With the June 6 European Union Parliament election fast approaching, the level of enthusiasm is gradually picking up. We are already witnessing a campaign stage-managed by the major political parties rather than ventilating the core values and views of the aspiring contenders for the posts in Brussels.

Both major political parties have launched their respective candidates with dynamism and style during their Sunday activities under the watchful eye of the respective party leaders. The other political parties have fielded their candidates also. The heat of an election campaign will soon start.

So far on the ballot paper, one is expected to find at least six different political emblems. Emblems representing political parties with views and opinions on various issues which strike a chord with different sectors of the public.

More than 25 candidates, so far, have decided to pick up courage and stand for the European Union Parliament election.

Our society has to acknowledge the genuine efforts by these candidates, who out of their own free choice, have decided to serve this small nation in one of the most important institutions of the European Union.

This number clearly demonstrates that more Maltese people today realise that Malta's participation in the European Union is effective and is making a difference in the lives of citizens. Ironically, the Labour Party has fielded the highest number of candidates, 12 in all with Libertas, the recently founded political party having one candidate.

I will not delve in the recent past leading to Malta joining the EU because that is still fresh in our minds. Today that process is part of our society's evolution. Historians and sociologists can analyse and document the events leading to Malta joining the European Union for future generations to reassess and enjoy.

Malta so far is entitled and represented by five Members in the European Union Parliament. However, at any time in future, this number may be increased to six. These small numbers makes it even more important for the electorate to elect to EU Parliament people with the best credentials. Their work is to serve the national good over party and parochial issues.

Malta, because it is a small island, enjoys the privilege that all candidates standing for election are well known to the electorate. Their capabilities and experience are well tested and tried. Their credentials have to dovetail in what is considered essential to have an effective team of MEPs serving Malta at European Union.

Voters who for reasons best known to themselves, albeit, maybe, for valid reasons, decide to abstain from casting their vote in the June 6 election will not be sending a message to their traditionally preferred political party; they will only be relinquishing a very important right.

In a scenario where the global economy has been hit to a scale unprecedented in recent history, these elections are even more important. In this regard the electorate should strive to elect people with social values. Workers should opt to elect prospective candidates who publicly declare their commitment on fundamental issues such as the social model adopted by the EU.

Presently at EU level, due to the financial and economic crisis that has brought about tens of thousands of workers to be laid off from work from world leading companies in the EU, certain quarters veiled under a selection of fine words are working their way to dismantle the EU social model. This has to stop.

Recently, the UĦM convened a meeting for the candidates contesting the June 6 election. During that meeting the Union has circulated a set of proposals under the heading "our views your mission" on which local workers should seek commitment from Maltese MEPs to be.

Flyers in our letter-boxes, invitations for receptions, paid advertisements, home visits, and many other activities are all important - but not as far reaching as a public commitment on the social agenda from the candidates. We have to ensure that the European Union remains a broad-based institution where people are always at the centre of the national and European Union agenda. In this regard we all have a duty to select a team of people with the necessary qualities, capabilities and European Union commitment. Above all we need to have our MEPs closer to home after the 6th of June election. The European Union is a people's union.