Public Debate: ‘L-Ewropa fejn sejra?’

“Citizens are the most important element of the European Union (EU), and although information about rights, duties and opportunities is crucial, we have to listen to the opinion of the citizens themselves. We are not only interested in listening, but also to convey the citizens’ message to the European Parliament”.

These were the comments of Maltese Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Claudette Abela Baldacchino, Roberta Metsola and Marlene Mizzi during a public debate organised by MEUSAC as part of the programme marking the European Year of the Citizens 2013.

The aim of the debate, held on Friday 9th August at Għar id-Dud in Sliema, was to provide citizens with the opportunity to put forward their views about the EU and EU citizenship-related issues. Similar debates will be taking place in different localities over the coming weeks.

PBS journalist, Norma Saliba, was joined by members of the public in discussing with MEPs about current themes such as gender quotas in favour of women on boards and other decision making entities; trade and cooperation between the EU and other large economies such as the United States; online gaming and striking a balance between economic interests and social issues; energy generation and environmental impacts, and the EU 2020 targets; the importance of the jobs and education issues during the current European Year of Citizens; and the issue of irregular immigration and the position of the Maltese MEPs in the European Parliament.

The three MEPs gave their views on the topics raised, and elaborated on the position of the European political groups they form part of, namely the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, and the European People’s Party, and their contribution on behalf of Malta within these political groups.

Speaking about the issue of burden sharing within the context of irregular immigration, all MEPs agreed that the European Commission can and should do more to alleviate the problem, but stressed that at the end of the day, it is the Member States that should show solidarity and provide real support.

Abela Baldacchino, Metsola and Mizzi spoke about the measures that are being taken to combat the illegal trafficking of immigrants. They expounded on the need of more solidarity in practice with small Member States like Malta, and, the failings of the relocation system despite the presence of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) in Malta.

The panel also agreed on the fact that the immigration problem is not easy to solve, and that solutions must be holistic in their approach. They called for respect towards the sentiment of the Maltese population which is facing a situation wherein, unlike in mainland Europe, immigrants find themselves ‘locked’ without being able to move to other parts of the continent.

In concluding, the MEPs emphasized the importance of such public dialogues, and said that these debates are a very good opportunity for citizens to air their opinions and speak about their concerns. The debate also served to help citizens be more aware of the work being carried out by MEPs.

The next public debate will take place on Friday 23 August at Marsalforn, Gozo, where the theme will be, ‘The Europe I would like to live in’. This event and other public dialogues scheduled for the coming weeks and months are financed by the European Union under the Management Partnership agreement between MEUSAC and the European Commission. MEUSAC is the national coordinator of the European Year of Citizens 2013.

For further details about the European Year of Citizens 2013, visit www.meusac.gov.mt and http://europa.eu/citizens-2013.