The way I see it

Those who are against Malta joining the EU are filling us with fear that all Europeans will come here and take all that we have; those in favour are saying that the only way forward is by joining the EU. Let us try to put the valid arguments in the right perspective and then see which is the right decision to take.

Alfred Sant is saying that with his "partnership" option, students can still participate in the various programmes that the EU offers. But all EU officials have said that this is not true, or rather it can be possible if the student or the government pays the relevant fees which otherwise would be paid by the EU.

George Vella admitted this principle in a TV programme; he said the government would cover the expenses for participation. Is there anybody who believes the government will cover the costs of our children to study in any EU country? I find it very hard to believe, as this has never happened, especially from a Labour government, which has always controlled education and especially entry to the university.

On the other hand, by joining the EU, our children will have the right to go to any EU country to further their studies. At present, there are many families who are going through hell to keep their children studying in a foreign country. If Malta joins the EU, our children could go to any EU country to study, with the same rights and fees of that country's citizens.

It is quite obvious that all exporting businesses will benefit if Malta joins the EU; there will be no more barriers and tariffs for our products and services, and I am sure there are a lot of opportunities that will become available for us to grab. Those who are (or were) geared for the local market have to become more efficient and competitive to survive.

This is not due to EU membership but due to the fact that the World Trade Organisation is pressing for the removal of all trade barriers - in fact even Dr Sant has admitted that all tariffs will have to go.

The only bone of contention is agriculture. But the EU officials said that there is no way that the EU would accept levies to be charged on agricultural products. From what I can see, the furniture industry was one of the industries which was "on the danger list", all levies have been removed and no panic has been created, in fact they have asked for the levies to be removed earlier than planned as they felt they have restructured enough and have become competitive.

The EU makes it a point that the best quality of environment must be available for all citizens and there are tough laws covering the quality of air, water, and the sea. Dr Sant is saying that his government will close Maghtab as soon as he is returned to office. There have been other administrations which promised that Maghtab would be closed, none succeeded; only with the EU's help and discipline will we succeed. In fact, the EU has already declared that a lot of help will be given to us to solve this grave problem.

Regarding hunting and trapping, Malta has acquired a very good agreement. I really cannot understand what the hunters are arguing about. They must understand that the days of shooting at anything that flies are over. Their clubs should dedicate their time to educate their members and instil discipline, so that they shoot only those birds that are not protected. How many "hunters" are there who can vouch that they have never shot a honey buzzard or a heron.

The government has also introduced VRT for all vehicles. Those against Malta's entry in the EU say we do not need the EU to introduce these things. Do you really think that any Maltese government would have introduced VRT.

The "no" front is saying that by joining the EU we shall lose our independence. Today's world is inter-dependent. Computers have changed our way of living and the world has become one whole city. Globalisation is changing the way business is done and this has forced countries to cooperate. Even China is having to change.

By joining the EU, Malta will become part of a very large market, where challenges can be changed into opportunities.

The EU has accepted Malta's position that it will not join any military pact. We are free to choose whether we would want to take part in anything military and it is absolutely not true that the EU would in any way interfere with our neutrality.

But the EU instils discipline in its members' governments and ensures that projects which have to be done are actually done.

I am convinced the only way forward for Malta is by joining the EU. The Labour Party's option is no option at all; there is only one written agreement: the package the Maltese government has acquired from the EU. The Labour Party has no agreement, all it has are ideas, and it has been confirmed over and over again that no other agreements are readily available, except for membership. Does Dr Sant think we shall spend another 10 years discussing with the same people something which has as yet to be created?

The package, which the government has succeeded in acquiring, is a very good one. Apart from the generous financial aid, the EU has accepted many special features which were not available to anyone else.

We have a very important decision to take and the government has given us the opportunity to express ourselves in a referendum. Dr Sant is ridiculing this opportunity. He should understand that the people are the real rulers and he should declare that he will abide by the people's will.

Maybe this is another thing which Dr Sant is really afraid of: the EU gives a lot power to the people and many rights which are not available to us now will be acquired as soon as we become EU citizens.

As Peppi Azzopardi said, the politicians will lose much of their powers as soon as Malta joins the EU, and I think that this terrifies the Labour Party.