Malta’s MEPs elected in the June European elections had the first public exchange together in an open discussion organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Malta this morning, in cooperation with the CORE Platform and JCI.
“We want everyone to be and feel involved – because democracy is more alive when there is the involvement of the largest possible amount of people,” said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who opened the event. “Malta becoming a member in the European Union meant that the country has a connection with a continent of endless possibilities. We need to match our ambitions with political will. This means making long-term infrastructural investments, including in the digital and technological fields. We have to go beyond rhetoric to get things done. The plan must incorporate every sector to ensure the long-term structural change that Malta and Gozo need. Young people, workers, the self-employed, students, industry, entrepreneurs must all feel part of the transformation we need.”
Newly-elected Maltese MEPs Daniel Attard and Thomas Bajada, as well as re-elected MEP Alex Agius Saliba, engaged with an audience of stakeholders, student groups, NGOs and the general public in a two-hour exchange where MEPs first listened, then put forward their aims for the next five years.
The youths to MEPs panel highlighted the need to involve young people in the whole policy-making process from its early stages, especially on AI; the link between the environment and mental health and the need to develop holistic plans tackling the deterioration of these; and the proportion of wages and affordable housing, which are making finding housing increasingly problematic in Malta. Affordable housing and the lack of niche employment opportunities were mentioned as a driving element in the trend of young people wishing to leave Malta.
MEPs addressed the elements raised in the panel and by the audience, highlighting the importance of a two-way communication over their coming five-year term.
MEP Agius Saliba noted the commonality of the affordable housing issue across Member States, leading to the introduction of the first EU Commissioner with direct responsibility for housing in the upcoming European Commission. He emphasized that this is where the EU needs to make an impact keeping the social pillar front and centre, safeguarding Erasmus funds, and continuing to work on the digital transition.
Social media and communication in the most accessible way that still provides information and correct information was highlighted by all MEPs.
“I would go a step further and highlight misinformation,” MEP Attard said, noting that it there needs to be clarity and consistency information and action.
The MEPs outlined their committee work, likened by Daniel Attard to “breakout rooms from the main meeting, the plenary session, where we negotiate policy”.
For new MEP Thomas Bajada, in the next five years “my focus as MEP will be on empowering youth, promoting wellbeing, and driving environmental sustainability. I am committed to initiatives that directly benefit our communities and secure a greener, healthier future. Together, we can ensure that Europe’s progress translates into tangible, positive change for Malta.
MEP Alex Agius Saliba stressed the importance of social media and home visits to communicate the work of the European Parliament to the citizens in a manner that allows citizens to become aware of the impact of the EP’s work on their lives.
“My first 100 days in the European Parliament have been about making Malta’s voice resonate,” newly-elected,” MEP Attard said. “As Vice Chair of the Iran delegation and an active contributor in my committees, I’ve championed diplomacy, policies that respect each country’s unique path and challenged one-size-fits-all solutions. Driven by a vision for a sustainable, innovative and social Europe, I am committed to a Union that values every voice and works towards lasting peace and progress”.
MEP Peter Agius, also a newly-elected MEP, in a video message, noted a direct link between his campaign messages and what he is doing as an MEP including putting forward a petition on noise pollution, launching a study visit programme for young people, and commissioning a special EP study on connectivity for Gozo.
The MEPs took questions from the floor on accessibility of buildings, the US elections and impact on the EU, the recent vote on the EU budget, polarisation in politics and challenges in the coming five years, where MEP Agius Saliba noted the changes in the formation of Parliament making it a challenging five years ahead for European lawmakers.
Closing the event, the Head of the EP Liaison Office in Malta Mario Sammut, noted that “a thriving democracy necessitates the active involvement of its youth, because they are the present and not just the future”. Dr. Sammut also emphasized the availability of the together.eu platform, that enables EU volunteers and stakeholders to promote their events and get in touch with other organisations. He invited active participation on this platform and in the events of the European Parliament Office bringing EP work closer to the Maltese, and expressed openness to listen to citizens’ and stakeholders’ ideas for future public discussions.
Photo: EP Valletta
