Nationalist MEPs back Cuschieri’s early entry in EP

Nationalist MEPs joined their Labour counterparts to vote for changes to the EU Treaty that will allow another of their political rivals, Labour MEP-elect Joseph Cuschieri, to take his seat in the European Parliament as soon as possible.

The EP yesterday approved changes to the Lisbon Treaty to allow 18 new MEPs from 12 member states to join the Chamber this legislature according to a deal struck by member states during the discussions on the new treaty.

Malta had insisted and obtained the right to increase its number of MEP seats from five to six. But, ironically, the deal negotiated by a Nationalist Administration worked to Labour’s advantage because with the arrival of Mr Cuschieri in Brussels, the PL will see its number of MEPs increase to four while the PN will remain with two seats elected following the dismal electoral results obtained last June.

The changes to the treaty, voted in by an overwhelming majority at the EP, will now need the approval of member states during an Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) to be held in Brussels this June. It will also have to be ratified by every member state through its parliamentary process. The process could take up to two years.

In the meantime the new MEPs will be invited to take their seats as observers until the new protocol enters into force. However, they will not be considered to be equal to those elected last June and will not be given any salary. They will only be entitled to some allowances and to follow the proceedings of the EP without the right to vote.

According to an EP official, there is a risk that, due to the complicated and long parliamentary processes in the 27 member states, the new MEPs might only become fully fledged MEPs just a few months before having to submit themselves for re-election in 2014.