The Parliamentary Secretary for Consumers, Fair Competition, Local Councils and Public Dialogue, Chris Said has underlined the Maltese government’s belief that citizens should benefit from a strong and effective communication process and that they have constant access to all relevant information.

While addressing the European communication directors, who are currently meeting in Gozo, the Parliamentary Secretary stated that government is committed to the process of public dialogue and communication.

The plenary meeting of the Club of Venice is being organised by the Department of Information (DOI). The Club of Venice is an informal group comprising the most senior communication professionals from the governments of EU member and candidate states, and also from the European institutions. The meeting is being attended by over 40 delegates.

Chris Said explained how the Maltese government is implementing a two-way communications strategy whereby the citizens are involved in the decision-making process and thus they own part of the process themselves. He mentioned the important role being played by the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), an institution in itself, wherein the social partners provide valuable input and feedback to the government in the drafting of its policies and annual budget.

Chris Said also spoke of the excellent work being carried out by the Malta-EU Steering Action Committee (MEUSAC) in order to communicate Europe with as wide a possible an audience in the Maltese islands. ‘We are constantly increasing our efforts to ensure that Europe becomes a reality with which people can relate on a daily basis.’

The Club of Venice meeting in Gozo was also addressed by Morten Lokkegaard, a Danish Member of the European Parliament and by the Director General for Information, Local Government and Public Consultation in the Office of the Prime Minister, Martin Bugelli.

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