Event report

A panel of speakers in different fields from Gozo discussed the protection and promotion of European values with TVM’s journalist Mario Xuereb at the exhibition hall in the Cittadella. The speakers were the following: Dr Sean Zammit (Association for Gozitan Employees in Malta); Mario Borg (Gozo Regional Development Authority); ERIC Grech (Gozo University Group); Daniel Borg (Gozo Business Chamber); MEP Josianne Cutajar (S&D); Dr Samuel Azzopardi (Member of the Committee of the Regions); Dr Elena Grech (Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta). Other participants in the discussion could take part online. The discussion focused on the way forward in strengthening the European values of democracy, solidarity, equality and social justice. These were the main conclusions that emerged: The European Union should have one value — tolerance — not only of opinions, but of ensuring that inclusiveness is realised in practice. While great advances have been made, the European Union should see that in all that it does protect the common good, not of the majority, but of all the minorities that exist. While an essential element that makes us Europeans is rights in every area, it must be ensured that they do not remain on paper, but that they concretely translate into an effective good. The economy should not be the ultimate goal of the European Union’s policies, but the economy must translate into social welfare. The EU should pay more attention to the needs of the outlying countries, which are disadvantaged in many respects compared to countries that are connected in many ways, while our country is limited to air and sea travel. On the other hand, our country should exploit the opportunities that the green and digital transition will bring, which can reduce these handicaps and further unlock the potential of islands. For the European project to succeed, the European Union can no longer apply its policies and laws to everyone on an equal footing, but must take account of the particular situations of islands. European citizens want to see more concrete actions touching their daily lives, such as a more decent minimum wage, because they are these cases in terms of solidarity on the ground. It is good for workers and young people to have opportunities to improve their future, but not everyone is a young person or a worker. When asked where they would like the European Union to see another ten years, the speakers mentioned: the main focus on the environment; the concrete involvement of each country in taking on the burden of immigration; A Europe tolerant in every sense and on the ground; A fair, merciful, tolerant and solidarity-based Europe, which listens, evaluates and acts; A Europe that empowers the people; A Europe that takes account of islands.