Earlier this morning, President George Vella met with the President of the European Parliament Ms Roberta Metsola who is in Malta on her first official visit since taking office.

President Vella while, once again, wishing Ms Metsola well for her work in this important post, President spoke about the great responsibilities this role entails.

“This is because the European Parliament is a fundamental pillar of democracy that conveys the voice of the citizens directly to the institutions of the European Union.” he said.

The President explained the need for greater awareness among European citizens about the work that the Members of the European Parliament do and how this directly affects their daily lives.

Several challenges that are currently on the European Union’s agenda, such as post-Covid recovery, the Conference on the Future of Europe, immigration, climate change, as well as political developments in the EU’s Southern and Eastern Neighbourhoods, were also discussed between President Vella and Ms Metsola.

Ms Metsola expressed her appreciation for the support she received from President Vella, on behalf of all the people of Malta and Gozo.

She also explained how the pandemic had a major impact on the operations of the European Parliament and gave an overview of the current priorities on the Parliament’s agenda, which include immigration, the environment, and the digital sector.

Following the meeting, President Vella described the talks as very interesting and that gave a clear explanation of the vision and goals with which Ms Metsola is carrying out her duties and functions.

He stated that this is a clear example of how Maltese people, especially when united, can overcome challenges related to the geography and size of our country and succeed in the highest international positions.

This afternoon, Ms Metsola will also be meeting members of the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia, during a visit to the site where the journalist was assassinated in Bidnija.

Speaking at the start of her visit to Malta, Ms Metsola said, “it is important to the European Parliament that we reach out to people in all Member States and bring the European project closer – that is the aim of my visit to Malta. Of course, on a personal note, I could not be more pleased to be coming home to Malta and Gozo on an official visit.”

She went on to say that, “during my visit, I will reiterate the European Parliament’s commitment to uphold the fundamental values of the European Union and I will represent the European Parliament by laying flowers at the site of the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.”

Ms Metsola concluded by stressing that “the majority of people, including in Malta and Gozo, want a stronger role for the European Parliament. This is also my ambition, and I will continue to work to strengthen our European democracy, always putting people at the centre of our decision-making.”

Permalink: President and Roberta Metsola meet on her first official visit to Malta