Protecting workers' rights

The past four years during which I have represented Malta in the Committee of the Regions have been an excellent opportunity for me to familiarise myself with the way European policies are developed and implemented. Bearing in mind that over three quarters of European policies are implemented at local and regional level, my mandate in the Committee of the Regions has given me a unique insight into European policy making and its direct impact on people's lives.

During this time, I was entrusted twice by the Committee of the Regions as rapporteur. The first report was on the Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men 2006-2010 and the second report was on the directive and communication on non-discrimination. In parallel, I was also entrusted by the Party of European Socialists in the Committee of the Regions to coordinate and compile two important sections in the electoral manifesto for the June elections regarding Social Europe and the Championing of Gender Equality.

I am now contesting for a seat in the European Parliament in the firm belief that if elected, I will be able to capitalise on the experience gained during these past years of active involvement at European level to successfully represent the Maltese people within this largest democratic institution in Europe.

My campaign is based on my firm belief in a social Europe, a Europe which should put people at the centre of its political agenda. Indeed, I believe that the economy should be at the service of the people and not vice-versa - an important point to stress given the major difficulties that the global economy is facing, hitting hardest the workers and their families.

It is my strong commitment that if elected, I will do everything possible to ensure that Europe mobilises its vast resources to ensure that our citizens are given every opportunity to maximise their potential within the European area itself - in this context, taking swift and adequate measures to curb the spiralling numbers of unemployed people within the EU.

I believe that, even amidst a global economic crisis, workers' rights should not be compromised, while trade unions and workers' representatives should continue to play a key role in social dialogue. On the other hand, the EU and its member states, Malta included, need to invest in training, lifelong learning and adequate childcare facilities to ensure that job-seekers, men and women alike, are truly able to re-enter the labour market as soon as possible. It is an unequivocal commitment on my part to strive for the attainment of the Barcelona childcare targets, an area in which Malta still lags behind.

If Europe wants to get itself out of the current economic mess, it has to invest in the creation of new and better jobs and the protection of existing ones. A recovery plan that limits itself to handing out unemployment benefits is doomed to failure because it does not create growth. With the decline of traditional growth sectors, now is the time to consider how to turn climate change and energy supply challenges into opportunities through the elaboration of a green growth strategy that favours the development of new green technologies and skills.

If elected, I, together with my fellow Socialist Group members of the European Parliament, will strive to ensure that this goal is attained at European level.