On January 1 Malta will, for the first time, hold the Presidency of the European Council. It would be difficult to imagine Malta having to take on this role at a more challenging time.

The European Union continues to face a string of seemingly never-ending crises, ranging from migration to the euro, unemployment and terrorism. And, now, Brexit has dealt the EU yet another blow.

It is against this backdrop that Malta must prepare for the mammoth task of driving forward the Council’s work.

And while it constitutes an incredible opportunity to influence the EU’s priorities, guide the agenda and showcase the abilities of the Maltese people, the consequences of incompetence also have the potential to be considerable.

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil has offered the Nationalist Party’s assistance in the run-up and execution of Malta’s presidency of the EU.

It is at times like these that Malta should put its best foot forward and set aside petty partisan village politics. We have a duty to collaborate constructively as one nation to ensure we deliver.

Our six Maltese MEPs could have a pivotal role in securing the European Parliament’s support for the Maltese government’s efforts in Council. We are already unable to cover all EP committees due to the limited number of MEPs. However, by not involving all of the Maltese MEPs, our potential effectiveness is reduced even further.

Malta has the opportunity to concretely and positively impact the lives of some 500 million EU citizens

It is therefore regrettable that the PN leader’s offer was rejected by the Prime Minister. But what is of greater concern is the way the Presidency is being used by this administration.

Much like every other taxpayer-funded endeavour that requires persons to be employed, it is being exploited as yet another means to reward Labour Party supporters.

This is not to say that there aren’t some incredibly talented individuals that have been entrusted with presidency-related matters – people who deserve to be there because they are knowledgeable and competent. But they are the rare exception rather than the rule.

This government was elected on a platform of meritocracy. I have no doubt readers will find being reminded of what has become a national joke tedious.

But if ever there was an occasion for this administration to, at least temporarily, pause its plundering of Malta’s coffers – this would be it.

Malta is the smallest member state. But we have been developing a big reputation in EU circles and for all the wrong reasons. Most recent due to the revelations in the Panama papers concerning a minister closest to the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister’s chief of staff.

Frankly, the country could do without further embarrassment. And the challenges ahead should be approached with professionalism, setting political leanings aside, pooling our national resources and selecting the best possible people for the job.

Malta has the opportunity to concretely, positively, impact the lives of some 500 millionEU citizens. It should not be taken lightly and should not be squandered. The opportunity will not present itself again before 2030.

Trevor Degiorgio is PN international secretary.

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