Malta's outgoing European Commissioner, Joe Borg, has been presented with a prestigious international award, the third in the past months, in recognition of his handling of the maritime affairs portfolio in Brussels.
During a ceremony in Athens, Dr Borg was declared as International Personality of the Year by the Lloyd's List Greek Shipping Award in recognition of his "outstanding work over the past five years in shaping an integrated maritime policy for the EU".
Dr Borg was praised for his contribution to raising public awareness on the shipping industry and his efforts to ensure its unique features and economic importance were taken into account within the policy.
These awards are given every year in 15 categories. The non-pecuniary International Person-ality of the Year Award honours public figures for their outstanding contributions to Greek shipping, or to the maritime industries in general. Dr Borg was selected by an independent judging panel from an extensive list of nominees.
Last month, Dr Borg received the Kungsfenan Swedish Seafood Award for his vital work to make EU fisheries more sustainable. In October, he was given the German Elisabeth Mann Borgese Award.
Dr Borg ends his mandate in February when Social Policy Minister John Dalli will replace him and take on the health and consumer policy portfolio.