MEP Edward Scicluna, has asked the Commission to explain the failure of the government to use provisions in Malta’s EU treaty to defend Gozo.
Annexed to Malta’s Treaty of Accession is a Declaration which states that the Maltese Government will mandate the Commission to ensure that the economic disparity between Malta and Gozo is reduced. Despite this, the Maltese government did not request action from the Commission for the EU 2007-2013 budget and Professor Scicluna has tabled a parliamentary question to ensure that Gozo’s needs are catered for in the upcoming round of EU budget negotiations.
Professor Scicluna said, “Safeguarding the economic future of Gozo is one of my main priorities as an MEP for Malta. It is particularly so as we approach the start of negotiations on the EU budget between 2014 and 2020.”
He refers to an article in Aggornat of February 2003, by the Head of MIC, which claimed that Declaration 36 would secure Gozo’s economic future after Malta joins the EU.
“Yet, the Government has failed both to defend the interests of Gozo and to match its statements with actions. What was the point in attaching a Declaration on the need for special treatment for Gozo, if the Government was not going to keep promises made prior to the 2003 EU referendum? At the very least, Gozitans are entitled to a proper explanation.”
Concluding, Professor Scicluna said, “Gozo is suffering due to lack of specific funding normally given to similar island regions in the EU. In fact, the economic gap between Gozo and Malta has increased. If the Government refuses to use its full bargaining powers then the Labour party and I will.”