EU Commissioner for Internal Market meets Maltese stakeholders

EU Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Michel Barnier participated in a dialogue meeting with a number of social partners during his visit to Malta this week. Barnier gave an overview about the ongoing initiatives the European Commission is taking to facilitate life for both citizens and businesses, in line with the G20 agenda. The interactive session allowed the Commissioner to take note of issues which are specific to Malta and to explain the various actions being taken at European levels.

Barnier insisted on the need for Europe to implement what has already been decided by the European Council and stressed that the Single Market is fundamental for Europe to exit this difficult period. The Commissioner also thanked MEP Louis Grech for the report he had drawn up on the Single Market for Citizens and Consumers.

Barnier described topical proposals for a Financial Transaction Tax as "technically easy to administer, economically sustainable, financially viable, and politically fair."

The French Commissioner Barnier highlighted the social dimension of the European Commission's work plan to strengthen the Internal Market. "A series of 50 proposals are at the moment on the table. These range from facilitating access of SMEs to public procurement, a more effective European patent system, and establishing one-stop-shops for SMEs in each Member State. Other recent Commission proposals include better regulation of the auditing sector and credit rating agencies," Barnier said.  

During his visit, the Commissioner also held a similar meeting with civil servants involved in the implementation of the single market in his attempt to reach out and listen to those who are tasked to apply the regulations in practice.

The entities represented during the meeting at Dar l-Ewropa included the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry; GRTU; the Malta Employers Association; the Malta Institute of Management; the Malta Communications Authority; the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development; the Gozo Business Chamber; the Malta Union of Bank Employees; the Malta Lotteries and Gaming Authority; the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority; and MEUSAC. MEP Louis Grech and Anna Maria Darmanin, Vice-President of the European Economic and Social Committee, were also present.