Malta Presidency Briefing January - June 2017 DeHavilland EU Welcome On 1 January, Malta takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Slovakia. This means that over the next six months, Malta will chair the meetings of the Council, mediate between the Council and Parliament, and help steer the direction of EU policy. This briefing gives an overview of what legislation can be expected during the Presidency, the key figures, main events, as well as detailing the politics of Malta and the country’s agenda. On the following page, two Maltese MEPs kindly agreed to introduce the Presidency and give us their take on what it should focus on. Last updated 13 January 2017 Miriam Dalli MEP Marlene Mizzi MEP Partit Laburista- S&D Partit Laburista- S&D “This year, Malta will lead the Presidency of the “On 1 January 2017, for the first time since its Council of the European Union for the first time. This accession in 2004, Malta will assume the six-month is a historic moment for Malta, and a chance for the rotating Presidency of the EU. Having the EU fundamental values of progress, social inclusion and Presidency for first time is always challenging for economic growth that the country holds so dear to be smaller countries, but having the Presidency in such promoted at European level. turbulent times in Europe and in the world will make their work particularly more difficult and demanding. It is time, for Malta to prove that despite the country’s size, Malta is ready to be a European leader on all fronts. Europe is undergoing drastic changes, which may deeply affect our societies. It is not amiss to say that it will also bring many extra problems Given the turbulent times Europe finds itself facing, there has never been to the Maltese Presidency, which will have the most challenging task of a more pertinent time for a dynamic and innovative leadership - and given uniting Member States under a single European voice. This is a litmus its current leadership, Malta can offer this. test for Malta and for Europe, but I am convinced that despite its size the The months ahead will not be an easy road to go down. The growing rise of Maltese presidency will be a success. I am saying that not because it is the far right and eurosceptisism will see Europe enter a new era which will my country, but because I know the determination, professionalism and test its founding principle of solidarity - but if we stick to our values and commitment with which the Maltese government has been preparing for our core belief that Europe is stronger together, we will surely pull through the Presidency in the last year. these turbulent times. Europe needs a proactive leadership that helps encourage a balance European citizens have become increasingly dissatisfied with the European between the preservation of cultural heritage and innovative growth and Union, as it often fails to convince them that it truly represents their progress in European economies, while safeguarding the rights and needs interests and aspirations. Therefore, I am glad to learn that Malta will of European families and citizens, including the rights of minorities. take up the Presidency well aware that the continuing sustainability of the EU needs to be ensured, and that the Union's bureaucracy needs to be I have no doubt that the Maltese Presidency will aim to do this, and will addressed in order to reconnect with the citizens. help lead Europe through the current scenario. The upcoming path may be rocky, but with solid leadership and a clear direction Europe will The next six months must be about putting European citizens at the heart persevere. of the agenda. Europe needs to start listening to its people and act on their concerns and aspirations. I am pleased that important issues like migration, the single market, security, social inclusion, Europe’s neighbourhoods and the maritime industry will be the top priorities for the Maltese Presidency. I also hope that Malta will address the issues of particular importance for completing the Digital Single Market and promoting smart and fair growth that fosters innovation and jobs for the future. The Presidency Understand what it means and Malta’s priorities p. 5 The Politics Place the EU’s challenges in the Maltese political context p. 8 The People Meet the ministers who will chair the Council meetings p. 11 The Policy Get the insights into key policies p. 18 The Events Stay connected with the key dates for the next 6 months p. 31 The Trio See who takes over from the Maltese Presidency p. 34 The Presidency Understand what it means and Malta’s priorities What is a Presidency? Each of the 28 Member States take it in turn to hold the Pres- ‘trilogue’ meetings with the Parliament and Commission. The idency of the Council of the EU, changing every six months, informal agreements, which often represent the breakthrough but acting within Trios of countries. It is the first EU Pres- on a legislative proposal, depend on the negotiating skills of idency held by Malta which joined the Union in 2004. The the Presidency, and are often used to measure a country’s Council is co-legislator with the European Parliament, but has success in the role. exclusive competence over sensitive areas, such as tax policy. The Council meets in ten configurations, divided by policy The Presidency is crucial for EU policy making, but the ad- area, which the national ministers of the Presidency chair. For ministrative burden is significant, in particular for smaller instance, the Environment Council meetings are attended by Member States. The advantages for the country holding the national Environment Ministers and chaired by the Environ- Presidency are therefore not obvious, particularly as it must ment Minister of the rotating Presidency, in this case, of Mal- be politically neutral. The Presidency acts as an honest broker: ta. the country cannot be seen as pushing its own agenda too hard. Therefore, the Trio of countries have an 18 month pro- The Presidency mediates between the Member States, and is gramme to follow with overarching aims that must be com- responsible for drawing up compromise texts. When agree- pleted by the time the final country has finished holding the ment is reached, the Presidency will represent the Council at Presidency. Malta takes over from Slovakia as the third country in the trio Council Strategic Agenda of countries to lead the Council. Along with the Netherlands • Jobs, growth and competitiveness and Slovakia, the Maltese Presidency will progress the over- arching aims of increasing jobs, growth and competitiveness, • Activating and protecting all the citizens empowering citizens, advancing the energy union and climate • Energy union & future-oriented climate policy policy, bettering freedom, security and justice, and enhancing the EU as a global actor. However, these aims are not ex- • Freedom, security and justice haustive. New developments and challenges may need to be • The EU as a strong player on the global stage addressed if they appear. In this case, those will particularly relate to the aftermath of the UK referendum on EU member- ship and the migration crisis. Back to menu 6 What are the priorities? The Maltese Presidency will be largely defined by its work in the EU’s trade tools. It will also continue progressing the the areas of migration and security. protection of worker’s rights and social security, gender balance, and employment levels among youth. We will try to make as much progress as possible on the various aspects of the migration phenomenon, keeping with the “comprehensive approach to migration. However this can only be Single Market possible if we all collaborate together in a spirit of solidarity The Presidency will simultaneously push for progress in the - Louis Grech, Deputy Prime Minister development of Capital Markets Union, Energy Union and Digital Single Market. The incoming Presidency will also face challenges related to employment, social security, Single Market and in large part Financial Stability the planned Brexit negotiations. Malta is prioritising the strengthening of EU’s fiscal stability Maltese Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech underscored the and representation of the Euro area in the International Presidency’s dedication to engage in restoring the citizens’ Monetary Fund. It will also work on measures to combat tax trust in the EU. In relation to its priorities, the Maltese avoidance and evasion. Presidency will focus on six areas: Europe’s Security and Neighbourhood Migration The Presidency will seek to raise EU’s internal security The Presidency will look towards reforming the EU’s through proposals to revise the firearms legislation, combat approach to migration and review its asylum policy and terrorism, and tackle organised crime. Externally, Malta will the Dublin mechanism. It will also work on proposals that also focus on the EU’s defence and external stability. will help to better manage the entry into and exit from the Schengen Area. Maritime Economic Growth and Social Inclusion Malta’s transport focus will be on maritime affairs, in particular the promotion of the sector under the EU Malta will focus on stimulating levels of investment, job Integrated Maritime Policy. growth and economic development, and strengthening Back to menu 7 The Politics Place the EU’s challenges in the Maltese political context National politics Malta is the European Union’s smallest Member State – both EU Membership in terms of population and size – and holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time. Its determination Malta joined the European Union as part of the fifth to make a success of this role should not, however, be enlargement round with the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, underestimated: the slogan featuring on the home page of the Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.