The campaign for the June European Parliament elections is in full swing with three candidates officially launching their vision for Malta's future in the EU over the weekend.

Nationalist candidate Rudolph Cini and Labour candidate Claudette Abela Baldacchino launched their campaigns yesterday morning while PL candidate Professor Edward Scicluna launched his on Friday evening.

The three candidates, all public figures, are among the many hopefuls vying for one of the five seats in June's EP election.

Ms Abela Baldacchino promised to focus on the social and economic sector and illegal immigration. With the slogan 'Strong in Europe', her campaign is based on the belief that everyone has the opportunity to develop and reach their objectives.

Immigration is also on Mr Cini's agenda. The former president of the nurses' union yesterday launched his campaign with the slogan 'Strong Citizens in Europe.'

The environment is also high on his agenda with Mr Cini calling for more careful development and limiting it to the development zones.

Mr Cini also spoke about the Maltese health system. "Even though we have an excellent hospital, more needs to be done to give patients a more efficient and accessible service."

Prof. Scicluna said he would focus on the regulators' role to protect consumers, safeguarding Maltese citizens' civil rights and making the islands, especially Gozo, attractive to foreign investors.

A seasoned economist outspoken on many issues, Prof. Scicluna said that the regulator had to be there to protect the consumer instead of not taking a stance.

Prof. Scicluna's slogan is 'Expertise, Experience, Credibility'. Speaking during Prof. Scicluna's launch, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said he had everyone's trust - a factor that set him aside from others.