EUROPEAN COMMISSION REPRESENTATION IN MALTA
- CONSULTATION MEETING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY -

 Malta, April 07, 2006 20:00PM

The Euro-Med Movement has actively participated in a consultation meeting with civil society held by the European Commission Representation in Malta. The week-long meetings between the 3-7 April 2006 at the Radisson SAS Golden Bay focused on the first two years of Malta's EU membership. The proceedings of this consultation process are to be included in a report that the Representation intends to complete by mid-year. The report is then to be presented to Commissioner Margot Wallström.

Representing the Euro-Med Movement, Andre Borg thanked the EC Representation in Malta for its constant support towards the Movement's work, particularly noting the Representation's input in a project on social tension in Europe hosted by the Euro-Med Movement in November 2005. It was further noted that NGO's such as the EMM are particularly concerned on the issue of funding of EU projects due to tight deadlines and lack of technical support from competent authorities. It was also suggested that short courses on Project Management should be held to train young people in tapping appropriate funds, handle successful applications and implement projects for the benefit of the community. A good number of NGOs are adamant to propose EU Projects simply because they have no expertise in the field, and usually depend on third parties to apply on their behalf. 

Commenting on the issue of Justice & Home Affairs, Andre Borg maintained that there needs to be further consultation and information with civil society on EU Directives that are being transposed hastily into Maltese Law, without ever being appropriately discussed with the parties concerned. Likewise it is being noticed that few people know about their rights of redress and petition in European courts, and an information campaign should thus be considered. Another point raised concerned the issue of sovereignty, security and defence as identified in the proposed EU Constitutional Treaty, whereby many European citizens still feel misinformed about these issues. The Euro-Med Movement had conducted an information campaign amongst young people in Malta on the issue of the Constitutional Treaty, but such efforts should be promoted in countries where there is a strong opposition to this Constitution. A final remark during the consultation meeting concerned the issue of Irregular Immigrants, particularly endorsing the consensus among Maltese MEP's to successfully promote Malta's case at the European Parliament.

Dr Joanna Drake, Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta praised the Movement's work amongst young people and for taking an active role in discussions pertaining to the European and Mediterranean dimension. Dr Drake augured that other NGOs should follow suit and get involved in areas of participation and dialogue. The EC Representation in Malta pledged its assistance in future projects to be carried out by the Euro-Med Movement.