Parliamentary Secretary's Opening Ceremony Speech

Malta is a small country, but we are highly determined to make a difference.

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It gives me great pleasure that we are gathered here tonight at the Mediterannean Conference Centre to celebrate the official opening of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Malta is at the helm of the Council of the EU.

Some might remark that this is an obligation of every Member State derived from the treaty, but for us, this is a historic moment - definitely the biggest role our country and public Administration have ever undertaken.

Thanks to the hard work of numerous people, most of whom are present here today, others working in presiding meetings in Brussels and all those working silently behind the scenes, this is becoming a reality.

I thank you, as this moment would not have been possible without you.

Allow me also to nominate and extend my compliments to everyone working in their respective European Institutions, who during these few months embarked on this journey together with the Maltese Government.

I offer my regards to the President of the European Council, Mr Tusk, who is present here today, the General Secretariat and our Presidency Trio counterparts; our Dutch and Slovak partners. Many thanks as well, to the President of the European Parliament, Mr Martin Schultz and his team.

I also want to offer special regards to the European Commission, President Juncker, First Vice-President Timmermans and all other Commissioners present here tonight. Over the last three years, I witnessed an ever-improving relationship between the Government and the Commission, built on mutual trust. This bodes well for the future working months, but most of all towards the legacy that we hope our Presidency will leave.

As appropriate, I would like to shift the focus towards our nation; this is your presidency, yours as Maltese and European citizens. We will work for your benefit, whoever you may be without distinction.

We wish to continue making a tangible difference in your lives and ensure that the work is communicated in the best possibly way, and that it ultimately reaches everyone.

In Malta, we are proud of having total faith in the European project and values. The same cannot be said for all citizens in surrounding Member States.

I believe that this is due to the fact that we, as politicians, have not always communicated Europe’s work and its direct impact on the people in the best possible manner, whether in the largest capital or in the smallest town in a remote region.

We need to turn things around and listen closely to the needs of our nations, we want to put the citizen at the core of Europe.

Malta is a small country, but we are highly determined to make a difference. We are optimistic, although realistic of what can be achieved in a relatively short period of time. We are prepared to face the challenges in front of us. We have worked hard to get to this point.

I feel priviledged that I was able to have a part in all this, and I am convinced you feel the same way. Under the political guidance of the Prime Minister Muscat and the Deputy Prime Minister, this was an easier journey for me and my colleagues. We have also worked to promote the name ‘Malta’ in Europe, both on a political and cultural level.

Malta is adorned with a rich culture, of which you will get a taste of tonight. Our artists are highly talented, and the Presidency is a golden opportunity for them as well. Europe will witness firsthand what Malta and the Maltese have to offer. Malta has more to offer than just sea and sun; it houses hardworking and talented people who do not shy away from challenges.

But we cannot achieve this on our own - this achievement requires a united nation. Let us not let anyone or anything get in the way of this historic moment for our country. The Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union belongs to everyone.

Malta is ready, and it is all thanks to you.

We are determined to make a difference in citizens’ lives. I am convinced that Malta will leave a mark in the history of the European Union.