MBR_ISSUE 50_APRL_lowres

EP ELECTION SPECIAL
Malta Business Review
MBR: Can you give us an over-run of
your working experience within the EU
and why do you think this is so valuable
for voters to keep in mind when voting
the new EP members?
RM: I was a negotiator for the Maltese
Presidency of the Council of the
European Union. Ask anyone in Brussels
and they will tell you that the Maltese
Presidency was one of the most effective
and productive in terms of output,
agreements and accomplishments. My
experience with the EU goes back to the
times before Malta became a member
state. I was employed as an economist
with the European Commission during
the Malta-EU accession negotiations
and, as a member of the EU’s Delegation
to Malta, I played a direct role in the
technical preparations. Later, I worked
as editor of the European Commission’s
Eurobarometer surveys and then as an
adviser to the Group of Socialists and
Democrats in the European Parliament.
I know the European corridors of power
well and can easily navigate the complex
decision making process in the EU.
MBR: What was the main achievement
of your European career?
RM: I was in charge of the Council’s
preparations for the creation of the
European External Investment Plan that
will mobilise €44 billion of investments
in Africa and the EU’s neighbourhood
and successfully led the negotiations
with the European Parliament. This is
now the EU’s adopted long-term plan to
address the root causes of migration to
Europe by creating social and economic
opportunities and decent jobs across the
African continent.
MBR: Why do you think we have to
change Europe and make it more
effective by answering citizens’
concerns and building upon what we
have already achieved?
RM: It’s time for a Europe that is fairer
and more sustainable. There is a need
for a sustainable planet, as there is no
planet B! We must focus on people’s
genuine concerns and avoid dedicating
time to issues and debates that are
irrelevant or outdated. I want to work
in a European Parliament that is more
committed to a better quality of life and
a better environment while ensuring
equality and creating job opportunities
for everyone. I am ready to use my
experience from the very first day to
work for a better business environment
across Europe.
Being European means
believing in fundamental
values such as respect for
human dignity, freedom,
equality and the rule
of law.
MBR: Can you outline your vision for
a new Europe and a new incoming
Parliament?
RM: Elected legislators from all EU
countries must employ the right tools
that can lead to a positive change in
people’s lives. I want to see the new
European Parliament as a respectful,
visionary, innovative and less bureaucratic
institution that listens to people’s
expectations. I also think that the
European Parliament should not be a
battleground for partisan bickering but
a platform to help create social and
economic opportunities. I will adopt
a pro-active and consensus building
approach.
MBR: Is Europe the best continent to
live in?
RM: We, Europeans, represent just
ten percent of the world’s population
but many look towards Europe for
inspiration. I am a proud Maltese and
a proud European. I think that the best
way to care for Malta’s and Europe’s
interests is to have a rules-based and
value-based approach. The European
Union should be a modern institution
that takes into consideration the
interests of small nations, including the
welfare of hardworking Maltese and
Gozitan families, and individuals with
respect to our traditions, our values, our
business environment and our wish for a
stable future for our children. MBR
www.maltabusinessreview.net
7