Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg meets with European Trade Union Confederation General Secretary Luca Visentini, in Brussels
15.01.2017
Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg meets with European Trade Union Confederation i General Secretary Luca Visentini, in Brussels
Malta will do its utmost to work on the challenges posed by migration.
During the meeting, Dr Borg outlined the main priorities dominating the Maltese Presidency of the EU Council and explained that although we are an ambitious Presidency, we will be realistic. He emphasised the need to identify the needs of all stakeholders, including all member states, particularly in the light of recent circumstances. We need to address concretely the uncertainty, fear and inequalities felt by the European citizen. However, Dr Borg emphasised that the crises should not detract us from continuing the European agenda, but rather provide us with a window of opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive and social Europe.
Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg referred to one of the overarching priorities of our Presidency; that of migration. He alleged that the areas of freedom, security and justice require common European action in this sector, adding that Malta will do its utmost to work on the challenges posed by migration. Apart from pursuing efforts in the field of asylum and the external dimension of migration, we will also work on legal migration dossiers.
Dr Borg also underlined that growth and jobs remain a priority to all EU members. In fact, EU policies should contribute to bring the economy back up to speed and mobilise private sector financing in Europe. He explained that the Maltese Presidency will work on EFSI 2.0 and the EIB External Lending Mandates dossiers, which Malta hopes to find a political agreement on, with the European Parliament. He concluded by stating that Malta’s aim is to promote initiatives aimed to attract the unemployed to join the labour market. This will prevent inactivity and reduce the risks of poverty and social exclusion.
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