The way forward

Malta has been part of the European Union for over four years now. People have had a direct experience of its influence on their daily lives. They have now had time to ponder its pros and cons, on a personal level and on a national level.

The citizen is at times tempted to think only of himself and not of his country and its future. This is where an EU parliamentarian should come in. He is the bridge between this gigantic institution and its units, that is, the members who effectively empower it. An EU parliamentarian should essentially convey and, if necessary, translate its policies to constituents.

In a country which traditionally believes in the intercession of saints, the EU parliamentarian in Malta is widely expected to intercede on behalf of the citizen at the altar of the EU power structure. A case in point is the drastic difference in vehicle prices between affluent EU countries, such as Germany and Luxembourg, and Malta. Prices that are unbelievably in inverse proportion to relative salaries and per capita GDP. Car duties are clearly a cash cow for Inland Revenue.

There is also the issue of fuel prices. The price of crude has plummeted from its highs of $145 to $61 at the time of writing. I believe that if other countries can find a way to lower the prices at the petrol station as speedily as they raise them, Malta should be able to do the same.

Revenue is the life-blood of a government but a balance should be struck so that the last drop is not leeched from the citizens.

These are the issues that understandably effect people daily. We have to listen and empathise. But, more than that, I feel I am bound to seek, on my own steam, other areas and possibilities where ordinary EU citizens can benefit.

To bring this interaction with my constituents into play I will hold regular meetings open to everyone in all the electoral districts. During these public meetings the citizens shall be informed on various aspects of the EU and what bearing these can have on their daily lives and their prosperity. Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions and air their views, complaints and suggestions. These meetings will, in turn, help me to express their views within the EU's structures, wherein I will seek solutions. One level up from the requirements of the citizen per se is his/her association in groups.

I intend to dedicate my resources, expertise and experience to help local councils, non-governmental organisations and local associations in finding an easier manner to access EU funding.

What is good for the goose is certainly good for the gander. Other countries, especially those that have been in this institution longer than us, have exploited funds and assistance in this regard. My job is to discover these possibilities and relay them to the Maltese.

In these troubled times, every euro cent of investment counts. I will work relentlessly to attract new investment and tourism towards Malta and Gozo.

I will be placing myself at the disposal of anyone interested in assistance in establishing contacts abroad for Maltese and Gozitan companies and the self-employed.

An EU parliamentarian serves the EU but he also serves the interests of his country within the EU. In interaction with the other Maltese Euro parliamentarians I intend to seek out and promote the interests of Malta within the EU's present policies and future legislation.

Mr Bedingield is a Labour member of the European Parliament.