MCESD discusses the State of the Union and European Competitiveness with the EESC

What happens in Europe directly affects Malta. For this reason, the MCESD organised a meeting with members of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to discuss the State of the Union and the future of European competitiveness. Present at the meeting were the Minister for Finance, Hon. Clyde Caruana, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Hon. Andy Ellul. The meeting provided an opportunity for Malta’s social partners to gain direct insight into how EU decisions may impact workers and businesses in our country.

Discussions focused on developments since the latest State of the Union address by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as an assessment of progress in the implementation of Mario Draghi’s report on competitiveness one year after it was presented. These highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in research and innovation, alongside strengthening the EU’s competitiveness through measures that reduce bureaucracy and safeguard workers’ rights.

MCESD Chairperson, Perit David Xuereb, explained that this meeting enabled the social partners to better understand how such developments are affecting Malta and how new European funds could provide opportunities for businesses in Malta to invest in research, technology, and new skills, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the local economy.

The social partners underlined that Europe must be bolder: investing more in research, innovation and digitalisation; cutting down on bureaucracy that burdens small businesses; and adopting policies that protect workers’ rights while promoting a better work-life balance.

Through such discussions, the MCESD is facilitating dialogue with social partners on European developments and their impact on Malta, while also identifying how these can create practical opportunities for the local economy and businesses.

Access the presentation here.

 

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