'No gain' in staying out of EU

Alternattiva Demokratika's EU affairs spokesman Arnold Cassola said the European Commission's proposal that the financial contribution of Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein should be brought in line with those of EU member states proved there was nothing to gain in staying out of the Union.

Prof. Cassola said Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein had often been mentioned by the "no" camp as models for Malta to emulate.

However, it was now crystal clear that these countries would have to pay for the benefits they gain from the EU.

In fact, he added, it was being proposed that these countries would be treated in the same way as member states as regards financial contributions.

"This is another clear indication that the all gain, no pain option proposed by the Labour Party is unrealistic. It is very difficult to understand what the MLP's partnership option would mean in reality.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that non-membership amounts to more burdens without any significant gains for our country," Prof. Cassola said.