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European Union integration opens up a new horizon for entrepreneurial Maltese. It serves to attract investment whilst also offering numerous new standards hitherto unknown to the average Maltese. Nevertheless, it will not correct the deficit, the need to collect more funds better known as taxes, the ability to spend them respectfully, the need to replace nepotism with meritocracy, the institutional reforms necessary in the social and economic field. There are still a plethora of concerns that do not fall under the direct influence of the European Union and require good Maltese governance.
Many things will not change for some time to come; the appearance of trapping hides and hunters in Spring, the hideous state of our roads, low salaries, the exaggerated prices of many items will still be there next week and the week after.
The opportunities that can be availed of because of European Union integration very much depend on the capability and diligence of our politicians who are being delegated with the precise job of acquiring the best deals for Malta.
The European Union does not favour political patronage, and it is the responsibility of civil society and the media to guarantee that this high principle of the European Union is also reflected in the way the Maltese run their affairs.
Unfortunately, from the onset the belief that EU accession will change the Maltese political landscape is still a hard to come wish. The Labour party celebrated the first day of European Union membership with a mass protest on the crisis in employment. Many a Labourite felt bitter on Friday as soon as the first beams of light bounced off the bastions.
Accession is an achievement for all even though it became a reality primarily due to the foresight and political obsession of the Nationalist Party with the help of other political forces such as Alternattiva Demokratika.
And like Independence in 1964 and the foundation of a Republican constitution in 1974, the fruits of this positive evolution cannot and will not be restricted to one class or one political segment or creed.
The direction of the constitution for a New Europe is indicative of where this new ‘federal’ group of countries is going. After years of strife, wars and conflict, the European Union offers a future for over 455 million citizens.
From the sunny shores of the Canary Islands to the frigid Arctic in Finland the same body of rights and laws apply, safeguarded by regiments of technocrats in countless institutions in Brussels and around Europe.
The supreme bodies where decisions are taken remain the Council of Ministers and the Commission. The European Parliament will need more time to overrule the supremacy of these two bodies even if it plays an important role as a watchdog of the Commission.
The EU is not only about added value in the economic sense. It also adds value to culture, regionalism, language and society.
The values of this political global force second only to the US are more humane, more visionary and considerate to the needs of neighbouring countries, in sharp contrast to the irritant and self-righteous moral standing of the United States.
At the southernmost edge of the EU facing the vast continent of Africa, Malta is in a prime position to bridge the North-South divide and to act as a broker for peace and stability in the region. It is a role we can play but one that will require long-term vision, energy and urgent action in the face of Libya’s rapidly evolving rapprochement with the EU.
Malta has finally reached its goal. It is up to all of us to walk that extra mile and conquer new pastures for the mutual benefit of Malta, the Maltese, Europe and the Europeans.
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