Call for MEPs to work for a more social EU

Malta’s newly elected MEP’s had a unique opportunity to ensure that the European Union put the economy at the service of people, the Malta Union of Teachers said.

In a statement it said that the EU’s economic policies had serious impacts on the livelihood of the European citizens. The global economic crisis, caused by lack of financial regulation, irresponsible lending and the negligence of regulatory bodies, demonstrated that insufficient regulation could have serious economic and social consequences.

It pointed out that 79 million people in the EU were living in poverty, affecting one child out of five but the EU had yet to put in place an effective strategy to engage civil society in decision-making.

“Europe needs to reverse its current paradigm and put people at the heart of its policy-making. The economy should become a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.”

The MUT appealed to Malta’s MEP's to work very closely with all social partners, a practice which did not take root in the past five years.

“Our MEP’s should actively contribute to ensuring that the EU invests to provide more, better and sustainable jobs while responding to needs for essential services, social inclusion and a better environment,” it said.