Responsibilities!

Europe is constantly evolving. As a member of the European Parliament I am more than proud to say that on January 12 I was one of the 500 MEPs who endorsed the European Union's first Constitution. For the first time ever, 450 million citizens in 25 member states will become unified according to a founding document that defines the values and principles of the EU. However, such an event was tainted by the discomforting performance of the Malta Labour Party representatives.

Two of the Labour MEPs formed part of the mere 40 members who abstained - not to mention that the head of the MLP delegation failed to attend the session due to engagements in Malta.

The text of this Constitution was implemented in June 2004; however, its draft has been discussed for the past three years. It is good that one remembers that MLP leader Alfred Sant, together with George Vella, actively participated in the design of the European Constitution during the European Convention. Clearly, the MLP had more than enough time to assume a position on the new Constitution. Nevertheless, the MLP is still hesitant.

This apathetic attitude could only mean that the MLP is not willing to bear the responsibilities of taking a decision on the Constitution, a Constitution that would lead to the creation of a more democratic and efficient Europe.

The Charter of Fundamental Rights has been introduced into the Constitution. Therefore, concrete rights are defined and can be invoked by any citizen of the EU.

The role of the European Parliament will be considerably strengthened, both at the legislative and budgetary level. In brief, the Parliament will now ratify the majority of the documents, along with the Council.

The role of national parliaments will also be reinforced. Their mission will include ensuring that the attribution of jurisdictions between the Union and the member states is respected, giving the national parliaments the capacity to compel the Commission to review its proposals.

A right to citizen initiative will be established, allowing one million EU citizens from different member states to invite the Commission to submit a legislative proposal.

Among other things, the new Constitution outlines concrete rights for all citizens of the EU. It significantly features the right to education, the right to information and consultation by workers within a company, protection in the event of an unjustified dismissal and the right to negotiate and to launch class action suits. Still, the MLP has not yet chosen its position on these matters.

The new Constitution secures a sixth seat for Malta in the European Parliament, thus, increasing Malta's representation in the EU institutions.

While the Nationalist Party has been active in the drafting and the debating of the Constitution, the MLP sits back and claims it is still undecided. The time has come for the MLP to start shouldering its responsibilities; it is about time the MLP stands up to be counted and truly decides in the interest of our island. I hope the MLP takes up the challenge and sends a positive message by ratifying the European Constitution in our national parliament.

Finally, one cannot help but ask oneself: How much longer will they need to take a final decision?

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.