PN MEP lambasts Malta’s ‘amateurish’ preparations for EU presidency

Nationalist MEP David Casa has taken the government to task for its “amateurish” preparations for Malta’s upcoming stint at the helm of the EU presidency.

Malta will take up the rotating presidency for the first time between January and June next year. However, Casa has hit out at the Labour government for failing to collaborate with the Opposition.

“Malta’s presidency will provide the country with an opportunity to drive the EU agenda and shape its priorities. For this to succeed, the cooperation of the European Parliament is vital,” Casa said in a statement. “Despite the PN’s offer to assist the Maltese government, collaboration in areas where the two parties can work together, such as employment and social affairs, has been non-existent.”

He said that civil liberties minister Helena Dalli recently sent meeting requests to European People’s Party MEPs in the EU’s social affairs and employment committee without even informing him. Casa is the coordinator of EPP MEPs within that committee.

“This is not the best way to ensure that the government reaches its objectives in this area,” Casa said.