The President of the European Parliament addressed businessmen and made a speech about ‘Malta in an ever-changing European background’.
“We are part of the best Union of countries in history.Our island is at the decision table.They are at the top of the average.We Maltese understand that the size of ideas and the sense of integrity always wins over the limitations of geography.Malta can lead.”
This was said by the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola while she was addressing the Mabel Strickland Memorial Lecture with the theme ‘Malta in an ever-changing European background’ in Valletta.
Addressing political leaders, diplomatic bodies, the business community and the public, President Metsola spoke about the values of the European Union, and about the tough decisions that must be taken as Europeis addressing challenges on several fronts.Referring to Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, President Metsola said that Europe would do better to defend true peace with accountability and justice.“For there to be peace, there must be a free Ukraine.For there to be a European Union, there must be Ukraine.”
She also insisted on the need for Malta and Europe to modernize.“The recovery and resilience of the EU is based on this.Just as societies and the way we live have adapted to life online, so must businesses.”
Here, she said that Gozo is suitable to become a digital hub in Europe.While insisting on investment in the environment, the President said that Malta has a place to lead in this sector.
“We should be a country that makes the best use of the potential of electric vehicles for example.We generate cheap and clean energy.We reduce the bills, we clean the air.We can do it all.”
Regarding immigration, President Metsola claimed that the European Parliament is asking for common action.“In the European Parliament we agreed on a way forward regarding immigration that is fair and humane with those in need of protection, that is fair and firm with those who are not eligible, and that protects our borders and isstrong with those traffickers who abuse the vulnerable and who profit from human desperation.”
President Metsola delivered a similar message on Friday evening as she addressed more than 800 businessmen during the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Malta Chamber of Commerce.
In her speech, she insisted that more investment is needed to make both Malta and Europe more competitive.“NextGenerationEU funds can be used.We want to incentivize private investment.”
While making reference to the green and digital transformation, President Metsola said that this commitment leads to new jobs and economic growth.“Malta can be an incubator and eventually lead the transformation of skills,” said Metsola.
Later, President Metsola went to Gozo, where she met with the Munxar Local Council, she thanked organizations in the City of Victoria that joined the European Parliament’s Generators of Hope campaign, she met with representatives of the Club of– La Stella Band at the Astra Theater and those of the Leone Band Club at the Aurora Theater in Rabat Gozo, as well as visiting the Il-Ħajar – Heart of Gozo museum.In Malta, she had talks with the Maltese Medical Association about the way forward in the health sector after the latest developments of the last few days in relation to the sale deal of the hospitals.
