Europe is at a crossroads, risking the peace, prosperity and progress it has striven to achieve after centuries of conflict and bloodshed. We find ourselves in this predicament because the European project is failing to adjust to modern day reality, to adapt to the monumental changes that have shaken Europe’s very bedrock.

Sadly, the issues that matter the most – cost of living, pensions, migration – are being neglected, since our governments are promoting their own egoistic interests and prioritising short-term solutions rather than focusing on reforming our Union.

This flawed European agenda is leading to anxious, frustrated and angry citizens taking refuge in populism under the umbrella of nationalistic and authoritarian governments. Simultaneously, the young are even conducting synchronised strikes in schools, to draw politicians’ attention to climate change. When was the last time Europe as a whole faced such a depressing situation?

Brexit is clearly a direct manifestation of the public’s loss of appetite for the EU. And have you realised how much time EU summits have spent discussing the agreement on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union? Imagine if this precious Brussels time had been invested in discussing more relevant topics to our society instead.

Europe’s failing leadership is expected to become more apparent come May as forecasts are indicating a swing to the Far Right at the European Parliamentary elections. The Socialists are expected to be the biggest losers (probably not in Malta) as many of their followers have lost trust in their leadership.

But what does a strong right wing really mean? What can we expect?

I feel it spells more protectionism, threatening what is dear and what we stand for, affecting the very ingredients that make Europe a success story – free movement of people, merchandise, services and capital – undermining the rule of law, distorting economic activity and impoverishing nations.

In this vein, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE), of which Partit Demokratiku forms part, is focusing its manifesto on the need to reform the Union, placing emphasis on improving quality of life, safeguarding fundamental freedoms and our environment, and rewarding those who work hard, especially small to medium enterprises.

The EU must improve the marketing of its daily successes and the first step is education

From this perspective, after spending eight years in Brussels, I feel it is time for the EU to take a deep dive into reforms along the following lines:

First, Europe can and should play a far greater role as a political and economic global power because it is by unifying Member States’ efforts that we can compete with the likes of the US, Russia, China, India and Brazil. So the EU must harness globalisation and other global trends in order to generate growth and jobs.

Secondly, quality of life implies nature for food, air and water – a better environment – so we must work towards making the EU a leading force in the world by addressing climate change, ocean health and sustainable growth.

Another reform would entail making the EU asylum and migration system fit for purpose, as the migration burden is not being shared fairly among all Member States. While Europe must work to protect those fleeing the horrors of war or the pain of political repression, it must commit effort to returning those migrants who do not qualify for asylum, by collaborating with safe countries of origin, through financial support. Part of this effort should focus on responding to cross-border crime more effectively.

Finally, Europe can do all the good in the world, but if it is incapable of marketing itself, it will fail to get public support. The EU must, consequently, improve the marketing of its daily successes and the first step is education. In this regard, the European Parliament should focus its attention on winning the younger generations by, for example, organising teenage student class trips to Brussels, to teach the young about the functions of EU institutions, which would be followed by a visit to Auschwitz, to explain the consequences of extreme realpolitik.

The 2019 MEP elections are all about Europe’s soul and our promise to the next generation. We want to lead by making the EU adapt to the realities challenging the 21st century, moving away from old, fatigued politics and towards reform, through new blood and new ideas.

We must strive to simplify institutional bureaucracy and renew the societal contract for fair opportunities for everyone, so all can participate in a strong, thriving and innovative economy.

Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Martin Cauchi Inglott is an MEP candidate and secretary general of Partit Demokratiku. He served as Commander of the AFM’s Maritime Squadron and his last military appointment before retiring was Colonel within the EU Military Staff.