The Malta Employers’ Association has lifted its boycott of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development after progress was registered in talks over how it can become more involved in representing Malta at a European level.

The MEA returned to the table at the last meeting, held last month, after it acknowledged the government’s “good will” during discussions that followed its decision to boycott the consultative council.

It had taken that decision after Vince Farrugia, director general of the Malta Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU, was nominated by the government to sit on the European Economic and Social Committee, a post he will occupy for five years.

The MEA, backed by the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, argued that Mr Farrugia did not represent the interests of employers because the GRTU represented the self-employed.

The MEA has now confirmed it will attend another MCESD meeting today which is expected to be addressed by Mario Sepi, the outgoing president of the European Economic and Social Committee. It has also confirmed its participation at the two pre-Budget consultation meetings set for next week.

MEA director general Joe Farrugia spoke positively of the talks when contacted yesterday. He said the association would return to the MCESD despite not having concluded talks with the government over its contribution at a European level. “We made it clear that we did not and will not agree with Vince Farrugia representing employers at a European body,” he said.