Providing solutions to problems in the EU

Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, attended a ministerial meeting organised by the French Minister of European Affairs, Jean Pierre Jouyet in Brest, France at the beginning of the French Presidency of the EU.

Dr Said attended a follow-up meeting to the European Council's conclusions on the Treaty of Lisbon with Margot Wallström, vice-president of the European Commission.

While discussing communication on Europe in each member state, Dr Said said the EU must listen to the concerns that specifically affect stakeholders across various sectors and address them effectively, aiming also at providing solutions. Issues such illegal immigration, the increases in food and utility prices must be addressed in terms of making consumers aware of the underlying issues and Europe's efforts to find solutions on a global level.

Dr Said also took part in the meeting about an Integrated Maritime Policy, which was attended by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Joe Borg.

Malta is proposing an outline of a network for regional management that would respect the particularities of seas as different and sensitive as the Baltic and the Mediterranean.

Malta supports the Commission's intention to develop a European network for maritime surveillance.