Minister Helena Dalli in official talks with EU Commissioner Vera Jurova
Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Helena Dalli held official talks with European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vera Jurova.
They discussed the proposals that Malta will be pushing forward in the field of gender equality and consumer affairs during the upcoming Presidency of the EU Council.
Minister Dalli explained how the government aims to strengthen legislation on violence against women and domestic violence. She remarked how the Bill will address police intervention and the immediate emergency removal of the perpetrator from the family home in the event of violence.
Both sides discussed also the possibility of holding a public campaign for 2017 so as to coincide with the EU year against violence against women. They also spoke about the EU agenda for the forthcoming United Nations commission on the status of women.
Brief talks were also held on work-life balance, with Minister Dalli emphasising the need for the depathologisation of pregnancy and in turn have men and women share the leave around the birth of the child/ children.
It was explained how through the introduction of the maternity leave fund, Malta registered progress with the removal of the conditions that indirectly contribute to employer’s differential choices of potential employees.
Minister Dalli and EU Commissioner Vera Jurova also discussed consumer affairs. Dr Dalli said that the Maltese Government is very supportive of the Consumer protection Cooperation (CPC) system and actively participates in CPC common activities.
EU Commissioner Jurova applauded Minister Dalli for her work and political commitment in these areas.
