IIn an open economy and an open society guided by the principles advocated by European economic and social laws, governments are faced by various challenges as a result of globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation. Governments cannot face these pressures on their own. They need the understanding, the backing of civil society. Our governments understood this at an early stage and after the EU referendum the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (Meusac) was set up.

The aim of Meusac was to oversee the overall accession process, thus rendering it a focal point of Malta's accession preparations. Meusac was composed of representatives from all strata of Maltese society and proved to be a very exhilarating and successful experience. Draft position papers for Malta's negotiating stand were passed to Meusac who in turn discussed each chapter of the acquis communautaire prior to the negotiation process.

Although Meusac had served as an important consultative forum in the run-up to EU accession within Maltese society, it stopped functioning in 2004.

However one of the first steps taken by Lawrence Gonzi was the revival of Meusac. Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, addressing a press conference explained that this time round the role will be to advise the government on matters of a specific nature relating to EU legislation and policy.

Nine sub-committees will be formed which will bring together various NGOs following a public call to be issued by the Core Group as well as external experts operating within the area of responsibility of that particular sub-committee. The sub-committees will be shadowing the nine EU Council formations and deal with all EU affairs. This is an essential characteristic of the remarkable European spirit, through which every country is permitted to evaluate in its own capacity. This renewal of value harvesting within the European Union forms the backbone of this international society.

Furthermore it will also take over the role of Forum Malta Fl-Ewropa, as the main outlet on matters relating to the EU after accession. A further role is that of focusing more on the funding opportunities provided by the EU.

This will be an opportunity for organisations such as the local councils, unions and the various NGOs to face up to the new realities of EU membership, amongst them the new demands and pressures relating to liberalisation and privatisation. As members we have to shoulder new responsibilities but these carry with them also new rights through the various framework programmes provided by the EU. The government has provided the mechanism through Meusac. It is up to these organisations to channel their energies to maximise the attainment of the funds made available. Let us take advantage of this new empowerment of our civil society.

Before Malta's entry to the EU, the committee was responsible for the negotiations, whereas now its deals with directives, legislation and conformity. The certainty is that its role is similarly vital today, now that we are part of the family.

Under the helm of PS Said the committee has been reappointed to serve as a sharp tool in the European workshop. Having been well involved in the Meusac committee before our entry in the EU, I can personally say that the sterling work done is of great value to our European relations.

I have always been at the forefront of the movement that promoted our entry to the EU. Today I can say that I am very pleased with the way things turned out. The benefits have been and will live on to be both qualitative and quantitative. Although I take great pride in being highly involved in the team for Europe, I strive to renew this opportunity to guide and represent citizens in the highest European institution everyday.

In the same way that our country is unique, the laws and directions must be adapted to our needs. This is seldom an easy or trivial matter, but thanks to an institution like Meusac it can be done professionally, so that our needs are duly fulfilled. These direct relations between this group and the EU provide the perfect medium for this process of holistic individualisation within the context of adaptation. This is the perfect vehicle that moves us through the road of the true European democratic society, where everyone's voice is heard, respected and valued.

David Casa is a Nationalist member in the European Parliament and former Executive Secretary of Meusac.