, one of the greatest assets the union has, which has to be invested in to continue to be developed.
Member states have to come together to embrace changes of digitalisation, once again mentioned a Culture Compass which guides and harnesses cultures in policy making, and promoting culture in various areas such as digitalisation, and as a tool which is more accessible to SMEs.
When it comes to tools at hand, Micallef said that the Commission must be strategic in the next MMF, deciding the best way to fund this.
15:49: Micallef was asked how he would tackle issues among vulnerable groups such as obesity, people struggling with mental health, and other groups through sports and culture.
The Commissioner-designate replied that when he looks at statistics of obesity in the EU, the numbers are nothing other than shocking. Billions are being spent on health care annually on these issues, and the Commission must work with Member States in promoting sports in other policy areas such as education, social and integration policy, he said.
He said he will work with fellow designates to ensure that sport is a tool to deliver on these issues.
15:48: Another MEP asked about the mental health of youths, with the Covid-19 pandemic having had a huge impact on youths – with depression and anxiety levels now more than doubled what they were prior to the virus, and with over half of youths facing psychological issues which are not being met sufficiently.
“How will you help and how do you intend to get young people on board?” the MEP asked.
Micallef replied there is no greater priority for the Commission than the health and wellbeing of the people. Micallef confirmed that his portfolio gives him the responsibility and role to address these challenges through culture and sport – the latter undoubtedly helps people in bettering their quality of life.
The WHO has been reviewing contributions of arts and culture to our wellbeing, to prevent and address these challenges, and he wants to devote a lot of energy to promote cultural treatment.
15:45: An MEP asked about the methodology of governance and information gaps of who was appointed where. Micallef was asked how he can guarantee that information on culture sectors. "Are you satisfied with portfolio, is it enough for you?," one MEP asked.
"My portfolio gives me a platform to work with many colleagues in the Commission and I am very proud of it," Micallef replied.
He again mentioned the Culture Compass, where the first step will be to update cultural statistics to have discussions with evidence-based actions in the Commission's work. This will be complemented by a Eurobarometer survey, and when it comes to working conditions of artists there is currently an ongoing assessment in various Member States.
Micallef said that this assessment will inform the discussion, assessing legislative gaps, and if there are such gaps, the adequate follow ups will come about either in policy or legislative point of view.
15:44: An MEP suggested that the EU was using the Erasmus+ programme against the interests of youths, and that 14 year olds were being indoctrinated with “dangerous ideologies” such as “drag queens.”
“Erasmus+ is a flagship ownership of our union, seeing 15 million young people who are champions of the union and this will be strengthened, with more resources attributed to it,” Micallef said.
He said that he will work for a values-based union – equality, solidarity, democracy and non-negotiable freedom of expression, and he will make sure that these values are continued to be respected and funding instruments continue to champion them as well,” he said.
Micallef said that this is an utmost priority, and he will use all tools possible and will not compromise on its values.
The MEP said it was an unsatisfactory response, as the EU withdrew funds for Erasmus+ and also dropped some countries from the programme.
Micallef said that when speaking about rule of law, the Commission will continue to invest in this, as has been done in previous mandates, implementing mechanisms of rule of law.
He said there has been a process with one member state as mentioned, such as Hungary, and said the ball is in the Hungarian court, the Commission will make a proposal for the release of those funds once it is confirmed.
15:41: Micallef was asked by an MEP about sport as a tool of integration for young people and generations, and the European Sports Model and how it contributes to integration compared to other models, securing and reinforcing sports as a way of life.
“Sports has a power to reach places where politicians cannot. It has a fundamental educational, social and political role. We have a distinct European model which recognises the value of sporting merit, based on a system of promotion and relegation, but the two key components are the redistribution and solidarity between elite sports and grass roots sports, and the role of volunteers,” Micallef said.
He said the model stands up for social rights, and the Commission has the chance to improve the model to reach higher expectations, and it should be its mission to make sports available for everyone and anyone.
He was asked what specific strategies he would take to promote sports for people with disabilities, people suffering from drug problems and other minorities, and from where these could be funded.
Micallef said that the Commission has to work with member states in this sphere, and said he was looking forward to a health enhancement on physical activity being integrated in countries.
He mentioned key tools to encourage people who want to do sports, and said that next year, the discussion will be held with regards to the MMF and how to fund these initiatives.
15:40: Micallef was asked how, in his opinion, European culture can coexist with national policies of linguistic preservation, and how he intends to address growing limitations on artistic freedom in member states.
Speaking in Maltese on the question of multi-lingualism, he said that one of the main pillars upon which a culture is built is the preservation of cultural and historical heritage, which includes language preservation.
He said that he was able to promote various literature and learning languages, and looking at the audio-media directive, in the next months, discussions will start on the Budget, and these investments must continue promoting linguistic diversity.
Micallef said linguistic diversity is of national competence and he will have to work with member states and governments. On artistic expression, the Commission has the tools in its hands to preserve and protect artistic expression.
He was asked if he would commit to advancing aspects of artistic freedom and expression and if they could be included in rule of law.
Micallef pledged to do his best to work with his fellow colleagues to safeguard these values, and that there are no compromises.
15:38: One MEP asked whether with cultural sovereignty being called into question economically, and the cultural eco-system having such a small share of the budget it is high time for the European Commission to help out.
Micallef said that he truly believes the Commission needs to be ambitious and strategic when it comes to culture. He said that this is a discussion for 2026, and that he wants a strategy and culture compass complemented by means and monitoring tools to assess the progress
In 2026, discussions will start on the new MMF and this will see how best to finance it, Micallef said, adding that he will work with the designate Commissioner responsible for the Budget and others.
Financing and the Cultural Compass will it take into consideration industries falling under different portfolios to the one he will be leading, Micallef said.
The work on the Cultural Compass will have two strands: first to ensure that the cultural sector can reach its potential, and second to promote the role of culture in policy both externally and internally, in funding instruments and all legislation.
“We will have to be very coordinated and I will make it a point to collaborate with colleagues working on health, regions, and others to promote the role of culture in their role as well,” Micallef said.
15:33: Asked if he intends to work further on sites of cultural heritage, Micallef said that there is a rich and diverse cultural tapestry in Europe.
“Our culture compass and the work we will do on it will be focusing on better cohesion in regions, on protecting and safeguarding culture and linguistic diversities and on boosting competitiveness in creative and culture sectors, which will be the general and main framework in which the work in culture is taken down,” Micallef said.
He said that this compass would promote the role of culture in regions.
15:32: Improving working conditions for artists in the EU is a priority, Micallef said, to boost attractiveness and competitiveness in the sector.
He was asked if he would respect all components of the Parliament, and about non-reciprocity on paying rights for artists.
Micallef replied that he believes in dialogue and communication, but at the same time, the union is guided by values which are enshrined in the treaties.
As a Commissioner he would ensure speaking up for their values, using all means at his disposal. When it comes to copyright and initiatives that protect cultural sector, he is in favour of the initiative by the EP which assesses effectiveness.
Asked about funding of the cultural sector, and getting Member States on board on the ECJ initiative, Micallef said that he believes there needs to be more strategy for culture, with particular emphasis on the Cultural Compass and by bettering cohesion of regions, and boosting competitiveness and innovation of cultural sector.
One way to boost competitiveness is through coordinated action, vision and objectives with monitoring tools to properly deliver on the common goals, he said.
15:30: The grilling from MEPs now begins. He is asked about how he envisages working with other commissioners, particularly when concerning the Erasmus+ programme and Education – which are both not under his remit.
“All policy areas are interlinked and not one independent from the other,” he said. “It is imperative in next Commission that we collaborate,” he said.
Asked how he intends to implement the EU Parliament’s initiative report on the working conditions of artists across Europe, Micallef said that he believes that artists should be allowed to focus on being creative and not have to worry about earning a decent living.
He said that the sector, in which 7.7 million people work, faces significant challenges such as seasonality and conditioned or poor working conditions which affect the sector’s competitiveness.
He said that in his first months as Commissioner he will organise high-level roundtable meetings bringing together social partners, stakeholders, and members of the committee before him today to assess gaps, increase support, organise thematic annual workshops and also, where necessary, speak of the need for policy and legislative action.
15:24: “I am eager to work with you to strengthen our union and together we can bring tangible benefits to people, tackle the challenges ahead of us, and reinforce the shared values we hold dear: diversity, fairness, solidarity and democracy. I ask for your trust to take on the portfolio to realise shared vision together,” Micallef said, closing off his address.
15:22: Turning to sport, he said that as a former football player, he has solid experience of the importance of governance within sport, but more so of the power of sport uniting and bringing people together.
He said he would dedicate his energy to preserving and promoting a sporting model that ensures fairness and equality, and said that if confirmed he would use the full power of sport and cultural diplomacy in order to promote peace and foster dialogue.
He said that sport is essential to tackling the obesity epidemic and mental health problems, with data showing that up to 44% of people never exercise and 45% of European never do a sport. He added that he would propose a review of the Council’s recommendations for health enhancing physical activity.
15:19: Recalling Valletta as the European Capital of Culture, Micallef said that the cultural and creative sectors have potential for the economy – yet a lot of it is going untapped right now, with a more strategic approach required from the Commission.
He promised a new strategic framework for culture which will harness and connect cultural dimensions with today’s priorities.
He also said he would work on an AI Strategy for Cultural and Creative industries together with tech sovereignty.
15:17: Intergenerational fairness, he said, starts with children. “They bear no responsibility for shaping the world they inherit,” he said, adding that they have a right to a safe education and a future of hope with opportunities.
He said that he will work to make the implementation of the Rights of the Child a reality across the bloc.
“No child must be left behind – one of our greatest challenges is protecting mental health of children and youths and if confirmed I will lead work on an action plan against cyber bullying in order to embrace issues in education and in digitalisation and to combat hate speech,” he said.
15:14: Turning to youths, he said that young people are under-represented in politics and are less likely to vote – which in turn leads to policies which disregard their interests. This means it is essential to increase youth participation.
“Without youths on board, the future of the EU project already lies in the past,” he said.
“We must make politics with young people, not for young people,” he said, adding that if confirmed he will work tirelessly to include youths and give them a seat around the table.
This will be also through assisting the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in setting up a Youth Advisory Body ensuring representation of youths across EU member states and communities.
15:11: Being the first ever European Commissioner for intergenerational fairness is significant because this is one of the most important societal challenges that Europa has today, as no generation can be left behind but one must account for future generations.
“We have a collective responsibility to ensure holistic and long-term responsibility,” he said, adding that if he is confirmed, he will put forward the first European strategy for intergenerational fairness and this dimension will be integrated in all areas.
15:00: He dedicated a part of his opening to “the brave people” of Ukraine, saying that he stands with them in defending their land and values and will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. “I will assess where I can strengthen collaboration with Ukraine within my portfolio,” he said.
He recalled the excitement and celebrations of when Malta joined the EU, saying that his life had been transformed by Malta’s EU membership and he was given the opportunity to live his EU dream.
In this vein, he said that enlargement of the bloc is a merit-based process, but they have the responsibility for many more people to live their own EU dream.
14:58: In his address, Micallef said that it was this very institution where he had the privilege of beginning his EU journey as an intern, adding that “it may be a twist of faith but an honour and a privilege to be here before you seeking approval as a European Commissioner.”
He said that his personal commitment embodies this portfolio, noting that he had engaged in participatory democracy from a very young age, playing an active role in youth, sports, and cultural organisations.
He said that diversity, fairness and solidarity are the cornerstones of the EU project, and these values will play a key role in his work.
14:38: German MEP Nela Riehl – who is the Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) and who forms part of the Greens – opened the session by expressing solidarity with Spain over their recent floods, before explaining the procedures of the session, with time constraints for questions and replies.
She said that the Commissioner-designate said that he is to state clearly whether is he qualified to be a member of the College, and carry out the duties involved in the role.
She said Micallef’s written answers to MEPs have already been published, and there was no objection to the holding of the confirmation hearing.
Micallef is to make an opening statement of no longer than 15 minutes, and he will be allowed a 5-minute conclusion. In between, he will be questioned over four rounds by MEPs.
14:31: Good afternoon and welcome to this live blog, where we will providing a detailed account of Glenn Micallef’s MEP hearing, which is scheduled to begin at 2.30pm.
Micallef is already seated in the hot seat, where he will be faced with questions by MEPs on his prospective role.