Our appointments in history

"For the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire we have the opportunity to unite Europe." This was stated by EU Commission President Romano Prodi way back in 1999. Today, five years later, this dream has become a reality.

Malta now forms part of a market embracing over 450 million citizens, at which core lie the fundamental values of democracy, economic and political stability, human rights, peace and subsidiarity.

We have joined the EU, proud to be Maltese and Europeans; proud to carry our baggage of experience within the Union; proud of standing by our individual identity and heritage, whilst forming an integral part of an extended family of nations. This is the European Union that we now form part of.

This reality has brought us to the heart of EU decision-making. We are no longer observers but, now, primary member states.

In my capacity as Minister for Competitiveness and Communications, I have attended, a few days ago, one of the formal council meetings on competitiveness reaping our full rights as a member state of the EU, including voting on pertinent issues for the very first time.

The EU views competitiveness as one of the main driving forces for its overall well-being on an economic, social and political level and, as such, innovation and investment in research and development (R&D) are one of the essential key drivers in enhancing the overall competitiveness of industry.

We discussed various topics ranging from industrial to competition policies, better regulation, consumer protection and their sustainability, with a particular focus given to the internal market, industry and research.

I constantly underline the challenges of competitiveness as being fundamental to our business and industry, aimed at the further development of the single internal market. This will result, especially in the provision of services, in a more competitive country backed by a better operating environment for businesses that will help to stimulate and encourage economic activity leading to economic growth, creation of jobs and the prosperity of citizens.

Within this context, one has to focus on three particular areas.

Research and development in industry is essential in providing the sector with the innovative measures necessary to ensure a socio-economic growth.

It has to be focused on areas which translate into competitiveness.

In the case of Malta, this ultimate target can be better achieved through the creativity and adaptability of its labour force.

Within this context we are making efforts at enhancing our R&D potential through the launch of a National Research and Technology Development Initiative aimed mainly at strategic sectors including bio-medical, information and communication technologies and marine activities.

The positive impact of EU membership is already being felt on all levels.

One other factor which I highlighted a few days ago during a visit to the Consumer and Competition Division, and which I believe is directly linked to our overall level of competitiveness, is the full removal of levies on various essential items used by Maltese families on a daily basis. Since competition and consumers exist in a mutual symbiosis we have thus provided domestic consumers with a better competitive environment within our internal market.

As such, a large number of essential commodities, mainly food and drink have gone through drastic changes, some experiencing a drop as high as a 60 per cent on the prices quoted in April. Due to the total removal of levies since May 1, items such as tomato concentrates, pasta, wines, biscuits, frozen chicken products, sauces and many others have gone down in price, besides securing the importation of another large number of new products which were never available before within our market complementing our policy in ensuring a competitive environment between local businesses.

May 1 has marked an important date in the course of our history. Our next appointment in history is June 12. On that day the Maltese people will be choosing their representatives to the European Parliament, possible due to the decision which together we have taken over a year ago.

Our main critics were totally opposed to those decisions. On the contrary a completely different scenario was being proposed which in no way did complement the common visions of many other European states. Today, these same critics are campaigning in favour of securing a couple of seats for our prospective MEPs. What an irony! These people are accustomed too much at using both sides of the coin.

I sincerely believe that our nation's maturity has reached new heights. We are capable of discussing what suits us most - an ultimate choice based on convictions and not sudden mere conveniences so much embraced by those in opposition. I have no doubt that we are capable of deciding on issues which are close at heart. June 12 is one of these.

Mr Galea is the Minister of Competitiveness and Communications.