Of steering and vehicles

In an open economy and an open society guided by the principles advocated by European economic and social laws, governments face various challenges as a result of globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation. Governments cannot face these pressures on their own. They need the understanding, the backing of civil society. Our government understood this at an early stage and after the EU referendum, Meusac was set up.

The aim of the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (Meusac) was to oversee the overall accession process, thus rendering it a focal point of Malta's accession preparations. Meusac was composed of representatives from all strata of Maltese society and proved to be a very exhilarating and successful experience. Draft position papers for Malta's negotiating stand were passed to Meusac which, in turn, discussed each chapter of the acquis communautaire prior to the negotiation process.

Although Meusac had served as an important consultative forum within Maltese society in the run-up to EU accession, it stopped functioning in 2004. But one of the first steps taken by Lawrence Gonzi was the revival of Meusac.

Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, told a news conference that this time around the role will be to discuss and advise the government on matters of a specific nature relating to EU legislation and policy. Nine sub-committees will be formed, bringing together various NGOs, following a public call to be issued by the core group and external experts operating within the area of responsibility of that particular sub-committee.

The sub-committees will be shadowing the nine EU Council formations and dealing with all EU affairs. This is an essential characteristic of the remarkable European spirit, through which every country is permitted to evaluate its own capacity. This renewal of value harvesting within the European Union forms the backbone of this international society.

Furthermore, Meusac will also take over the role of Forum Malta fl-Ewropa as the main outlet on matters relating to the EU after accession. A further role is that of focusing more on the funding opportunities provided by EU. This will be an opportunity for organisations such as the local councils, unions and the various NGOs to face the new realities of EU membership, among them the new demands and pressures relating to liberalisation and privatisation.

As members we have to shoulder new responsibilities but these also carry with them new rights through the various framework programmes provided by the EU. The government has provided the mechanism through Meusac. It is up to these organisations to channel their energies to maximise the attainment of the funds made available. Let us take advantage of this new empowerment of our civil society.

Before Malta's entry in the EU, the committee was responsible for negotiations whereas now it deals with directives, legislation and conformity. So, certainly its role is just as vital today, now that we are part of the family.

Under the helm of Dr Said, the committee has been reappointed to serve as a sharp tool in the European workshop. Having been well involved in Meusac before our entry in the EU, I can personally say that the sterling work done is of great value to our relations with Europe.

I have always been at the forefront of the movement that promoted our entry in the EU.

Today, I can say that I am very pleased with the way things turned out.

The benefits have been and will live on to be both qualitative and quantitative. Although I take great pride in being highly involved in the team for Europe, I strive to renew this opportunity to guide and represent citizens in the highest European institution, every day.

In the same way that our country is unique, the laws and directions must be adapted to our needs.

This is seldom an easy or trivial matter but, thanks to an institution like Meusac, it can be done professionally, so that our needs are duly met.

The direct link between this group and the EU provide the perfect medium for this process of holistic individualisation within the context of adaptation. This is the perfect vehicle that moves us along the road of a true European democratic society, where everyone's voice is heard, respected and valued.

david@davidcasa.eu, www.davidcasa.eu

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament and former executive secretary of Meusac