The MCESD invites the elected Maltese Members of European Parliament to strengthen national collaboration through Social Dialogue.

The MCESD Council invited the President of the European Parliament and all elected Maltese Members of Euopean Parliament (MEPs) to have the opportunity to discuss the social, economic, and environmental challenges that our country should focus on during this term of the European Parliament together with the Social Partners of the MCESD.

Present at this meeting were the Minister for Finance, Hon. Clyde Caruana, the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Hon. Andy Ellul, and the MEPs-elect, Daniel Attard and Peter Agius. The Chairperson of the MCESD, Perit David Xuereb, led the meeting, emphasising the importance of the MCESD social partners to closely follow, support, and prioritise the work of the Maltese MEPs. He highlighted how, through this collaboration, we can strengthen our efforts for the benefit of our country and achieve concrete and positive results through the proactive collaboration of all parties. “This collaboration is crucial for ensuring that Malta’s voice is effectively heard in the European Parliament and that we can address our national challenges and ambitions in a unified manner,” said Perit David Xuereb.

In their comments, the MEPs-elect present at the meeting explained that the parliamentary committees are currently being formed and that the committees in which the elected members will be participating are being established. They stressed that it is essential for the MCESD to be informed of EU priority legislation so that the Council can include them in its discussions and provide qualitative recommendations in good time. They emphasised the importance of the MCESD as a crucial platform to discuss and address social and economic issues in a coordinated and effective manner.

Parliamentary Secretary Ellul encouraged the European Members of Parliament to be proactive in this dialogue and to convey the voice of our country, as the smallest member state of the European Union. He emphasised that this ensures the interests of our country are effectively represented in this institution of the European Union. “The European Parliament must work in favour of the welfare of the Maltese and Gozitan people,” stressed Hon. Ellul.

He asserted that this collaboration should lead to innovative and sustainable solutions that not only address present challenges but also create new opportunities for the future. “With strengthened collaboration, we can develop policies that truly make a difference and benefit all citizens,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Ellul.

In the second part of the MCESD meeting, the Representation of the European Commission in Malta discussed the Country Report for Malta for the European Semester 2024 with the council members sitting on MCESD. The social partners actively participated in a stimulating discussion, offering recommendations and valuable support to address considerations and recommendations raised by the European Commission’s representation in Malta.

As representatives of the Government, Hon. Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance, and Hon. Andy Ellul, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, shared their perspectives on this important report and outlined a course of action by the Government.

The MCESD reiterated its commitment to engage in national and EU-level discussions on issues of national interest while emphasising the strength and importance of proactive social dialogue that provides value and impact.

• To access the presentation on The Country Report for Malta for the European Semester 2024, click here.

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