Valletta (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – MEP Peter Agius claimed that the decision by his Labour companions Alex Agius Saliba and Daniel Attard to refrain from voting to confirm Roberta Metsola as European Parliament president was a “missed opportunity” which could have witnessed Maltese MEPs present a common front.
What Key Issues Does Agius Emphasize for Maltese Unity?
In an interview, Agius urged that the Maltese were united on a lot of things, not least the national interest, and stated that their MEPs should accordingly increase their cause. Among other issues, Agius emphasised the need to increase opportunities for the young, connectivity for Gozo and improve accessibility to EU funding.
How Did Agius Describe Metsola’s Achievement as EP President?
Agius praised Metsola’s confirmation as president as a unique achievement, recalling that Metsola was only the second EP president – after Martin Schulz – to be approved for a second term. He also claimed that it was positive for a small country like Malta to have one of its representatives establish themselves in such a high-profile role.
What Are Agius’s Expectations for Europe and Malta’s Governance?
Agius stated that as an MEP, he expected a Europe which upheld high standards, including the environment. He also hoped that Europe would assist ensure good governance in Malta, “not through interference but through common values,” values which contained democracy and the rule of law.
How Is Malta Addressing the Risk of Schengen Suspension?
Agius had previously cautioned that there was a real risk that Malta would be suspended from the Schengen area due to its neglect to execute a new passport control system that had been agreed six years ago. Agius stated that the government was now doing its utmost to bypass this suspension, including through the implementation of a quick system that would make Malta compliant with the new provisions come October.
What Criticisms Did Agius Have Regarding Malta’s Passport Control System?
He emphasised his hopes that Malta would avoid suspension, stating that the Maltese would otherwise once more need passports to travel within the Schengen area, making travel less efficient once more. But he nevertheless criticised the administration for leaving it up to the last minute to implement the needed system, stating that he hoped that a lesson was being realised from this experience. “Europe requires professionalism and seriousness, characteristics which the government failed to show in this situation,” he stated.
A critical present priority for the EU is the European Green Deal, which seeks to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050. Malta has been voicing reservations about various green initiatives which it feels have an extreme impact on the country, given its standing as an island state on Europe’s periphery. One such instance is the Emissions Trading System for shipping, not least given Malta’s dependence on shipping: moreover, concerns were raised that Malta would lose transhipment business to nearby non-EU ports which do not charge the same requirements.
How Does Agius View the Impact of Green Initiatives on Malta?
Agius greeted the European Green Deal in principle, saying that as a Maltese and EU citizen, he was proud to live in a part that sought to prioritise the environment. But he was uncompromising on the demand for proportionality, not least given Malta’s weaknesses when it came to journey and transport. While Malta should still recreate its part – and pay its way – the cost should not be “double or triple what Germans have to pay.”
