MBR_ISSUE 37_Lowres

GOTHENBURG SOCIAL SUMMIT
Malta Business Review
Minister Dalli calls for equitable and inclusive learning opportunities
following the Gothenburg Social Summit
At the General Affairs Council of the
European Union on Article 50, Minister for
European Affairs and Equality Helena Dalli
reiterated Malta’s call to respect the heads of
governments’ agreed sequencing of the Brexit
negotiations and welcomed the European
Commission’s internal preparations on the
future and the transitional arrangements.
Minister Dalli emphasised that any future
arrangement with the UK should be less than
full membership.
The EU’s Chief Negotiator on Brexit, Michel
Barnier, informed member states that no
sufficient progress has been achieved so far
by the UK on Article 50 of the Treaties of the
European Union. Article 50 was triggered
by the United Kingdom earlier this year,
following a referendum in which the British
people voted to leave the European Union.
Progress is a requirement stipulated by the
European Council for negotiations to move
forward to the second phase, and unless
this is achieved by the end of November, it
would seriously compromise the possibility to
achieve sufficient progress by the European
Council in December. There are a number
of divergences, such as on the financial
settlement of the UK, Ireland, and the role of
the Court of Justice of the European Union,
issues that are considered a priority by
member states.
Minister for European Affairs and Equality
stressed the importance of the role that the
EU Court of Justice will play following the
UK’s withdrawal and on the need for it to be
addressed. Minister Dalli also made a specific
emphasis on future trade agreement/s with
the UK and on the need that any future
agreements should be as comprehensive as
possible for the benefit of all concerned.
The General Affairs Council on Article 50
voted on the relocation of two European
agencies from London following the
withdrawal of the UK in 2019. The European
Medicines Agency will relocate to Amsterdam
while the European Banking Authority will
relocate to Paris. Malta’s application to host
the European Medicines Agency has been
withdrawn following extensive discussions
with the European Medicines Agency and
other national Governments.
Prior to the General Affairs Council on Article
50, Minister Dalli participated in the General
Affairs Council which is tasked with the
preparation of the forthcoming European
Council in December. The December Heads
of Government meeting is expected to focus
on defence, and on the social, culture and
Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna.
education sectors, particularly following the
Gothenburg Social Summit. Minister Dalli
called for equitable and inclusive learning
opportunities, diversity, language learning,
and investment in culture, including a strategic
approach to international cultural relations.
On migration, Minister Dalli underlined the
importance of continuing implementing the
measures outlined in the Implementation
Plan following the Malta Declaration. The
collective efforts on this issue are bearing
fruit, but there certainly is no place for
complacency. Progress on reforming the
Common European Asylum System remains
crucial and it is critical to have a futureproof
and effective policy that balances
responsibility with solidarity. MBR
Courtesy: THE MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN
AFFAIRS AND EQUALITY/DOI
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