Metsola appointed vice-president of EP Petitions Committee

Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola has been appointed Vice-President of Petitions Committee (PETI) in the European Parliament. It is responsible for investigating and finding remedies for European citizens' claims.

The right to petition is a right enshrined in the Treaty on European Union and PETI is the Committee that seeks to find non-judicial solutions for citizens' petitions when these are considered to be admissible.

Earlier this year, Roberta Metsola had already presented a petition to this committee on the proposed gas tanker in Marsaxlokk Bay.

Metsola thanked the PN delegation in the European Parliament for their support and help in securing the appointment, since it is the first time that a Nationalist MEP has been selected as a President or Vice-President of an EP Committee.

"This is the Committee that is closest to the citizen and one that has a direct role in empowering and giving a voice to Europe's citizens. Even one person alone can submit a petition for consideration and I know just how important the role of the Committee can be in protecting the best interests of the people I represent," Metsola said.

She said that at a time when European are feeling disconnected from the decision-making process at EU level, this committee can play an important role in getting people involved.

“I will use this position to be the link between citizens and the European Union. It is time for people to have a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods,” Metsola underlined.

The appointment means that Metsola will form part of the leadership of the Committee and will play a key role in the negotiations between the different Political Groups represented within it.

PETI is one of three Committees that Dr Metsola will sit on, after having also been confirmed to continue as a Member on the EP's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committees.