Migration, strengthening the EU and the need to focus on alternative energy are among the 11 points that form part of Alternattiva Demokratika’s electoral manifesto for the upcoming MEP elections.

Approved by the party yesterday, the manifesto said AD had successfully lobbied to include a clause the abolition of the Dublin II rules in the European Greens Manifesto.

The rules force refugees to stay in the EU state where they applied for asylum, creating a disproportionate burden on countries like Malta.

An AD MEP would keep working to convince the European People’s Party and the European Socialists to accept the abolition of the Dublin II rules.

AD would be vociferous on the need to overhaul the EU’s migration policy and have a better asylum system, the manifesto added.

The party members also unanimously approved chairman Arnold Cassola and deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo as the party’s candidates for the MEP elections.

Mr Cacopardo said that the principle theme behind the manifesto was we are Europe. “We are often told that Europe decided this or that but we are part of Europe. It needs to be strengthened and focus on sustainability and justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Cassola pointed out that the country would be better represented on a European level with three political parties. “You know what it’s like to have two political parties there,” he said.

The Maltese would also be represented in a third group – of Greens – in the European Parliament.

The manifesto promises more transparency and accountability to fight corruption – especially in the decision-making process by the European Commission and other EU institutions.

The party would also insist for a European energy policy that would fight climate change through renewable and efficient sources.