EU Presidency Malta 2017 by The Malta Independent

EU PRESIDENCY M A LTA EU 2017

THE MALTA INDEPENDENT www.independent.com.mt

15 JANUARY 2017

The Malta Independent on Sunday | 15 January 2017

EU PRESIDENCY M A LTA EU 2017

Malta’s EU Presidency agenda in a n Migration In the area of migration Malta has twin objectives: to push for the swift implementation of measures that have already been agreed upon and to ensure that the issue remains at the top of the

political agenda.

Concrete objectives • Strengthening and streamlining the Common European Asylum System will be important to distribute the migration

load among Member States in a more equitable fashion • Accompanying attempts to revise the Dublin Regulation which delineates Member States’ responsibilities for examining asylum applications, will be a requisite in this area

• Transforming the European Asylum Support Office - which is, coincidentally, based in Malta – into a fully-fledged European agency will be one important element of the planned reform of the Common European Asylum System • As the two-year period for the relocation of 160,000 people in need of international protection draws near, Malta is conscious of the need to ensure better implementation • Finally, Malta will be looking to push for a holistic approach to migration, including both the internal and external aspect. In this spirit Malta’s Presidency will follow up on what had been agreed at last November’s Valletta Summit on Migration. It will also aim to complete work on the European External Investment Plan to promote sustainable investment in Africa and the European Neighbourhood, and to tackle the root causes of migration

The Single Market The Single Market is probably the EU’s best and strongest asset and it is an area that affects Europeans’ daily lives in real terms. If the bloc collectively manages to fully exploit the Single Market, and to develop the Digital Single Market and complete the Internal Energy Market, tangible benefits will be brought to the bloc’s economies and businesses. Trade barriers will be removed completely and better protection and service access will be delivered to consumers. Malta will aim to deliver as much as it can in this wide-ranging area by improving upon and concluding key legislation that is already being negotiated. The Capital Markets Union will also be given its due importance during the Maltese Presidency.

Concrete objectives • Ending mobile roaming charges once and for all • Making progress towards ensuring consumers buying products and services - online or in person - in other EU states are not subject to geoblocking – i.e. that the are not discriminated against based on nationality or country of residence in terms of access to prices, sales or payment conditions • Ensuring a sharper focus in EU legislation in addressing the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, such as by enabling wider range of funding through work on the Capital Markets Union • Growth and jobs will, of course, remain a significant priority for all EU member states and as such the extension in time and financial capacity of the European Fund for Strategic Investment will be a priority for the Maltese Presidency • Reviewing the EU Energy Efficiency package aimed at reducing energy consumption in residential buildings and industry through improved en-

The Malta Independent on Sunday | 15 January 2017

EU PRESIDENCY M A LTA EU 2017

utshell

Much is being said of Malta’s EU Presidency over the next six months, but what exactly will the country be prioritising and what will be the main items on its agenda? Here’s a quick briefer: •

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ergy efficiency will also be key in the area So will strengthening security of the energy supply for all EU citizens, particularly in times of crises Malta will also look to allowing EU consumers to continue enjoying their ‘home’ subscription to audio visual online content when visiting another member state Malta will also aim to reassign the high speed 700 MHz band (694-790 MHz) currently used for digital television broadcasting and wireless microphones, to wireless broadband services, and in the process allow the high-speed band to be used for 5G telecommunications Malta will also work towards an agreement to provide free Wi-Fi in every town, village, and city in the bloc

to the Schengen Area. These proposals will help bolster internal security • Taking steps to broaden consensus on the outstanding elements concerning the creation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office which will investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that act against the EU’s financial interests • Improving the governance of Eurojust in order to ensure more coordinated criminal justice cooperation across borders, thereby better protecting citizens against international criminal activities such as trafficking, terrorism and money-laundering

Security In the wake of recent terrorist attacks the EU must, the Maltese Presidency will contribute towards concrete progress on proposals that address regional and global challenges, while at the same time uphold the values that underpin the very existence of the Union – a delicate balancing act. The EU’s main priority will be effective diplomacy, and Malta will work closely with the European External Action Service under the EU’s Global Strategy to manage the multifaceted challenges of migration, terrorism, and hybrid threats.

Social inclusion A continuous policy objective for the Maltese government, Malta will leverage its experience in the area for the benefit of its European partners. Work along such lines will be guided by close consultation with social partners, civil society and citizens in order to advance gender equality and rights of minorities and vulnerable groups.

Concrete objectives

• Continuing action on combating terrorism, fighting organised crime through the EU Policy Cycle, following-up on the EU Roadmap to enhance the exchange and management of information including interoperability solutions for databases used by national law and border management authorities, and continuing action on the Fight Against Terrorist Financing through various legislative files including a political agreement on the fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive • Achieving significant progress on current initiatives aimed at better managing the Union’s external border, including the establishment of an EU system to register entry and exit of third country nationals, the creation of an EU Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to determine the eligibility of all visa-exempt third country nationals to travel

• In terms of improving the participation of women in the labour market, the Maltese Presidency will aim to achieve progress on issues of gender balance including the Proposal for a Directive on improving gender balance among directors of companies listed on stock exchanges • Malta will also continue to combat gender-based violence, in particular by promoting the sharing of best practices and exchanging information on existing legislation, policies and strategies • Malta will also convene a ministerial-level conference on LGBTIQ issues to further explore the Commission’s roadmap in this area

Europe’s neighbourhood Europe’s security and prosperity are intertwined with those of its neighbourhood. Countries bordering the southern Mediter-

ranean are facing numerous challenges such armed conflict, terrorism, political instability and radicalisation. The Maltese Presidency will focus EU engagement on the stabilisation of that neighbourhood. The EU Global Strategy will also be an important reference to guide the Union’s action and determine its role as a relevant and effective player.

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efforts for the resumption of the Middle East Peace Process between Israel and Palestine Malta will also seek to ensure the democratic transition in Tunisia remains on track and that the momentum of trade negotiations is maintained The Maltese Presidency will also contributing to EU and international efforts to address the persisting Syrian conflict Malta will also seek to deepen relations between the EU and the League of Arab States, while it will also seek to revitalise relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council The Eastern Neighbourhood will also remain important, and focus will be applied to supporting Ukraine and ensuring cooperation with Russia on issues of global and regional concern

Concrete objectives

The maritime sector

• Malta’s Presidency will give special attention to the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood, with the stabilisation of Libya and the Union’s contribution to a peaceful transition being among the main aims • The Maltese Presidency will support EU and international

The Maltese Presidency will recognise the EU’s dependence on the sustainability and development of the maritime sector and that the EU Integrated Maritime Policy is a natural fit of an island nation such as Malta. The sector also provides an array of innovative research and com-

mercial activities that could be developed into high valueadded job opportunities, in line with the Blue Growth initiative.

Concrete objectives • International Ocean Governance is on Malta’s agenda • The Western Mediterranean Sea Basin Initiative is also expected to be launched early in 2017. Targeting a specific geographical area, the Initiative will build on existing structures, within the context of the Blue Economy, to improve maritime governance with the aim of achieving a level playing field in the region, exploit strengths and address weaknesses, while simultaneously ensuring a wholly sustainable approach

The Malta Independent on Sunday | 15 January 2017

EU PRESIDENCY M A LTA EU 2017

Malta officially takes over EU Presid the main players’ remarks Malta officially assumed the Presidency of the European Union on Wednesday when the whole of the European Commission descended upon Malta to mark the historic occasion. Here’s what the main players had to say on the day

MALTA OFFICIALLY TAKES OVER EU PRESIDENCY, THE MAIN PLAYERS’ REMARKS

Malta officially assumed the Presidency of the European Union on Wednesday when the whole of the European Commission descended upon Malta to mark the historic occasion. Here’s what the main players had to say on the day

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat: We must offer small, useful solutions that make a difference

“One cannot expect to solve the world’s problems in six months. We must offer small, useful solutions that make a difference.” Stressing the feeling of disconnect between politicians and ordinary citizens, he said: “We respond to questions that nobody is asking at the workplace, around the dinner table or while grocery shopping. This makes people say that politicians have such a little understanding of me and my life, how can I expect them to represent me? “Our first job is not a massive one. We have to identify the questions that the public want us to answer. If we manage to do this, if we achieve this, we would be closer than ever before

Family photo: Members of the European Commission pose with members of the Maltese Cabinet on the inside steps of Castille

and this would allow for meaningful change. It would generate values that squash populist sentiment, and would show a unified front.” Dr Muscat spoke about the most complex problems plaguing not just the EU but the whole world, such as security, terrorism, migration and a stalling economy. He also spoke of his wishes to solve issues such as removing mobile roaming charges, ensuring that no one is discriminated against when making online purchase and a number of other practical issues. He said that while not everything can be solved, being realistic will allow for some meaningful change. “We have an opportunity to send a strong signal, the message that we are placing people at the centre of our work. This is a ‘reunion’ – allowing for efforts to get back to the people.”

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker: Malta will take a perennial role in the EU’s development “I am happy to be back in Malta. It is the sixth time I am visiting this marvellous country. I remember the second time before last time, I was campaigning in this country against the

Socialists, against the Prime Minister – I won. But we have the best relations – professional and personal, personal relations between those being in charge of European affairs are more important than people normally think. And I have built with Joseph an excellent personal and professional relation. “The professional part of this is as important as the other one, and we were preparing together the first Maltese Presidency. Malta has now been a member of the European Union for 13 years; it is the first time that Malta is in the chair of the Presidency. I had that chance – if it is a chance – four times in my life, and so I know how heavy the duties are. And we, as the Commission, have the impression and the knowledge indicating that the Maltese Government has prepared this Presidency in an excellent way. We noted that when the Prime Minister was visiting Brussels back in November last year, and we have seen today in our contacts with the Ministers in charge that Malta is best prepared for this Presidency. We are very much on the same line, swimming in the same channel, swimming in the same direction. The six overarching priorities of the Maltese Government are fitting into the programme of the Commission and of the three institutions we have concluded the other day in Strasbourg.

“We are most interested in seeing the Maltese Government achieving further progress as far as the migration issue is concerned. This is of vital importance. And I am quite confident that the Prime Minister and his team will allow us to make the progress which is desperately needed with proposals to be connected with the work of the outgoing Slovak Presidency. And I am quite confident that on the internal side and on the external side of this dramatic problem progress will be achieved. We will try, together with our Maltese friends, to have the border and coast control, where all the relevant decisions have been taken, being in a position to be more workable. We have 800 people on the ground, mainly on the Bulgarian-Turkish border and we have to make sure that Member States are delivering on their commitments as far as the European presence on the Mediterranean side is concerned. “I am happy that the Maltese Government – more than Presidencies before – is heavily insisting on the social dimension of the Internal Market and of the Economic and Monetary Union. We are confident that we can work together when it comes to the putting into place of the pillar of the social rights. We do think that the Malta Summit, the Valletta Summit, of 3 February

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat escorting European Council President Donald Tusk into a meeting

The Malta Independent on Sunday | 15 January 2017

EU PRESIDENCY M A LTA EU 2017

dency,

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker exiting Castille has crucial importance, not only because this is a summit leading to the Rome Summit by the end of March, but also because it is of crucial importance that on all the other issues the European Union is delivering in a better way than this was the case until now.”

exceptional response to such thinking. These are extraordinary times that merit extraordinary action. He concluded by quoting Mahatma Ghandi by saying “be the change you want to see in the world”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Louis Grech: These are extraordinary times that merit extraordinary action

European Council President Donald Tusk: We were lucky that this difficult role fell on Malta

Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech cautioned the rise of extreme nationalist, anti-EU sentiment that is taking hold over Europe. He cited the stalling economy and a number of other factors that have contributed to this. He called for the upcoming year to be a “decisive” one for the whole EU in the light of elections in France, the UK triggering its exit clause from the EU (Brexit) and the persistent challenges of migration. “Citizens are asking whether the EU is a positive and relative force today. We must stand up and respond to such sentiment. It would be a big mistake to allow for a downward spiral, our duty is to come out with an

“It is good fortune that the Maltese Presidency comes at this extraordinary time, a time full of new challenges and dramatic upheavals. In these six months, in Rome we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty, and the Brexit procedure will formally be launched. The spring will also be a demanding test for the whole of the EU with regard to migration, especially on the Central Mediterranean Route. Such a sequence of events requires leadership which is competent, experienced and sensitive. “We were indeed lucky that this difficult role fell upon Malta. Few have a better understanding of Italians, who will host the Rome celebrations, and few have a better understanding of the British, who we will begin to divorce. And, as we know, divorces - without mutual under-

standing of the partners involved - can turn their lives into a nightmare. Finally, few have a better understanding of the essence of the migration tragedy in the Mediterranean. “But Malta is not only a guarantee of a competent and understanding leadership. For Europe, Malta is also a symbol of our cultural identity. If you want to see a history of European culture through a lens - take a close look at this remarkable island. “According to some, it is here in Malta, that Calypso, the nymph from Homer’s Odyssey, hosted Odysseus. Although, given the seven years he was held captive by her, the word ‘hosted’ is perhaps a slight understatement. For art lovers, Malta is the island of Caravaggio, while for the lovers of archaeology, it is the site of the oldest free-standing structures on Earth. It is no coincidence that la Valetta will be a European capital of culture in 2018. “It is precisely culture that anchors us, Europeans, in time and space, giving us a sense of identity. Culture is that territory we want to and should defend. We all have our roots in the Mediterranean, in Greece and in Rome, in Christianity, which was born at this crossroads of cultures. If today we are looking for anchors that will stabilise our continent,

Malta is that kind of symbolic anchor. Zygmunt Bauman, the brilliant Polish philosopher and social thinker who died only two days ago, wrote that Europe has a particularly important role to play in revitalising our understanding of culture, precisely because Europe, with its great diversity of peoples, languages and histories, is the space where the Other is always one’s neighbour and where every one of us is constantly called upon to learn from everyone else. “Apart from competence, patience and empathy will no doubt be the main strengths of the Maltese Presidency. My confidence in this comes from the knowledge of certain events dating back to the beginning of our era. “According to the Bible, the apostle Paul was en route to Rome where he was to be tried as a political rebel. However, the ship carrying him and hundreds of others was caught in a fierce storm. Two weeks later the ship crashed on the Maltese coast, and all the people on board swam safely to land. The welcome given to the survivors is described in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter Twenty Eight, by Saint Luke: ‘And later we learned that the island was called Malta. And the people who lived there showed us great kindness, and they made a fire

and called us all to warm ourselves.’ “2,000 years have passed, and you continue to welcome guests and survivors, calling them to warm themselves by a common fire, of which today’s ceremony is another beautiful example.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency and for EU funds Ian Borg: Malta is small but optimistic it can make a difference Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg thanked all the individuals behind the scenes who have worked tirelessly for Malta’s Presidency: “This is your (the public’s) Presidency. We will work for you, without distinction, to make a tangible difference in your lives. We will work for our efforts to be communicated with the public, and acknowledge the need for better communication. “We must put citizens at the heart of Europe, Malta is small but we are optimistic that we can make a difference. “Let us let nothing and nobody spoil the efforts we are making to improve the lives for all. I am convinced that Malta will leave a lasting mark on the history of the EU.”

The Malta Independent on Sunday | 15 January 2017

EU PRESIDENCY M A LTA EU 2017

rEUnion: What exactly is Malta’s Presidency theme all about? In the Prime Minister’s traditional New Year’s message, Joseph Muscat made the first reference to Malta’s EU Presidency theme: ‘rEUnion’. “We will keep our feet on the ground and acknowledge our limitations, we must rise to the occasion and make our Presidency a success. A success for all of Europe that faces many challenges ahead, but also a success for our country, which will show that the size of a country is not an obstacle, but rather can be an advantage.” Malta will indeed be tasked with dealing with a number of growing disparities across the bloc brought on by events such as the coming Brexit, racial tensions and the ever-growing threat and reality of terrorism, a union that is threatening to split at the seams on the heels of Brexit, and the rise of far right parties across the bloc. Addressing this uncertainty that has taken hold across Europe, Dr Muscat said Malta will seek to bring Europe back together, through a project that he dubbed a ‘Reunion’. He said, “We must create a sense of unity in Europe. Over the coming six months, we will begin a project to unite Europe, which we are calling a ‘reunion’. We will work on a humble and honest European level agenda, and put forward priorities that will make a difference to the

everyday lives of every EU citizen.” But what, exactly is this rEUnion all about? According to the government, the theme “is a concept that encapsulates everything we want to achieve at this special moment in our country’s rich history. “At its core, rEUnion means reconnecting the citizens of the EU at individual, corporate and state levels – with each other, with their governments, with the EU and with the world. It’s a huge aspiration, and we are not pretending it can be achieved in just six months. “What we do know, however, is that we can make a start, and chart a course through the storms of disunity and disaffection blowing across our continent. “rEUnion is not a legislative programme, it is a philosophy and a way of working. It means listening to and working for the people, sharing the burdens and benefits of membership of the EU fairly between people and states and restoring a sense of cooperation and neighbourliness in these increasingly fractious times. “It means reconnecting with people – and the recent political earthquakes have shown just how poorly the existing power elites have understood the everyday concerns of ordinary people.”

Silver coin and silver foil stamp to commemorate Malta’s EU Presidency The Central Bank of Malta and MaltaPost have issued a joint numismatic product to commemorate Malta’s first Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The product consists of a silver coin and a silver foil stamp replica. The coin, struck at the Royal Dutch Mint, shows the emblem of Malta and the year of issue 2017 on the obverse and the official logo adopted for the Maltese Presidency of the Council for the European Union on the reverse. The coin, which can be bought separately, has a face value of €10. It is struck in 0.925 silver, has a weight of 28.28 grams and a diameter of 38.61 mm. It is struck in proof quality and the mintage is limited to 2,500 coins. The coin was designed and engraved by the Maltese artist, Noel Galea Bason. The silver replica stamp was also produced for MaltaPost by the Royal Dutch Mint and depicts the €3.59 postage stamp from the Maltese Presidency of the

Council of the European Union postage stamp issue. The joint product is available in a presentation case and is limited to 500 sets. Sets and coins may be purchased

e-shop on www.maltacoincentre.com. The price of the set is €90, whereas the price for a coin is €60. Both prices are inclusive of VAT. from the Malta Coin Centre (MCC) counter at the main building of the Central Bank of Malta, Castille Place, Valletta or the MCC

For further information, the public is kindly requested to contact the Malta Coin Centre via email on mcc@centralbankmalta.org or by calling (+356) 2550 6006/7/8.

2017 Maltese EU Presidency Stamp Issue MaltaPost has issued a miniature sheet bearing one stamp. The stamp bears a face value of €3.59 and will feature the logo chosen for Malta’s EU Presidency. The logo was chosen amongst a number of submissions made by students, and it shows a stylised and colourful interpretation of the Maltese Cross. The stamp was designed by Sean Cini and measures 31mm x 44mm with a perforation of 13.9 x

14.0 (comb.) bearing the Maltese Cross mark. The sheet measures 84mm x 84mm. Printex Limited printed 20,000 miniature sheets. This philatelic issue is available from any Post Office, online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740; email: info@maltaphilately.com.

The Malta Independent on Sunday | 15 January 2017

EU PRESIDENCY M A LTA EU 2017

Contributing to the EU Presidency – a Gozo perspective Anton Refalo

Over the past few years, we have heard a lot about Malta presiding over the Council of the European Union in the first six months of 2017

Dr Refalo is Gozo Minister

s months became weeks and weeks became days, finally, on 1st January, this important event become a part of us. Now, we can officially say that Malta is the smallest country ever to take over the Presidency. Some felt detached from this event, as if it was not their business and eventually would not have any material impact on their daily lives. But in reality, it affects everyone, albeit not to the same degree. In terms of planning, these six months have shifted the entire institutional framework of this country to a new level, as most of them will be in top gear almost all the time in order to respond immediately to this challenge. The importance of holding the council presidency might not appear obvious to some. It might look like another visit by foreign Ministers, with the exception that this time round they will amount to more than two dozen. In reality, the country holding the Presidency has a unique opportunity to influence the EU’s agenda and its role is to guide the Council’s endeavours through its sixmonth programme. It chairs all the different Council meetings and also represents the Council of the EU in relations with the other EU institutions. For the next six months, Malta will plan and chair all ministerial meetings in Brussels and Luxembourg, and will be hosting a number of high-level meetings and conferences here in Malta, including a summit of EU heads of government in February. The ability of Malta to push forward its agenda depends on many factors. They will also be influenced by external events on which we have very little control but our say will be much more than it was before the presidency. One of the areas that Malta will definitely try to push forward is that of maritime security and migration flows. At a lower level, the Presidency will also mean that a lot more delegates and journalists will travel to Malta during these six months. These are estimated to amount to almost 25,000. It is also expected that Malta holds a good number of meetings and high-level conferences in Malta apart of course from those related to the European Council. The Ministry for Gozo also will have its part to play. It will not be identical to those of other Ministries due to the fact that most of the work is carried out in particular domains and not on a horizontal level. We will make sure that our concerns are voiced in the right fora. We will make sure that the specificities of small islands are given their due importance. This was already voiced at the inaugural meeting held last Wednesday and we will continue to ensure that small

economies specificities will be on the political agenda. Furthermore, a number of events will take place in Gozo. For example, numerous conferences and technical meetings are being prepared, among them two conferences on the medical sector, as well as a number of conferences taking place in Gozo that will address the specific needs of the Islands where the committee of regions within the European Union will be heavily involved. This will provide a good platform to make connections and strengthen our networks. On 9 and 10 March, there will be a meeting specifically dedicated to small islands, under the auspices of the CPMR, the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions, of which Gozo is a member.

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It might look like another visit by foreign Ministers, with the exception that this time round they will amount to more than two dozen. In reality, the country holding the Presidency has a unique opportunity to influence the EU’s agenda and its role is to guide the Council’s endeavours through its sixmonth programme.

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When there is a big challenge, we always seem to rise to it. As with all the other past events, I am sure this will be a huge success. It is a challenge far bigger than any other in terms of logistical preparations and commitment of resources, but it will also be a strong message that size does not preclude one from making one’s voice heard where it matters. It will definitely show that where there is a strong sense of determination and willingness to succeed, one need only dedicate time and effort to achieve results. This is what we have always done. We will do our small part during the next six months and I am sure that through the collective effort of everyone, we can make our islands a much better place.

The Malta Independent on Sunday | 15 January 207