Speeches

I welcome the Agreement of the Parliament and the Council on the European Partnership on Metrology and would like to thank the Rapporteur for this result that we have all achieved together and of its work. While metrology, measurement science, is not yet well known, it represents one of the oldest scientific fields of study. I wanted to say that the ancient Egyptians and those living in Babylon already used uniform measurement standards. Metrology is important in our daily lives, from health to manufacturing, from trade to connectivity, the quality of measurement has a cross-cutting impact on our Union’s priorities. And more generally on the green and digital transition we want to make. Research results in this area are more tangible than we can imagine. Let's think for example about monitoring CO2 emissions and air pollution in general, health diagnostics and even smart networks. These are all concrete examples of how reliable measurement standards can concretely address societal challenges. The new metrology partnership will represent a way forward to give this science the visibility it deserves while also ensuring the inclusiveness of research infrastructure and a more restrictive participation of our scientists and SMEs. The agreement between Parliament and the Council will also contribute to closing the persistent investment gap in terms of metrological capacities and to keeping pace with other global actors that financially support this sector to have a much stronger sector also from the European Union. As a European Parliament we must be vigilant in ensuring that this partnership achieves its objectives while increasing scientific exchanges among national metrology institutes.

Madam President, the European partnerships on research and innovation represent the first concrete step towards implementing Horizon Europe and making it able to tackle the most urgent challenges our Union is facing: to build back better, greener and more digital. As the S&D negotiator on this file, I welcome the work the European Parliament has carried out, and I would like to thank colleagues, especially our rapporteur, Maria da Graça Carvalho. Whilst the name of the dossier ‘Joint Undertakings’ is probably not the catchiest way to refer to important research partnerships, their potential is vast and enormous. From healthcare to hydrogen, from clean aviation to digital connectivity, the European partnerships will greatly contribute towards making Europe more competitive, while fostering collaboration between the public sector and industrial players, including innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. To live up to the expectations of our citizens and businesses, we must ensure that research has a truly effective societal impact. European partnerships will contribute to this goal by enhancing the inclusiveness of innovation, strengthening the gender dimension, and improving the link between industrial research and skills for workers across the value chain. The use of public funds for research needs not only great accountability, but also the utmost effectiveness to make it serve the public good. I look forward to working more on this subject together.

78% of European citizens and 86% of Maltese citizens consider climate change to be a very serious problem. These are the figures of the latest Eurobarometer survey. However, we cannot take the strong public consensus to achieve climate neutrality as a mandate to be reassured. The "Fit for 55" package, although ambitious, will not be enough if the transition does not incorporate a truly social dimension. We cannot ignore the fact that the road to a cleaner Europe will cost a lot of money but we cannot accept that the most vulnerable pay the bill and the price are. No! Those in social housing, rural communities and those coming from islands, our small businesses, to name but a few examples, we need them with us to make our continent carbon neutral. They are also crucial for real change in practice. It is true, a sharp increase in energy prices is caused by several factors, including our dependence on suppliers coming outside the European Union. However, this is a call for us to show more unity, more pragmatism and ultimately, more solidarity that is equally important.

Ms President, this summer saw several positive signs for the tourism sector - air travel has increased and EU digital certificates have undoubtedly played a role in this. Businesses have adapted and even continued to make important investments, also respecting the established hygiene protocols. EU and national government financial support measures helped SMEs to survive the winter and plan for the summer. However we do not want to get an impression with another despite these positive signs. There are still several problems and the sector has yet to recover. Even in a scenario where we do not return to travel restrictions, European tourism will still need continued support. It is now time to defend our businesses and SMEs and extend funding schemes. I also ask the Commission to assess whether and how EU funds are reaching SMEs - are microenterprises being included that are less connected, politically and digitally, and that already face challenges due to insularity? Across Europe the tourism sector has meant that a lot of talent has been lost, the pandemic has pushed many workers to other sectors. The Commission together with the Member States should act swiftly to find a solution. I close by calling on the European platform for tourism jobs that compares employers and employees to ensure higher quality employment. Together with the Tourism Task Force we will continue to work in this sector.

Mr President, I am proud that during this debate I can bring forward the perspective of islands such as Malta and Gozo, which, although far from the centre, are European. And they can be a bridge not only between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries but also beyond – a cooperation that is essential. Focusing on social justice and work-life balance – you are right Ms President, the pandemic has taught us how precious time is. A Europe that is truly mindful of social rights, brings equality among citizens and in the various regions of the Member States. We must secure a future of prosperity for our young people. The European Year dedicated to Youth and the special programme for those without training and craftsmanship are important as regards why everyone deserves to experience European opportunities. I conclude by welcoming the fact that the Commission has recognised Malta’s work to strengthen the rule of law as well. Together, let's continue to work to strengthen journalistic protection and our rights and future.

Mr President, major fires affecting Mediterranean countries, floods in northern Europe and extremely high temperatures recorded in recent months. What happened this summer is the latest crystal clear example that we are already late in our fight against climate change. There is no doubt about this, we must act now and the environmental measures included in the Fit for 55 Package are setting an ambitious horizon. However, as a person with European social rights at heart, I cannot but repeat; Let us not abandon the most vulnerable citizens who are already struggling to get through electricity and water bills or travel. Let us not widen the inequality between urban and rural areas and of the periphery of the Union, i.e. those areas whose connectivity is already a challenge. We all know that this transition will not be easy but let's also make sure it is fair. Only with strong public consensus can we succeed in this regard.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, the aviation sector and its workers are looking to Europe for help. Europe must respond. COVID-19 has created an unprecedented crisis which, if not addressed correctly, could lead to serious consequences: loss of connectivity, bankruptcy of regional airlines, financial difficulties for aviation-dependent companies, and higher costs for consumers. To avoid such consequences, the Commission must continue its relaxed state aid rules and promote public—private financial assistance. However, this should come with a condition. Even before Covid, another crisis was plaguing this industry. Increased competition led to a race to cut costs. The first to pay the price: workers. The result: among many, precarious atypical forms of employment. Such practices, as will help the sector recover, we must make sure that they become history. The Commission, the EU, must resolve the legal uncertainty surrounding contracts. We need to effectively apply the European Pillar of Social Rights to aviation legislation. We need, once and for all, to stand with aviation workers and ensure their rights.

Mr President, I welcome the efforts to strengthen the European research area - an area that needs a new impetus for the challenges ahead. Research and innovation are crucial to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Union and we cannot neglect them. We should not forget that an innovative Europe means more quality jobs, more SMEs coping with the twin transition and more resilience to future shocks. Research on the continent offers great potential to exploit - as does an important opportunity for peripheral areas, including islands, to become testbeds for innovative solutions to the most pressing societal challenges. In this distribution we must also ensure that no one is left behind - female researchers still facing obstacles in STEM careers and those Member States still struggling to increase their performance in this sector. A new European research area requires everyone's contribution and to be successful and successful we want the youngest to be present and active.