Malta's European vocation

When Malta formally becomes a member of the European Union today week it will be the successful culmination of a long and tortuous march for this nation. The words of George Borg Olivier on the occasion of Malta's accession to the Council of Europe on May 4, 1965 still echo loudly: "Membership of the Council of Europe has been to my country like returning home after a long absence". He then went on to refer to Malta's independence, attained only a few months earlier, saying "one of the most ancient nations of Europe returned to take its place among the free countries of the Continent".

"Here we feel truly at home, joined with other members of the family who subscribe to the same basic concepts and philosophy and who are prepared to build on the native heritage of this, our Europe." It is these same thoughts which are as apt today as they were 39 years ago.

The prospect of shared sovereignty with 24 other nations of continental Europe and the Mediterranean is for Malta the attainment of a long sought goal. Malta's unique history and its geopolitical position is out of proportion to its size. We have over the past few years, particularly in the lead up to last year's referendum, focused on what Malta and Gozo will obtain in terms of prosperity, security, freedom and dignity. But we have not stressed too much what they can offer to Europe. Malta and Gozo will, after accession, contribute a lot. They will bring with membership a baggage of ancient heritage, accumulated political and diplomatic experience and their position in the Mediterranean.

Let us not forget that Malta's first concrete step to join the then European Economic Community was taken in 1970 when it became an associate member of the Community. This was not only a political step but it paved the way for economic well-being. One can trace Malta's surge in economic development to this event. Industrialisation and foreign investment flourished as a result of this new status. It has to be recalled that this event was meant to pave the way for eventual membership. Unfortunately, political developments in Malta stood in the way of a smooth path to membership and a political swing towards Eastern Europe, still in the clutches of the Soviet bear, impeded our natural gravitation to a Free Europe.

In February 1979 the Nationalist Party in opposition published its Membership in Europe Resolution. This, unfortunately, cut little ice with the Mintoff government. It showed, however, the PN's determination to take us into Europe. It has taken us 25 years to achieve this goal.

I feel that these are exciting times and we all look forward to the progress to be derived from membership. Negotiations concluded with the European Union in December 2002 have given Malta unique benefits. Yet, membership has its obligations and it is up to us to make a success of our place in Europe. The teething problems which we will have to face as we adapt ourselves to European standards will eventually work to our advantage. I am sure that our representatives in the various organs of the European Union will ensure not only a vigilant approach to the nitty-gritty of membership, but will also help to cushion some effects which will result from adaptation to what is acceptable in Europe.

This is why our choice of representatives is so crucial. In the regulatory and institutional bodies, the Maltese government has already chosen capable persons who will perform their duties impeccably. However, in the more direct and immediate organs such as the European parliament, it is the electorate that will be called upon to choose Malta's representatives. Here democracy will play its full part as it is the electorate that is called upon to choose the five members of the European parliament representing Malta. The MEPs will represent the people of Malta and not its government.

I feel that an informed electorate will consider putting aside those candidates who as recently as last year not only were anti-EU, but derided everything that Europe stood for, were destructive in their criticism of membership and, consequently, felt there was no place for Maltese representation in the European parliament. Now they canvas for votes to elect them to the same parliament which through their "partnership" option they ignored!

The Maltese electorate will, I am sure, entrust with the privilege of representing it those persons best suited to echo the Maltese people's voice in Brussels and Strasbourg.

Dr Tabone is a Nationalist Party candidate for the European parliament elections.