The President of Malta Dr Edward Fenech Adami addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg at 1230 CET on Wednesday. He is the first Maltese head of state to do so.
Dr. Fenech Adami spoke about the accession to the European Union and the enlargement that took place in 2004, stating that whilst it is easy to criticise the EU, one has to recognise that the enlargement occurred smoothly and that member countries are now benefiting from accession.
"Far from being Europe’s annus horribilis as some have claimed, 2005 was a major success for a Europe that proved capable of successfully meeting the challenge of its widest historical enlargement. Today, we often overlook that enlargement actually took place less than two years ago."
Dr. Fenech Adami admitted that economically it has not always been easy, yet economical problems arise in any country regardless.
The president spoke about a major problem in Malta which is that of irregular immigration. It has also become an issue within the EU. Dr. Fenech Adami stated that it was evident that Malta is in no position to cope with the influx of immigrants that it is currently accepting. The country’s capacity and resources are being stretch beyond limits. He acknowledged that Malta is not the only country facing such difficulties, however, they are far more evident in Malta because it is already the most densely populated Member State. "Europe urgently needs an Immigration Policy that can deliver a more concrete response to this problem in all its complexity" stated the President.
Speaking about The EU Constitutional Treaty, saying that there were "shortcomings in the way that the Constitutional project was proposed". Dr. Fenech Adami said that the timing in such things is crucial and the project appeared too quickly, not giving the new member states the time to settle in properly.
He pointed out that both the wishes of those who opposed the treaty as well as those who approved it have to be respected, and gave various scenarios about how this could happen. He mentioned that one could carry out the commitment made by the signatory Heads of State or Government to try and find a solution within the European Council, otherwise form a ‘European Charter’ from the first two parts of the Constitutional Treaty or a third scenario could include a strengthening of the protocol on the role of national parliaments in particular in furthering their consultative role with regard to the European project.
Dr. Fenech Adami asked how one can regain trust in the European Union when it comes to political leadership as there are incoherencies occurring within the Union. He stated that by reconnecting with the people there will be more communication and less uncertainties. This will give its member states hope and certainty regardless of the size of the country and this is why small countries are particularly attached to the European project and indeed to the 'Community method'.
Dr. Fenech Adami stated that, "The European Union increases the influence of small countries; it strengthens their identity, not least their linguistic identity, and effectively opens to them the broad horizons of the wider Europe and the world."
Trust must also be earned outside of the Union especially in the Euro-Mediterranean level, continued the President. The Middle East peace process and the Danish cartoon crisis both served as barriers towards this goal.
Globalisation is inevitable but must be controlled with a fair balance of free trade and Europe’s core values, said Dr. Fenech Adami, although admitting that to find this sense of balance is easier said than done.
Whilst applauding the Services Directive and the Energy Policy, he expressed concerns about the Maritime Policy stating that there is still room for improvement in the maritime heritage industry and that further measures should be taken to take advantage of maritime world without allowing for short-term concerns to impede this mission.
Dr. Fenech Adami concluded by saying that trust is imperative in a Union such as the EU, and that the member states should work together for a common good in order to maintain a sense of confidence from the people who rely on them.
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