Anthony John Smith wrote in a letter (January 4) about Malta and other recipients who try to bleed from the European Union as much as possible. Mr Smith wants them to stand on their own feet.
Mr Smith ought to know that this is the target. The EU's aim is to establish the same standards all across Europe. All citizens of the EU shall have the same opportunities and, at the end, the same minimum standard of living and comfort. Old economic systems have to be reviewed and young economies have to be strengthened and supported.
It is still necessary that the strong help the weak. Rich countries like the UK, Germany, France and Italy help poorer ones like Poland, Slovakia or Malta. This help, which more often than not is financial aid, will lead to better conditions that allow those poorer countries to become rich, to say it in simple words. The economies and the societies will develop further and eventually there shall be wealth for all.
It sounds idealistic, and up to a point it is. But history has proven that this solidarity is the only way to help people and societies out of poverty and an economy out of stagnation.
Solidarity is the magic word. Has Mr Smith ever heard of solidarity? Because what he complains about is no more than solidarity. He blames countries like the UK, France and Germany for offering solidarity and for giving. And he blames countries like Malta for accepting this help and for receiving.
Without solidarity one would be left in one's crashed car and not taken to hospital. Without solidarity one's house would burn down completely and one's family would die in it and no fire engines would come. Without solidarity one would not get anything from the government, if one loses one's job, one's flat, one's income. Without solidarity one would not get labour laws to protect the workers.
Solidarity has many faces and often one does not realise that what one is getting in a moment is solidarity.
In his letter, Mr Smith wrote: "You should only get what you pay in, not millions of our money. Shame on you". Now let me reply: I am pleased that I can do my part to help you. I hope that the money my country spends will lead to positive developments so that soon we will all be able to live in a wealthy society in Europe.
Shame on Mr Smith!