Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – New MEP Peter Agius reflects on his first weeks in the European Parliament, emphasizing the importance of alliances, collaboration, and addressing core issues for his constituents.
How has Peter Agius adapted to the European Parliament?
“I have learnt secrets about the European Parliament that I didn’t know before,” Agius reveals. “I have learnt how deals are smashed within one’s group and how essential they are. I have learnt that cooperation between delegations and MEPs is key if one is to make progress. These are things which I had taken for given but now I understand they are key to my performance in parliament.”
Having operated at the European Council and having served as a member of Parliament President Antonio Tajani’s secretariat, Agius is no alien to Brussels and Strasbourg.Â
For four years he also functioned as head of the European Parliament Office in Malta. Â
He was elected to the EU Parliament on the Nationalist Party ticket in June, on the second try, and he now sits with the European People’s Party MEPs.
How important are alliances within the European Parliament?
Agius highlights the importance of forging partnerships within the European Parliament. “The new MEPs are all in this boat together and we empathise with each other. I need allies in all the European Parliament’s committees if I want to promote the interests of the Maltese and the Gozitans,” he states.Â
He acknowledges that mutual understanding and consent are crucial. “From experience, I can say that when people understand your appointment, they are more prone to support you.”
Agius is dedicated to addressing “bread and butter issues” that impact the daily lives of his constituents. “I will be working on the internal market, consumer standards, food safety… the primary sectors like agriculture and fisheries,” he describes.Â
How does Agius plan to influence non-member committees?
Agius thinks his proactive approach includes participating in any committee concerning matters relevant to Malta, even if he is not an official member. “The European Parliament permits one to be present on all committees. I may partake in a committee of which I am not officially a member. That is why I cited alliances. Even if I am not a member of the industrial or the energy committees, I will use the sight of my colleagues and other MEPs in other political parties to voice my position.”Â
Agius also supports better coordination among MEPs. “It is not a bad idea to have a structured forum in which we could coordinate our positions. But it may make even more sense to have a platform that would bring together the MEPs with the social partners. It may well be that such arrangements are organised informally,” he proposes. He notices potential for collaboration with MEPs from the opposing Labour Party on committee levels, despite admitting inherent limitations due to differing priorities.
