EUROPE DIRECT Gozo in collaboration with the European Parliament Liaison Office, organized a public discussion regarding the importance and impact of the European Parliament on the island and community of Gozo.
The island of Gozo like other European islands is in the periphery of Europe, however there is a notable impact on islands like Gozo, through discussions and legislation passed by the European Parliament.
The main scope of this discussion was to analyze the relationship between the European Parliament and Gozo. The main challenges faced by Gozo and how the European Parliament can help Gozo to address these challenges, were also discussed.
Hon. Dr. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament kicked off the discussion, where she highlighted the importance of decisions taken by the European Parliament towards islands like Gozo.
Dr Mario Sammut, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO), also stressed on the importance of the European Parliament towards Gozo and the important role of his office. Dr Sammut also mentioned the continuous collaboration between EPLO and EUROPE DIRECT Gozo.
A panel which included Hon MEP Dr Josianne Cutajar, Lorenzo Vella Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, Dr George Vital Zammit a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malta, Daniel Sultana a sixth form student and an iMEP delagate and Haley Xuereb a Univerity of Malta student and also an iMEP delgate, discussed different aspects regarding the impact of the European Parliament towards Gozo
Hon MEP Dr Josianne Cutajar talked upon the importance of Maltese MEPs presence in numerous committees within the European Parliament and specifically on her presence in committees which discussed and legislated certain laws which eventually had a direct impact on Gozo. She stressed that ‘a one size fits all approach, was not beneficial for small islands such as Gozo.
Lorenzo Vella explained the role of his office and also mentioned the three main challenges that the European countries including Gozo are presently facing that is inflation, shortage of skilled employees and excessive bureaucracy.
Dr George Vital Zammit stressed upon the importance of the European elections, which are not local elections and which have a different impact on Malta and Gozo, and therefore should not be politicized.
Daniel Sultana talked about his experience in a recent event he participated in Prague, where as a delegate of the iMEP, he had the opportunity with his colleagues, to discuss salient issues which the European youth are currently facing and how the European Union can help to mitigate certain challenges.
Haley Xuereb stressed upon the importance of women to be part of the decision making committees, although certain stereotypes are still hindering women to achieve and show their full potential.
The public also had the opportunity to express their opinion and discuss issues relating to the European Parliament and how it can be more effective for a small island such as Gozo.
Daniel Borg, CEO the Gozo Business Chamber in his closing speech, emphasized upon the need to participate in the work of the European institutions where the decision are taken.
Dr Christian Zammit moderated the discussion.
