MCESD launches ‘Closer to Europe’

The project funded by the European Social Fund, ‘Closer to Europe, is set to encourage and sustain the development of a more effective social and civil dialogue in Malta and Gozo.

“This is achieved by empowering local stakeholders through the provision of up-to-date information on social, economic and EU-related matters; the promotion of lifelong learning and the support to networking initiatives,” the Council said.

MCESD said the project will support Social Partners and Civil Society Organisations to increase their knowledge on EU and local policy developments and reach informed opinions on policy issues. 

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said that Malta has a tradition of social and civil dialogue involving government, Unions, Employers and Civil Society. “Within the context of the smallness of the country, resource limitations and social proximity, MCESD has served as a formal avenue for such dialogue in Malta,” he said.

Said argued that through the experience gained over the years, the Council has understood the value of operating through working groups which initiate discussions and investigate issues through research and wide consultation, prior to discussions in the main Council.

“However government and MCESD are aware that there are certain lacunae which need to be addressed. This project and other initiatives that are currently underway are intended to address these shortcomings,” Said stressed.

Said also referred to the setting up of a working Committee to review crucial issues in MCESD’s operations, including its composition, operating procedures and representation on Committees in Malta and abroad.

Referring to the various challenges the EU is currently facing, MCESD Chairman Sonny Portelli said that ‘Closer to Europe’ will contribute in terms of ideas and meaningful engagement into productive social dialogue.

“We have a solid track record in this respect, and the project launched today aims at further building on it to enable social dialogue in Malta to go to further strength, and engage even more meaningfully in the European Union arena,” Portelli said.

‘Closer to Europe’ aims to encourage a more active role and wider participation in debate thus enhancing the process of social and civil dialogue in Malta. The project will help bring about a tripartite partnership and enhance decision making processes and help Malta to consolidate economic growth and social cohesion.

The Council also explained that the project will aim to develop an active platform where socio-economic policies are formulated and disseminated.

As part of the project, MCESD will be organising a conference on 26 January 2011. More information can be found on www.mcesd.org.mt