Strengthening EU consultation structures is key for Malta’s maritime industry

The Chairman of the Malta Maritime Forum (MMF), Godwin Xerri, highlighted the importance of EU policies for the Maltese maritime industry during a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, Spokesman for Maritime Affairs and a group of PN candidates running for the forthcoming MEP elections.

"For this reason, the country needs a structured and efficient mechanism of consultation to screen the horizon for EU laws in the pipeline, perform preliminary analysis, consult with key stakeholders in the industry and revert back to the EU with strong positions in favour of Malta and its unique characteristics,” Xerri said during the opening address, welcoming to the meeting his Board of Directors Bernard Grech, Ivan Castillo and candidates running for the forthcoming MEP elections, namely Louise Anne Pulis and Peter Agius.

Xerri continued that the EU should safeguard its position and credibility by conducting its own rounds of consultation with a value-chain approach and stress testing its the laws and regulations it proposes to ensure that they are able to deliver their pre-defined objectives.

For this reason, the MMF recommended on-going dialogue and exchange between industry and MEPs to ensure that the interests of Malta are continuously safeguarded in the face of legislative proposals coming out of Brussels.

Members of the Board commented on the Forum’s current key policy priorities namely the articulation and implementation of a national maritime strategy; the establishment of a Maritime Court; the setting up of a dedicated maritime authority; and the upholding of high standards to safeguard the international reputation of the Industry and the country.

The MMF thanked the Leader of the Opposition and Ivan Castillo for taking an objective and non-confrontation approach with respect to the Industry and for giving it the desired importance to the extent of naming a Shadow Minister for Maritime Affairs. 

On his part, Hon Dr Bernard Grech praised the work and commitment of the Malta Maritime Forum.  He said that the Maritime Industry could take centre stage in a new economic model which transforms from a punitive to a motivational approach with the support of a continuous and mutually reinforcing PPP.  He said that this will enable greater potential from the maritime industry which will no longer be treated as a fringe sector.