Roberta Metsola has been appointed vice-president of the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament, the most senior post given so far to a Nationalist MEP.

The appointment was made this morning.

The right to petition is a right enshrined in the Treaty on European Union and the Petitions Committee seeks to find non-judicial solutions for citizens' petitions when these are considered to be admissible.

For the people of Malta, the Committee took on a central role earlier this year, when Dr Metsola presented a petition, backed by thousands of Maltese, on the plans to berth a gas tanker in Marsaxlokk Bay.

Dr Metsola thanked the PN delegation in the European Parliament for their support and help in securing the appointment. 

"I am honoured with the appointment and I appreciate the responsibility that comes with it. This is the committee that is closest to the citizen and one that has a direct role in empowering and giving a voice to Europe's citizens . Even one person alone can submit a petition for consideration and I know just how important the role of the Committee can be in protecting the best interests of the people I represent." said Dr Metsola

"At a time when the people of Europe feel somewhat disconnected from the decision-making process at EU level, this committee can play an important role in getting people involved and I will use this position to be the link between citizens and the European Union. It is time for people to have a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods", she added.

Dr Metsola will sit on the EP's Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee and the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee.