After 20 Years Working In EU Institutions, Peter Agius Is Vying For A Seat In The Parliament

1. What made you want to run for the MEP Elections?

I have spent 20 years working within various EU institutions. I want to use experience gained at the negotiating table to bring tangible outcomes for Malta including more youth opportunities and more EU funding.

2. Why should the public vote for you in the upcoming election?

Over the past years, I have tackled numerous critical issues, demonstrating my commitment to serving our community:

• Secured vital EU funding to establish free Wi-Fi in public spaces, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for all.
• Initiated an audit on the utilisation of EU funds for sewage treatment in response to recurrent sewage outflows into our seas.
• As a member of President Antonio Tajani’s cabinet, I spearheaded efforts to ensure that Malta pursued full justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia and her family, standing at the forefront of this imperative cause.
• Advocated for the safety of Ħal Farruġ residents by urging the Commission to enforce safety measures in compliance with the EU Seveso Directive, particularly concerning the proximity of fuel tanks to residential areas.
• Successfully lobbied the Commission to safeguard the interests of Maltese Lampuki fishermen through a patrol boat to deter theft from Tunisian vessels.
• Collaborated with NGOs and local residents to oppose projects such as the Marsascala Marina and the Mġarr solar farm on arable land.
• Championed the right to free information by advocating for free-to-air television, empowering citizens with unrestricted access to knowledge and entertainment.
• Upheld the interests of Maltese consumers during the onset of the War in Ukraine, advocating for the European Commission to intervene when wheat exports to Malta were blocked by other European countries, ultimately ensuring the protection of consumer rights.

As a candidate and, if elected as MEP, I am committed to leveraging my experience and energy to deliver tangible results for Malta and Gozo. I pledge to tirelessly defend your rights, combat injustice, and maximise the benefits of EU membership for Malta and Gozo.

3. What is the main issue/top priority you would be focusing on if you were to be elected?

Over the past years, I’ve actively engaged with communities across Malta and Gozo through over 24 town hall meetings. These sessions have provided invaluable insights into the hopes and concerns of our citizens, guiding the formulation of a strategic vision centered around five key priorities:

1. Ensuring effective implementation of EU Laws and standards: It’s imperative that we move beyond mere paper checklists to ensure practical application giving real rights and proper EU standards within Malta. EU standards say we should have the cleanest seas, safest buildings and most transparent government. Can you see any of that in Malta?
2. Combatting corruption through new methods: Leveraging resources such as the EU anti-fraud office OLAF and EU directives, I am committed to fight corruption and uphold transparency.
3. Tailoring EU legislation to Malta’s unique context: Proactive engagement is crucial to shaping EU legislation in a manner that best serves Malta’s specific needs and challenges. We must uphold the national interest in laws which affect our livelihoods.
4. Facilitating access to EU opportunities for youth and organisations. I want to treble the amounts of free travel, traineeships, work and voluntary sector opportunities for the Maltese.
5. Enhancing Gozo’s connectivity: strategic use of EU funding to invest in modern ferry boats to enhance connectivity and drive economic development in Gozo.

These priorities reflect my commitment to proactive governance, collaboration, and progress, ensuring a brighter future for all our communities.

4. Can you mention one weakness and one strength of the EU?

Strength: If you are able to present your argument well, supported with robust reasons, you can achieve results notwithstanding the size of your country/delegation.

Weakness: The EU is a complex organisation and at times people find it difficult to understand and tap its opportunities. This is why I regularly produce informative videos on EU matters and disseminate opportunities with youths, farmers, NGOs and SMEs to mention a few.

5. Tell us who your favourite candidate is from another party?

Arnold Cassola. I have known him for a long time. We may not agree on a number of issues but I admire his values and principles. We share several beliefs including the need to protect our environment.

6. And finally, if you weren’t running, who would vote for?

All PN candidates. There is a genuine reason for this. We need MEPs who scrutinise the government and not MEPs who want to go to Brussels to cover up for their government.

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Would you like to see Peter Agius represent Malta at the European Parliament?