MBR ISSUE 44

Malta Business Review
INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH
what gives me the greatest satisfaction in my
work as a legislator and MEP.
MBR: Why do you consider
this as a key step and how
far are we from making the
digital single market a reality?
MM: Digitalisation is the present and the
future. The internet has great potential and
offers unlimited opportunities for the future
development of the single market. Obviously
there are also a number of challenges
that might affect consumers, workers and
traditional business providers and suppliers.
potential?
MM: The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI),
which was introduced with the Lisbon Treaty,
aims at increasing citizen’s role within the lawmaking
process of the EU by enabling citizens
to influence legislation. Regretfully, the
instrument has failed short on expectations
and after continuous callings from citizens and
the European Parliament, the Commission
published a new revised rules in September
2017.
It was indeed very satisfying to see the positive
results we got on the new rules for the revision
as the European Parliament and the Council
to propose new initiatives and policies at
European level. For me the Citizens’ Initiative
is a direct appeal from the people to the EU
to directly shape the political future in Europe.
MBR: You served also as Vice
Chair, as well as a member on
the Committee on Economic
and Monetary Affairs. What
are your experiences from
these positions?
MM: I was Vice President and member of
Marlene Mizzi at the EU Parliment
The approval of the Report is a key step
towards changing the way we think, the way
we work and the way we live. The Single Digital
Gateway offers more user- friendly services
and millions of Europeans citizens will benefit
from it – especially those who have worked
or studied, or intend to do so , in other EU
member states. The Single Digital Gateway will
open the door towards numerous advantages
and opportunites,and hopefully it will become
a reality soon. The Report will be put to the
final vote in plenary in September.
MBR: You have campaigned
in favour that citizens must
be given stronger voice
through European Citizens’
Initiative. What was your key
role in drafting and voting on
this strong position that will
ensure that the instrument is
citizens friendly as possible
and lives up to its full
of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) in
May 2018. There was widespread consensus
across all the political groups in support of my
amendments aimed at improving the current
rules and give voice to European citizens when
organizing, participating or simply supporting
a Citizens’ Initiative.
I am happy that as a shadow rapporteur I had
a key role to play in drafting and voting on
this strong position that will ensure that the
instrument is citizens friendly as possible and
lives up to its full potential. This was a crucial
vote in favour of giving a stronger voice to
citizens where EU legislation is concerned.
The Commission’s new proposal will solve
several relevant problems, which currently
limit the user-friendliness of the instrument.
However, the proposal still fails short on some
fundamental issues, which are essential to
ensure the future success of the ECI.
The main objective of my work as a shadows
rapporteur was to address the current gaps, so
that citizens will finally have the same power
ECON in the last year of the previous mandate,
2013-2014. As an economist this committee
was right up my street but the term of office
was too short to, as it was also MEP election
year. However, ECON is a very important
committee, but as it is very technical and its
effectiveness is often underestimated. I
decided to change committees for the 2014-
19 mandate.
MBR: You were also
appointed as a rapporteur
for the Brexit newsbook –
which report is aimed to
create a market structure
that would still give vehicle
manufacturers access to
the European single market
following the United
Kingdom’s exist from the
Union. Can you share your
opinions about Brexit?
MM: As of present many citizens are still
unsure as to whether we will see the
14