The Labour head of delegation to the European Parliament, Alfred Sant, had pledged to continue to promote the national interests of Malta at the European Parliament when the debate of the future of Europe unfolds. 

Dr. Sant said that during 2015 the Maltese S&D delegation strove to defend the interests of the Maltese and Gozitans in the face of a string of crises which struck the European Union. ‘Where necessary, to defend Malta’s national interests, the Maltese Labour Delegation went against the S&D's political line.’

The year 2015, he observed, witnessed the euro crisis caused by Greece’s financial problems; terrorism, which struck twice in Paris and shook the world; the influx of immigration towards Europe from Africa and the Middle East, first from central Mediterranean and then from Turkey; the ongoing confrontation between the EU and Russia; The uncertainty on UK membership in the EU, which still can leave the EU. 

In the meantime, the economic situation in Europe remained stagnant and fragile. Unlike Europe, under a Labour Government led by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, this did not happen in Malta.

"On the contrary, we witnessed economic growth which is well above that in Europe. But in each of these issues, there are vital interests for Malta." 

Dr. Sant said a European solution was needed in view of the threats of terrorism.

"With respect to the neutrality of Malta and to human rights, I will support every measure that guarantees the security of all citizens in Europe."

Another challenge facing Europe was economic stagnation.

"We must be firm and determined when such measures are discussed in the European Parliament and analyse how these measures can affect us for good or for worse," he said.  

The tendency was that all measures were to be observed equally by all EU member states.

"This policy can discriminate against small countries and small regions who feel disadvantaged when compared to the other larger EU countries. This is happening in the case of Gozo. It is happening in important sectors like manufacture, transport – especially Air Malta – agriculture, fisheries and soon, taxation. Personally I promise to remain vigilant to counter the one size fits all measures," he said.

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