Debate on Constitution 'must go on'

The Brussels based Malta Business Bureau (MBB) has appealed for the continuation of the debate on the EU Constitution in Malta despite the negative signals from the French and Dutch referenda.

The bureau represents the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise and the Malta Federation of Industry.

In a statement, it noted with disappointment the result of the French and Dutch referenda and said that the negative decision by two founding member states will have a serious impact on the EU's integration process.

However, the MBB stressed that it would like the national debate on the Constitution to continue in Malta as it should be conceived in a manner which goes beyond the purely political dimension or the implications of enhanced representation in the EU institutions.

As an organisation representing Maltese business interests, the MBB said that it views the constitutional treaty in a positive light and it considers this streamlined legislation to be a valid contribution towards a better functioning of EU institutions in a union of 25, enhanced governance and above all, a reinforcement of the Union as a unified political power at a global level.

The MBB said that this can only strengthen Malta's position on the international scene. Moreover, tourism is listed as a separate policy area in its own right.

According to the MBB, from a Maltese point of view, the new constitutional treaty is preferable to the current legislative framework and the unfolding political situation is considered to be highly unfavourable to business interests due to faltering economic confidence.

Although the Maltese will not be consulted on the constitutional treaty via a referendum, the MBB considers it to be imperative to have a national and open debate as Malta is now a fully-integrated member of the EU.

"The general public, as well as the business community, need to be aware of the implications of this significant event at grassroots level. The MBB wishes to connect the treaty to both the corporate and citizen level."