German Green MEP to discuss Gozo as an eco-island

MEP Gisela Kallenbach has accepted an invitation by Alternattiva Demokratika to visit the island and hold a public debate in Gozo in the coming weeks.

"When I heard of the Malta Green Party's proposal to turn Gozo into an ecological island over a year ago, I increased my interest in this island and happily accepted AD's invitation to visit," she said.

Ms Kallenbach, a German Green MEP and member of the EU Regional Development Committee, is also responsible for the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and other instruments of the EU's regional policy.

Assessing the impact of EU policies on economic and social cohesion, outermost regions and islands as well as trans-frontier and interregional cooperation are among her responsibilities.

Victor Galea, AD spokesman for Gozo, said the party was honoured to host Ms Kallenbach.

"We envisage a public debate will be held in order to learn from success stories of other EU countries where the state seriously invested in sustainable tourism, jobs and ecology improvement," he said.

Mr Galea hoped the government's promise to take up AD's suggestion to transform Gozo into an ecological island was implemented as soon as possible.

During her stay in Malta, Ms Kallenbach will be holding addressing the annual meeting of the members of the Foundation of European Societies of Arms Collectors.