Gozo will play an important role over the next six months in Maltese Presidency of the European Union, Minister for Social Dialogue Helena Dalli has said.

At a meeting of the Gozo Regional Committee within the MCESD, the Minister mentioned how different Ministries will be hosting a large number of conferences and technical meetings in Gozo. Among others, the Ministry of Social Dialogue will be organising two conferences in Gozo in the medicines sector.

Other conferences organised by the Gozo Ministry will focus directly on the needs of the islands and will involve the Committee of Regions within the European Union and will be called the `Enterprise for Islands’ conference.

Minister Helena Dalli explained how many of the themes that will be discussed during the English Presidency concern Maltese citizens in everyday life and thus, how the decisions to be taken will have an impact on them.

While advocating for participation and public interest in what is going on, Dr Dalli explained that a lot will be learned as one country from this experience.

Minister Dalli reiterated the need for the European Union to move closer to the people, at a time when some European citizens do not see that it is relevant to them. She said this will be one of the main objectives of the Government in the coming six months.

“In this Presidency, we can be of service to rebuild this connectivity for people which has currently collapsed,” said Minister Dalli. This is also done by showing the social conscience of the European Union, she said.

Chairman of the Gozo Regional Committee Joe Muscat, said that the Presidency will serve as an opportunity to promote Gozo to the hundreds of delegates and journalists that will visit the island.

He also called on the Government to also include Gozo in the cultural tours that will be offered to foreign dignitaries and representatives.

MCESD Chairman John Bencini explained the significance of the meeting in which members within the Gozo Regional Committee from different sectors are having an opportunity to comment on Gozo’s contribution during the Maltese presidency as well as the huge cultural potential it has to offer the island.

The meeting was also addressed by representatives of the Ministry for Gozo.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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