Maltese and Gozitan citizens are going to have the opportunity over the coming days to express their opinion in a public consultation on the EU Directive on daylight saving time.

The European Commission is proposing that member states stick to the same time all year round.

Minister for European Affairs and Equality Helena Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia, announced today the start of an online consultation process which will be concluded on Monday, the 1st of October.

Meetings will also be held with social partners, representatives of interested entities, and members of the general public.

The European Commission’s proposal is based on a non-scientific survey which found that 54% of the Maltese public is opposed to the current practice of changing the time twice yearly and prefers to stick to the same time all year said Minister Helena Dalli

She went on to explain that the process by which the Commission’s proposal is approved does not require unanimity between member states.

“It does, however, require the Maltese Government to establish its position in the European Council, and this position should reflect public opinion. For this reason, the public is invited to participate in this consultative process,” she said

Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia stressed the importance of consulting with social partners, representatives of interested entities and the public in general, particularly as the proposal in question affects them directly.

“Since the issue impinges on various sectors such as trade, energy, health, and farming, the proposal will impact many people,” he said.

For this reason, he said that it is important for the government’s position to reflect public opinion. To this end, the Ministry for European Affairs and Equality is also undertaking a scientific study on the subject matter.

The online consultation will consist of four simple and direct questions which should provide a clear picture of what Maltese and Gozitan citizens think on the matter,” said Head of the EU Secretariat Glenn Micallef.

The consultation when open will be available online here.

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