NEWS | Tuesday, 02 June 2009

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Joe Farrugia
Malta Employers Association

The choice of European MEPs is a decision which will reflect on Malta’s ability to participate effectively in the decision making process of the European Union. The fact that as a small country we are represented by only a relatively small number of seats makes it even more essential to be selective and to have a team of MEPs that, irrespective of which side of the political divide they come from, will truly be able to participate and act in the best interests of the nation.
Our MEPs face a more daunting task than those of other, larger countries because they need to be involved and keep abreast with many issues simultaneously. Therefore we need MEPs who are convinced that a small voice can make a big difference, who would be prepared to stir debate, and possibly even disagree with their political affiliations within the European Parliament if such disagreement is in the national interest. This is only possible if the MEPs that are elected are fully knowledgeable of the mechanics of the EU and who lobby effectively within their respective camps to magnify Malta’s influence in the EU.
MEPs should promote a business mentality in the European Parliament, which unfortunately, has demonstrated, on various occasions, a complete detachment from the realities of the business world. It often seems as if MEPs (not just the Maltese ones) are too keen on discussing issues that affect business and the work environment – e.g. organization of working time, maternity leave, family friendly measures – with a complete disregard of the fundamental underpinnings that make such things possible, namely the generation of productive jobs through a healthy competitive environment.
The European Social Model is only sustainable if European enterprise is competitive. In their interventions and lobbying activities, MEPs should ask themselves: How will my contribution generate more investment in Malta? Will this position increase the job creation potential for my country? It is regrettable that there have been cases where the domestic squabbling between political parties has tainted the quality of the MEPs participation, and even went against the national interest.
It is expected that MEPs should establish and maintain regular communication links with constituted bodies, unions and civil society. Consultation with these institutions will enable them to take more informed positions on a number of sensitive issues, and that their contributions to the debates will push the Maltese agenda – not necessarily that of their political party – forward.
The selection of candidates for the European Parliament in the coming elections should hopefully result in an outcome whereby our voice in the European Parliament will be heard and respected. The wrong choice could be a source of national embarrassment. It is up to the democratic process to decide.

Joseph Farrugia is director-general of the Malta Employers’ Association

Martin Scicluna
Today Public Policy Institute

It would be disrespectful of me to tell our elected European Members of Parliament what they should or should not do. They are after all the representatives of all those thousands of people who have voted them into the European Parliament.
But if I were pressed to do so, my message would be two-fold and it would be addressed to Members of both political parties.
First, please remember that in the Parliament you account together for less than 1% of the total vote. It is important, therefore, wherever possible, for the Maltese vote on those issues that matter nationally to be unified and coordinated. This is not because they will sway the vote on their own, but because there are some issues – illegal immigration and the budget come immediately to mind – where consensus between our MEPs of all political persuasions becomes essential if Malta’s voice in Europe is to be heard.
Secondly, we, your electors, expect you to uphold Malta’s good name abroad for probity, intelligence and our ability to punch above our weight. It is vitally important that, even where there is political disagreement between you, your differences do not undermine the national interest and that Malta’s reputation remains untarnished.

Martin Scicluna is government advisor on illegal immigration and head of the Today Public Policy Institute

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