As the MEP elections campaign gathers momentum, it is only natural that in an effort to start sifting through the options available, the electorate will require candidates to cut to the chase and outline clearly what they stand for and what they propose to do if elected.
Given my background in international business and a lifetime focus on human resource management, I have always made it clear that my presence at the European Parliament would be a focused one, targeting those areas where I feel I can contribute most. Thus, my focus would be on the work of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, particularly issues such as workers’ rights, training and conditions of work; that of the Internal Market Committee, where my business experience and knowledge could prove to be an important asset; and the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, where I could contribute towards the discussion on and promotion of mental health issues, particularly in relation to the workplace.
If I had to single out one major issue of concern to Malta, it would be the economy. The economy is the bedrock of every nation’s livelihood. It provides jobs and tax revenue to sustain the free provision of health and education services. It also allows us to continue enjoying pensions, given that our pay-as-you-go system depends on what is paid by employees today.
So far, the Maltese economy and our public finances have resiliently maintained the path of gradual improvement. Yet today, we are seeing problems with employment and industrial production. It is too early to raise the alarm, and hopefully these negative indicators are not a sign of things to come. However, given an evident lack of forward and proactive planning to stimulate industry and strengthen enterprise, I would say that the economy is my number one concern.
Certainly, I think that at European Parliament level, the next legislature needs to continue building on initiatives designed to strengthen the internal market. We have already seen two Single Market Acts over this legislature by Commissioner Michel Barnier, and we must not abandon these efforts. While it is true that the European economy is on the road to recovery, we need to keep building up the momentum.
On a national level, we need to maintain focus on internal market legislation regarding SMEs and microenterprises, so that Malta’s businesses can increasingly tap into the benefits of the Single Market.
There are often misconceptions about what the European Parliament does for citizens and businesses
I would also like to see mental health issues be brought more to the centre of the EU agenda. Mental health issues have become a grave cause for concern, particularly in a crisis-stricken European economy. If we can manage to have a council recommendation over the course of the next legislature, this would be a great feat.
On various occasions I have been asked whether I think that the Maltese business community is adequately represented in the European Parliament. Unfortunately, I think there are often misconceptions about what the European Parliament does for citizens and businesses.
Many might think the European Parliament is only there to address citizens’ complaints or promote the interests of big lobbies. As a result, Maltese businesses often remain at the periphery of the priorities and debates ahead of European Parliament elections.
This should not be the case, since most of the laws baked in Brussels will have a significant impact on our small, medium and micro enterprises. This is not to say that nothing has been done. Over the past two legislatures, our leader, Simon Busuttil, worked tirelessly against business directory companies that targeted several Maltese companies with their scams.
I think that together, working hand in hand, we can build further on what has been done and bring more of a focus to business interests. Because, at the end of the day, business brings jobs, pays taxes and builds and sustains the fabric our economy.
Helga Ellul is a Nationalist Party candidate for the MEP elections.