Joanna Drake’s appointment as the first Maltese director in the European Commission confirmed that the country’s size was no hindrance to its participation in the European Union, the Nationalist Party said.

It said in a statement that despite its size, Malta was managing to better exploit opportunities and the Maltese were as capable as any other people to assume important positions within the union.

Five years ago the country was still debating whether membership would be beneficial for Malta but this appointment and the experience of these first years defeated the arguments against membership.

The most senior EU institutions were now seeking people such as Dr Drake, who, through their vast knowledge of the union continued to strengthen its institutions and there were now many Maltese occupying senior positions in Brussels.

The Maltese were always successful wherever they went and Dr Drake’s appointment was no coincidence but a certificate of confidence in the Maltese people’s abilities.

The PN congratulated Dr Drake and wished her success.