The Economic Intelligence Unit has apologised to Forum for a remark made in its report for June that the recent expansion of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development to include Forum and the Gozo Regional Committee, was likely to hinder the council's effectiveness.

The Europe Regional Editor of the Economist Intelligence Unit Robert O’Daly told Forum in a letter:

“Our comments were in no way intended to suggest that your organisation, as a member of MCESD, is ineffective or disruptive to the discussions in the council. The comment simply expressed the considered view that the ‘expansion’ of the MCESD generally is likely to make agreement between all its members more difficult, which could render the MCESD less effective.

“We apologise for any misunderstanding or offence caused. It was wholly unintended.”

Forum yesterday strongly condemned the EIU's remark and said it was convinced that it was the result of a hidden agenda from a local organisation whose sole intention was to defame and slander Forum and the Gozo Regional Committee.