MBR ISSUE 25 - low res all

Malta Business Review
EU Pre-Presidency
A new momentum and platform
to rebuild trust in the EU Project
In the current circumstances, the two
overarching objectives and priorities of
our Presidency are to ensure the long term
sustainability of the Union, and to restore
belief in the European project, said the
Minister whilst speaking during the Malta
EU Pre-Presidency Conference.
The Minister for European Affairs and
Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto
said that recent events especially the tough
financial upheavals, migration, security,
terrorism and Brexit have traumatised the
European Union. These have contributed
to a large degree to the re-emergence
of extreme nationalism, protectionism,
xenophobic and geo-political tensions, he
continued.
Minister Grech stated that at this delicate
moment in time of Europe’s history, one
must focus on the issues that address
the legitimate concerns and expectations
of the European citizens that cause the
citizens to lose confidence in the Union.
He said that Europe needs to address
concretely the uncertainty, fear and
inequalities felt by its citizens.
He reiterated that the Dutch, Slovak and
Maltese Presidencies are guided by five
pillars which are aligned with the EU’s
Strategic Agenda. These areas include
jobs, growth and competitiveness;
empowerment and protection for all
The Minister for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto Louis Grech
Photo: DOI-Reuben Piscopo
citizens; energy union and a forwardlooking
climate policy; freedom, security
and justice; and the Union as a strong
global actor. Minister Grech outlined that
the priorities of the Maltese Presidency fit
into these baskets.
On Brexit, he stated that once Article 50
is activated, a pragmatic approach to
negotiations should be adopted, that
should lead to fair, clear and swift solutions
which address the complex realities.
The Minister remarked that the Malta
Summit in February will continue the
reflection that has started in Bratislava, and
prepare for the 60th Anniversary of the
Treaty of Rome. This should be an occasion
to find a new momentum and a platform
to rebuild trust in the European project in
a viable and sustainable way right in the
middle of the Maltese Presidency, he said.
He also quoted today’s edition of the
EurActiv, where they wrote that the
Maltese Presidency is gearing up for the
perfect storm. He said that admittedly
the challenges are sensitive and complex,
however with the right leadership, sense of
vision and in-built flexibility the European
ideal will face its challenges successfully
and withstand the test of time.
Parliamentary Secretary for EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds, Dr. Ian Borg with Minister Grech
Photo: DOI-Reuben Piscopo
Minister Grech concluded that there
is no other option for Europe to turn
these setbacks experienced during these
extraordinary difficult times into potential
and viable outcomes for the future of the
European project. MBR
CREDIT: THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTORAL MANIFESTO
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