Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has nominated Civil Liberties and European Affairs Minister Helena Dalli as Malta’s next European Commissioner.

Dalli is best known for spearheading the legalisation of civil unions and gay marriage, as well as rights for trans people. She will be Malta’s first female EU Commissioner and succeed Karmenu Vella.

She will be replaced as Minister by MP Edward Zammit Lewis, who was Tourism Minister up until the 2017 election.

“During the past days, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had conversations with the President elect of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, regarding Malta’s nomination for member of the European Commission,” the government said in a statement.

“The profiles of two suitable and highly qualified individuals were discussed within the context of competences, the stated need for gender balance within the Commission and potential portfolios.” 

“At the end of this process, the Prime Minister decided to nominate Dr Helena Dalli as member of the European Commission.  Dr Dalli will be the first female Commissioner nominated by Malta since the country’s accession to the European Union.”

“The government would like to thank outgoing European Commissioner, Karmenu Vella, for the impeccable job he carried out over the past five years.  The Prime Minister looks forward to Mr Vella’s renewed involvement with government-related activities once his term as Commissioner expires.”

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