Opportune for Malta to have permanent representative at EP

Jerzy Buzek, a former Polish Prime Minister, is the first person from a new EU member state to occupy the post of President of the European Parliament. He will be starting a two-day visit today to take stock of how the island has been coping in the EU. Ivan Camilleri spoke to him ahead of the trip.

What is Malta contributing towards the European Parliament. Are Maltese MEPs effective?

The Maltese MEPs are active and highly respected in the European Parliament. They have certainly authored key reports. In a short time, they have built a strong reputation and now enjoy a lot of respect among fellow MEPs. This undoubtedly works to Malta’s advantage. Respect in the European Parliament comes from hard work and being open to colleagues. I think it is not by chance that several of them are increasingly being given posts of responsibility in their committees and are appointed rapporteurs on important pieces of European policy and legislation. They have indeed put Malta, its concerns and strengths, on the EP agenda. That said, I am sure a female Maltese MEP would bring a new perspective to the European Parliament.

Malta is still without its sixth seat even though the Lisbon Treaty has been approved. What is the real problem holding up this development? Do you think the matter will be resolved within this legislature?

Malta is not the only country that is eagerly waiting to get extra seats in the European Parliament under the Treaty of Lisbon. There are 12 countries that will get one or more MEPs. And the European Parliament is very eager too. After the Treaty was signed in December 2009, we set the ball rolling to speed up the procedures so new MEPs could take up their seats. The majority of the member states have ratified the Treaty changes, so I do not see reason for much delay. However, ratification by all 27 national parliaments is necessary before the new MEPs can join us in Brussels and Strasbourg. Perhaps the real problem is that a relatively simple consensual procedure such as this — extending the number of MEPs — involves a highly cumbersome process of ratification by 27 member states which all have different political agendas. I understand the frustrations.

What happened to the proposal that would-be MEPs be given observer status until the protocol is ratified?

When we initially discussed how the addition of 18 MEPs would work out in practical terms, there had been the idea that they could be invited as “observers”, until the ratification process would be complete. The European Parliament had changed its rules of procedure to make this possible. Yet inviting the new MEPs as observers is a political decision of the Conference of Presidents (leaders of the EP political groups) requiring consensus among the leaders of all the political groups. The decision has not been taken. Unless the 18 new MEPs are invited together, there is a risk of upsetting the political balance in the House.

Are you satisfied with the response of the Maltese Parliament to EU proposals through the new subsidiary check mechanism established by the Commission?

I believe that gradually, the Maltese Parliament and the European Parliament are developing very good cooperation. Our relationship is strong and will deepen with time. National parliaments play an important role in what is called “subsidiarity check” with regard to proposals for new EU laws, or changes to existing laws. Thanks to the new Treaty, the House of Representatives can now send its reasoned opinion to the European Parliament about specific legislative proposals, and national MPs can make their voices heard in our joint parliamentary meetings. I understand the Maltese parliament is working hard to strengthen its structure and resources. I encourage Maltese MPs to employ the powers they have in the interest of citizens.

Malta is the only member state which still does not have a permanent representative working in the EP. Do you think that the time has come for Malta to rectify this issue? Will you be discussing this with the Maltese authorities during your visit?

Other member states have found that having a permanent representative in the European Parliament has helped them strengthen their organic link with us. Now that national parliaments have a larger role under the Treaty of Lisbon, it would be very opportune for Malta to appoint a permanent representative in the European Parliament. During my visit to Malta, I will no doubt raise the issue. However, whether to appoint a representative or not remains the prerogative of the Maltese authorities of course. The Lisbon Treaty is the treaty of parliaments, giving more power to both the European and national parliaments.

There have been some changes to the MEPs’ financial packages due to the Lisbon Treaty and the cost-of-living arrangements. This was not really appreciated by EU citizens especially at a time of austerity. Don’t you think that MEPs are paid too much and over pampered with allowances?

The salaries of MEPs are regulated by rules agreed by all member states. All MEPs get the same salary, irrespective of where they come from. And they pay national income tax. What used to make the headlines was the system of reimbursement of expenses. This has been heavily transformed following the June 2009 elections.

The European Parliament has worked hard to reform this system and it is much more transparent now. Allowances and payments to assistants are regulated by strict rules and payments are done through authorised paying agencies directly to staff and suppliers, not to the MEPs.

What is your personal view on having two seats – one in Brussels and the other in Strasbourg? Isn’t this a waste of taxpayers’ money?

Strasbourg has a lot of symbolic historic importance for Europe, passing hands between France and Germany several times. Strasbourg, in some ways, is a city that best signifies peace between Germany and France. It is the official seat of the European Parliament. There is a legal Treaty obligation for the European parliament to meet in full session 12 times a year. For the seats to change, there has to be a change agreed by the 27 member states from Malta to France.

The European Parliament has, in fact, three places of work: Brussels where all the committee work is done, Strasbourg for plenary sessions and Luxembourg for the administration. We should never forget that we have had peace in the EU for the last 60 years, expansion to 27 member states and reconciliation between France and Germany has played a significant role in that. The cost of non-Europe is extremely high!