MEP Sant promises continued importance to national interests

 MEP Alfred Sant said that he would continue to promote national interests at European parliament, particularly in discussions of the future of the EU, throughout 2016.

Speaking at the European Parliament, in a televised New Year's Message from Strasbourg, Sant said that there are some who would like to create a federal Europe, and others who prefer the idea of  Europe giving back main lines of governance to the member states.

“In this regard I am determined to participate in this debate to promote the national interests of Malta within the EU,” he added.

Sant pointed out that during 2015, the Maltese S&D delegation had sought to defend the interests of the country in the face of a string of crises which struck the European Union. 

“In order to defend Malta’s national interests, the Maltese Labour Delegation went against the S&D's political line where necessary,” Sant said. 

He further listed the various crises the EU had faces in  2015, saying it had seen the euro crisis caused by Greece’s financial problems, terrorism, which struck twice in Paris and shook the world, the influx of immigration towards Europe from Africa and the Middle East, first from central Mediterranean and then from Turkey,  the ongoing confrontation between the EU and Russia as well as the uncertainty on UK membership in the EU.

“In the meantime, the economic situation in Europe remained stagnant and fragile,” he said, adding that Malta distinguished itself in this sense from the rest of Europe. 

“On the contrary, we witnessed economic growth which is well above that in Europe, but there are vital interests in these issues for Malta nevertheless.” 

“The greatest challenge is immigration,” he said, assing that a longterm and just solution can only be reached on a European basis.  “One must respect European values in favour of mercy and shelter to the persecuted,  while respecting the legitimate wishes and aspiration of communities who do not want to be burdened with excessive financial burdens.” 

Sant also specified that we must create a European solution faced with the threat of terrorism, where the European Parliament shoulders particular responsibilities. 

“With respect to the neutrality of Malta and to human rights,  I will support every measure that guarantees the security of all citizens in Europe,” he said. 

“Another challenge Europe is facing is that of economic stagnation.  We must be firm and determined  when such measures are discussed in the European Parliament and analyse how these measures can affect us for better or for worse.”

Sant explained that we should also explore new opportunities during 2016. “A new digital policy is being discussed in Europe,” he said pledging his support  for initiatives in favour of the development of the digital economy to create new opportunities for young people in Malta and Gozo.

Sant also spoke about the EU’s tendency to use measures that are to be observed by each and every member state. 

“This policy can discriminate against small countries and small regions who feel disadvantaged when compared to the other larger EU countries. This is happening in the case Gozo and in important sectors like manufacture, transport – particularly in AirMalta – agriculture,  fisheries and soon, taxation,” he said, promising to remain vigilant to counter the one size fits all measures.