Frendo on right to healthy environment

Michael Frendo, the representative of Malta's Parliament at the European Convention, has indicated his support for the inclusion of a right to a healthy environment in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Dr Frendo also stated that environmental issues cut across frontiers, the action of one nation or a group of nations affecting other countries. Therefore, action at a European level was often necessary in the actual application of the principle of subsidiarity.

"However, it is not enough to strengthen the protection of the environment within Europe," he said.

"Environmental issues are also global and therefore it is important to strengthen the international influence of the EU to enable it to work effectively internationally in favour of environmental protection."

Dr Frendo made his point during a debate on the environment with civil society representatives at the European Convention in Brussels.

The consultation with representatives of civil society is being carried out as the first phase of the Convention. This phase is expected to close with the next Convention meeting in early July, when the Youth Convention will be held in which six youths from Malta will take part.