Ivan Camilleri
EU to have one commissioner per member
Malta also secures sixth MEP
Malta has secured its right to nominate a commissioner in every future EU Executive, riding on the wave of Ireland's compromise to hold a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty by October in exchange for concessions.
The island also secured its sixth MEP seat in the European Parliament, which will be granted as soon as the new treaty is in place and not in 2014 as originally planned.
The political goals were scored in the context of a new deal ironed out between the EU and Ireland, aimed at solving the impasse posed by last June's negative referendum result.
The news emerged yesterday at the end of the two-day summit in Brussels where Malta secured political clout in the EU's future development as well as favourable conditions related to the implementation of an ambitious energy and climate change package.
Departing from the original plan to reduce the EU Executive's commissioners from 27 to 15 starting in 2014, EU leaders agreed to make the necessary changes to retain one commissioner per member, independently of the number of members that join in the future.
It was also decided that, should the Lisbon Treaty enter into force after next June's MEP elections, transitional measures would be taken to keep the spirit of the original treaty. This means Malta will still be able to have its extra MEP in 2009-2014.
This agreement will affect 13 member states, 12 of which will increase their number of MEPs and Germany, which will lose three. In the latter's case, the three "extra" MEPs will retain their position until 2014 after next June's elections.
Asked whether this meant Malta would be voting for six MEPs next June, Dr Gonzi said this would still not be the case if the treaty is not in place by June. In the current undecided scenario, it was still too early to say how the eventual sixth MEP would be chosen.
"Let's not jump the gun," he said, reminding journalists that the treaty's ratification was not a foregone conclusion. "We will decide when we get there. The most important thing is that we have been assured that our sixth MEP will be in place as soon as the treaty is ratified."
Referring to the deal struck by member states on the energy and climate change package, Dr Gonzi said Malta's specific circumstances had been taken into consideration, particularly its small size and isolation from mainland Europe.
The overall objectives of the deal is for the EU to meet the so-called 20-20-20 targets: reducing greenhouse emissions by 20 per cent and ensuring that 20 per cent of energy came from wind, sun and other renewable sources by 2020.
Malta requested and obtained various specific conditions to limit the possible initial negative impact of such initiatives on the economy. These include the exclusion of part of its aviation industry in the calculations of the gross final energy consumption and exemptions from full auctioning in the electricity production sector under the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme.
Malta also made inroads in its attempt to tap EU funds for its grand energy projects, particularly the construction of a multi-million-euro offshore wind farm and connection to the European energy grid.
In fact, with direct reference to Malta's situation, "the European Council agrees on the need to take resolute action to enhance energy security, including interconnections and the connection of the most isolated European countries".
According to Dr Gonzi, the European Economic Recovery Plan, endorsed by yesterday's Council, provides for a €5 billion fund to be available for projects. One of the projects proposed was the Mediterranean energy ring, involving all Mediterranean member states.
"This plan is still at an early stage and will be drafted in 2009. Although this does not necessarily mean Malta will eventually get the funds, we have secured the possibility that Malta is included in this plan. We will ensure this happens," he said.
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lgalea
Dec 13th 2008, 22:14
D Vella
It only understands the Yes part of No
I Abela
Dec 13th 2008, 21:01
As well said earlier, very few people know what's in the EU treaty, I don't pretend to know much of it. but I know enough to make me shiver. First of all let us all know that this is in fact a constitution not a treaty. It was nicknamed a treaty because the word constitution was scaring people. A couple of changes here and there have been made, but in essence it is still the same proposal. One of the main aims of this treaty is to create a Federal Europe. Much like the USA where every state may have its own laws, but the Federal Laws are supreme. Every state may have its own police but Europe's police are above all corps. Such as the FBI in the USA. Then there is the infamous proposal of a European Foreign Policy commissioner, who will in effect decide our very own Foreign Policy. In layman terms, if the EU is at war, Malta is automatically at war. Another proposal is the setting up of a Federal Reserve which will include oil reserves, and should we ever strike oil we have to donate a percentage to the Reserve.
Zap Branagan
Dec 13th 2008, 20:06
It's amazing that all the focus is on Ireland. Yes Ireland rejected the treaty, but so did France and The Netherlands. Their governments then changed the law so their people couldn't vote on the treaty.
So fair's fair. Very few people in the EU want this treaty, just the politicians who greedily eye cushy well-paid jobs. Fact is that almost no-one in the EU knows the text of this treaty or what it means for the member nations.
With that in mind, I don't think the Irish people are suddenly going to vote yes to the same thing that they voted no. After all, why can't the EU accept that the treaty is verbose, obtuse, opaque, and holds no meaning for the average person on the street? Why can't they accept a no vote? Are they determined to push this through no matter what the people think? Why not just become autocratic?
m psaila
Dec 13th 2008, 18:33
Dear all, we retained the right to an EU Commisioner and secured the sixth seat in the EU Parlaiment. Isn't this good news? Our country will benefit, so lets make an effort, put partisan politics aside and lets be positive.
D Vella
Dec 13th 2008, 18:00
Which part of the word 'NO' does the EU not understand?
Martin Farrugia
Dec 13th 2008, 14:53
The Irish put us to shame. We actually managed to get a commissioner on their strength and resolve. Whereas our political parties obeyed and passed the lisbon treaty unanimously. I lost count of the number of times we have squandered our chances to force Brussels help us with the problems EU memebrship has brought about.
lgalea
Dec 13th 2008, 11:13
Democracy can also be spelt The Mockracy
Sandro Pace
Dec 13th 2008, 10:06
No one is so stupid to exchange the power of veto in vital fields such as justice, home affairs, security and asylum, with an EU wide commissioner. The Irish probably know this.
Same for Malta. We will be losing the veto power for an insignificant 6th MEP seat. The work done by a veto would save two years work and effort of all MEPs. We've already been there isnt it? We have hastily signed treaties knowing full well that we cannot oblige to them, to then let the MEPs wasting most of their efforts try to get some derogation, albeit so far mostly unsuccessful.
And recently we've seen that the veto came in handy in a matter of national interest. With the Lisbon, this will pass with just majority voting. Ironically, those who 5 years ago allured the people that Malta can block anything that goes against its national interest are now the ones arguing against such a system.
So for their credibility and consistency.
I hope for a political voice in Malta against the Lisbon treaty, a treaty which is going to take democracy further away.
lgalea
Dec 13th 2008, 10:02
It's no thanks to Gonzipn and the Opposition if Malta keeps its Commissioner because they arrogated the people's rights to say whether they agree or not with the Lisbon Treaty and agreed to ratification without consulting the Maltese people, but thanks to the Irish people who were not taken for a ride by the eu petty dictators.
Let's hope that the Irish people again reject the eu's petty dictators stance to arrogate even more power to strengthen their dictatorial regime.
malcolm seychell
Dec 13th 2008, 09:38
This is why Ireland is the most successful country in the EU. They vote no, when it comes to national interest.
We vote yes on everything they tell us.