Vella meets Metsola: ‘European Parliament a fundamental pillar of democracy’

Vella meets Metsola: ‘European Parliament a fundamental pillar of democracy’

President George Vella has met with the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, who is in Malta on her first official visit since taking office.

Vella wished Metsola well for her work in the post, speaking about the responsibilities this role entails. “The European Parliament is a fundamental pillar of democracy that conveys the voice of the citizens directly to the institutions of the European Union,” Vella said.

Vella also calld for greater awareness among European citizens about the work that the Members of the European Parliament do and how this directly affects their daily lives.

President Vella and Metsola discussed several challenges currently on the European Union’s agenda, such as post-COVID recovery, the Conference on the Future of Europe, immigration, climate change, as well as political developments in the EU’s Southern and Eastern Neighbourhoods.

Metsola expressed her appreciation for the support she received from President Vella, on behalf of all the people of Malta and Gozo.

Metsola spoke of how the pandemic had a major impact on the operations of the European Parliament and gave an overview of the current priorities on the Parliament’s agenda, which include immigration, the environment, and the digital sector. 

“The talks were very interesting and gave a clear explanation of the vision and goals with which Ms Metsola is carrying out her duties and functions,” Vella said after the meeting.

“This is a clear example of how Maltese people, especially when united, can overcome challenges related to the geography and size of our country and succeed in the highest international positions.”

Metsola reiterated the European Parliament’s commitment to uphold the fundamental values of the European Union. “The majority of people, including in Malta and Gozo, want a stronger role for the European Parliament. This is also my ambition, and I will continue to work to strengthen our European democracy, always putting people at the centre of our decision-making,” Metsola said.

Metsola visited the site in Bidnija where journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated on the 16 October 2017. Meeting members of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s family, President Metsola reiterated the European Parliament’s commitment in ensuring that every individual implicated in the assassination is brought to justice.

“The European Parliament stands for freedom of the media, for truth, for justice, for accountability. I am here, representing the citizens of Europe, to pay tribute to Daphne Caruana Galizia the woman, the journalist and the European and everything that she stood for.

“Our Parliament will keep underlining the need for justice to be done in this case and the cases she was investigating and we will keep supporting any initiatives to strengthen the rule of law and media freedom,” Metsola added.

Reacting to the latest Eurobarometer published this week, Metsola said: “Democracy cannot be taken for granted. The European Parliament will keep working to strengthen European democracy, which is the best way to move towards a free, prosperous, safe society with opportunities for everyone.”

During her stay in Malta, Metsola also visited the European Parliament Liaison Office in Valletta, where she met staff members and thanked them for their tireless commitment in  keeping everyone in Malta and Gozo informed about the work and impact of the legislation and polices of the European Parliament.