Participating in international fora

Malta's entry into the European Union has given Maltese citizens the opportunity to play an important and direct role in international institutions. Over the last few weeks our government has nominated personalities to represent our country in the top European fora.

In this article I propose to make some reflections on all this. It must be pointed out however that, notwithstanding Malta's small size, already a number of Maltese have managed not only to assume important international positions but also to do so with distinction. In this respect it is worth mentioning a few of these personalities who, over the years, have done honour to our country.

Foremost in the list will surely be former Chief Justice J.J. Cremona. He was the first Maltese judge to sit on the European Court of Human Rights. He served before this prestigious court since Malta joined the Council of Europe till the mid-1980s. It must be pointed out that he ended up holding the office of vice-president of this court. Surely, had it not been for the fact that his career was abruptly terminated, he would have ended up president of the said court. Chief Justice Emeritus Cremona was also the only Maltese to dare contest for a seat before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and, though he failed to get elected, he got a credible amount of votes.

In this respect one could also mention Edwin Busuttil. Prof. Busuttil was the first and only Maltese representative to sit on the European Commission of Fundamental Human Rights. He was a member of the said commission from the late 1960s until the commission itself was dissolved in the late 1990s due to the institutional reforms carried out with regard to the European Court of Human Rights. Prof. Busuttil was a professor of constitutional law and over the years made a sound impact on the development of human rights within Europe.

More recently, one must not forget to mention the success achieved by another prominent Maltese jurist, Judge Lino Agius. Judge Agius succeeded in getting nominated by the United Nations to preside over the War Tribunal at The Hague regarding crimes committed in the ethnic wars of what was then Yugoslavia. Though this tribunal is not a permanent court, like former war tribunals such as those held in Nuremberg, this tribunal is playing a major role in international affairs and is serving as an effective deterrent against the repetition of similar atrocities.

Sadly, in this regard, we note Malta's failure to accede in time to the Rome Treaty, which gave birth to the International Criminal Court, denying Malta the opportunity to field a candidate.

Even Maltese politicians, over the years, have had an impact internationally. Their impact, in fact, was by far greater than Malta's limitations would at first seem to allow. A classical example in this respect is the achievement of our former President when he succeeded in getting elected, in the early 1990s, to the Presidency of the General Assembly of the United Nations itself.

Other Maltese personalities outside the political and juridical fields succeeded in achieving international acclaim and have done honour to our country, especially so in the medical field. Undoubtedly, today these opportunities are far greater. Over the past few weeks our government, like other governments of other member states, has nominated candidates for the top European posts.

Foremost among these was the nomination of Joe Borg to the European Commission. Dr Borg will obviously have to carry immense responsibility since, together with the other 24 commissioners, he will be responsible for moulding European policy over the next five years. He will be Malta's voice and influence in this high-powered supranational institution.

Malta has also nominated its two members to the European Court, which court also plays a significant role in European affairs. This tribunal serves as the ultimate arbiter on the interpretation of European laws and policies. Our Attorney General, Anthony Borg Barthet, has been nominated to the European Court of Justice, while Ena Cremona, Malta's first ever truly practicing female lawyer, has been appointed to the Court of First Instance. Together these two new judges will be playing a determining role in the formulation of European jurisprudence.

Another important nomination was that of parliamentarian Josef Bonnici to the European Court of Auditors. This mechanism is there to scrutinise the way EU funds are disbursed and to circumvent abuse and corruption. Malta's influence here will be equal to that of other European member states and, hence, the stature of the appointment.

Finally, in a short while, the European parliamentary elections will be held and Malta will elect its five members to the European parliament which is the only direct representative body within the European framework. Again, here more Maltese will be playing an important role in the EU's future direction.

Undoubtedly, the success or otherwise of Malta's new place within the EU will depend a great deal on the capabilities of Malta's representatives aforementioned. Hopefully, however, like former Maltese personalities who have embarked on international careers, Malta's new ambassadors will not let us down and will succeed in promoting Malta's interests and image. From my part I augur them well.

Dr Herrera is the Labour Party's spokesman on Central Bank, financial and maritime services, Malta Stock Exchange and statistics.