EU 'setting the pace' in environment

The challenges that face us are numerous but not insurmountable provided that we manage to strike a balance between the economy and the environment, Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said.

"We are presently transforming from a mentality whereby the two have always been considered contradictory but, quoting the new EU Commissioner for Industry Gunter Verheugen, he reiterated that protecting the environment is not an obstacle to improving the economy... If something is bad for the environment it will be bad for the economy."

Mr Pullicino, who was speaking at the opening of the Chamber of Engineers' Annual Engineering Conference on the theme Engineering: Clean And Green, said this was very relevant to Malta now that it has become an EU member and has set its sights on renewed targets to protect its social, economic and environmental well-being.

Mr Pullicino emphasised that industry should keep in mind that by joining the EU the government wanted to set high standards in Malta that worked.

"The European Union is not just about financial assistance but is setting the pace in environmental policy," he said.