(Adds Dr Joseph Muscat's visit to the EU Representation in Malta)

George Abela, the former MLP leadership contender, is to represent the party on the reconstituted MEUSAC –the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee – the party announced today.

Dr Abela also sat on MEUSAC, in his personal capacity, in the run-up to EU membership.

The MLP had not participated in the original MEUSAC but the decision to participate in the new body was taken by Labour leader Joseph Muscat.

Labour MP Luciano Busuttil will be substitute member.

Dr Abela said participation in MEUSAC was an example of how the MLP could contribute for the benefit of the country, in this case within the context of EU membership.

Dr Busuttil said the MLP wanted the country to make real success of EU membership.

Dr Muscat said Dr Abela had the experience and the credentials necessary to enable the MLP to contribute in the best possible way to MEUSAC. This, he said, was a crucial role and he was sure Dr Abela would do his duty to the country and the party, supported by Dr Busuttil.

Meanwhile, Dr Muscat this morning made a call on Joanna Drake, head of the EU Representation in Malta.

He reiterated that the MLP was prepared to do whatever was necessary for Malta to make a success of EU membership. Over the coming years, the MLP would take a more proactive role with regard to EU matters.

Dr Muscat expressed his disappointment that in several sectors, such as the environment, Malta is not respecting EU directives. Many had wanted Malta to join the EU because of the environment, he pointed out.

Malta, Dr Muscat said, also needed to respect directives on car registration and the departure tax.

On EU funding, Dr Muscat said that while there had been success in some areas, more space should be allowed for NGOs and private companies.

Dr Drake said she looked forward to closer collaboration between the commission and the MLP. She also congratulated Dr Abela on his appointment to MEUSAC.

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