Category: Archive – 2013

GRTU has this
week written to Government with its position on the Commission communication on
Protecting businesses against misleading marketing practices and ensuring
effective enforcement.

GRTU stated that it welcomes
the communication on misleading marketing practices and supports the
Commission's view that stricter regulation is required to effectively ban and
enforce exemplary and dissuasive sanctions against, certain aggressive directory
company sales practices.

GRTU is very pleased with the
suggested actions against misleading company directories, i.e. fraud cases
where small companies are invited by a business directory to update their
contact details under the false impression that they will be listed free of
charge, only to discover later that they have unintentionally signed up to a
paid contract. EU-wide rules are fundamental in this respect as scammers
increasingly operate cross-border, which makes enforcement very difficult.

This is something we have
experienced the negative effects of first hand with thousands of Maltese micro
and small businesses falling victims of such deceptive marketing practices.
Misleading company directories in particular have been a scourge for SMEs for
decades. Cases are now on the rise, as technology makes it easier and
cheaper  for scammers to mass mail their
fake offers. GRTU has taken up responsibility at national level, with actions
ranging from and awareness raising to legal disputes

Given its nature, GRTU
believes that the appropriate legal basis should include, but cannot be limited
to, the Treaty's provisions on the internal market and its scope of application
should not be restricted to cross-border transactions. Furthermore, the GRTU
warns of the need to give attention to the trans-European nature of many of
these practices, which requires coordinated international action.

As rightly pointed out by the
Commission, the hardest cases to tackle are those involving scammers operating
crossborder within the EU. Small companies rarely have the means to bring
forward a court case against a misleading company directory based in another
Member State, both in terms of costs and in terms of legal knowledge. Clearly
banning such practices in the whole EU, increasing penalties for infringements,
designating an enforcement authority in each Member State and having these
authorities cooperate cross-border will go a long way towards reducing
deceptive marketing techniques in the EU. The communication will however not
make a difference for SMEs unless it is followed up by a concrete legislative
proposal.

GRTU urges the Commission to
develop and enforce complementary measures to improve information and
dissemination; cooperation between administrative authorities, public-private
platforms and stakeholder representative organisations; and rapid reaction
mechanisms in order to put a stop to these practices and ensure damage
compensation, namely through the immediate creation of a European judicial system
for group action, which was announced over thirty years ago and then
successively delayed.

In view of the urgency to take
an immediate position on this issue and the estimated magnitude and seriousness
of these practices in economic terms at the European level, GRTU agrees that
the Commission should immediately present a specific legislative proposal on
this issue. We hope that the Commission will do so as soon as possible. It
already has all the evidence it needs about the benefits of EU-wide rules, so it
must act now as a matter of urgency.

The European Union has more influence on the world stage when
it speaks with a single voice in international affairs such as trade
negotiations. To help achieve this, and to raise the EU's international
profile, in 2009 the European Council acquired a permanent President and the
first High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
was appointed.

(a) Setting up a european diplomatic
service

The common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the
European security and defence policy (ESDP), define the EU's main foreign
policy tasks. These policies were introduced by the Treaties of Maastricht
(1992), Amsterdam (1997) and Nice (2001). They formed the EU's ‘second pillar'
– a policy area in which action is decided by intergovernmental agreement and
in which the Commission and the Parliament play only a minor role. Decisions in
this area are taken by consensus, although individual states can abstain.
Although the Treaty of Lisbon did away with ‘pillars' in the EU's structure, it
did not change the way in which security and defence matters are decided.
However, it changed the policy's name from ESDP to CSDP – the common security
and defence policy.

The aim of EU foreign policy is, essentially, to ensure
security, stability, democracy and respect for human rights – not only in its
immediate neighbourhood but also in other hot spots around the world, such as
in Africa, the Middle East and the Caucasus. Its main tool is ‘soft power',
which covers things like election observation missions, humanitarian aid and
development assistance. In 2009, the EU donated humanitarian aid worth €900
million to 30 countries, mostly in Africa. The EU provides 60% of the world's
development assistance and helps the world's most needy countries to fight
poverty, feed their people, avoid natural disasters, access drinking water and
fight disease. At the same time, the EU actively encourages these countries to
respect the rule of law and to open up their markets to international trade.
The Commission and the European Parliament are careful to ensure that the aid
is provided in an accountable manner and is properly managed and used.

Is the EU able and willing to go further than this ‘soft
power' diplomacy? That is the main challenge for the years ahead. All too
often, the European Council's joint statements and common positions on major
international issues (the Middle East peace process, Iraq, terrorism, relations
with Russia, Iran, Cuba, etc.) express nothing but the lowest common
denominator. Meanwhile, the large member states continue to play their own
individual diplomatic roles. Yet it is when the European Union speaks with one
voice that it is seen as a global player. If its credibility and influence are
to grow, the EU must combine its economic might and trading power with the
steady implementation of its common security and defence policy.

(b) tangible achievements of the
common security and defence policy (cSdP)

Since 2003, the European Union has had the capacity to carry
out crisis management operations, as the member states voluntarily make some of
their own forces available to the EU for performing such operations.
Responsibility for running the operations lies with a set of politico-military
bodies: the Political and Security Committee (PSC), the EU Military Committee
(EUMC), the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (Civcom) and
the European Union Military Staff (EUMS). This set of tools is what gives
substance to the common security and defence policy. It enables the EU to carry
out the tasks it has set itself – humanitarian and peacemaking or peacekeeping
missions. These missions must avoid duplicating what NATO is doing, and this is
guaranteed by the ‘Berlin plus' arrangements agreed between NATO and the EU.
They give the European Union access to NATO's logistical resources.

Since 2003, the European Union has launched 22 military
operations and civilian missions. These missions and operations, under the
European flag, are being or have been deployed on three continents.

As military technology becomes ever more sophisticated and
expensive, EU governments are finding it increasingly necessary to work
together on arms manufacture – especially now that they are striving to reduce
public spending to help them weather the financial crisis. Moreover, if their
armed forces are to carry out joint missions outside Europe, their systems must
be interoperable and their equipment sufficiently standardised. This is why the
Thessaloniki European Council in June 2003 decided to set up a European Defence
Agency (EDA) to help develop the EU's military capabilities.

For the first
time, millions of holiday-makers travelling in the EU this summer will be
protected by comprehensive passenger rights – whether travelling by air or
rail, and now also by ship, bus and coach. But research shows that two-thirds
of passengers are not aware of their rights. For this reason, the Commission is
launching a new campaign to inform the many people gearing up to travel this
summer about their passenger rights, and how to claim them if needed.

From 25 to 28
June, launch events will take place in Brussels, Athens-Piraeus and Sofia and
an air passenger rights information day will be held in Warsaw.

Launching the campaign

As part of a
new two-year campaign, eye-catching posters will hang in airports, ports, bus
and train stations across Europe, and leaflets and online information will be
available in all EU languages. This new campaign builds on the existing one,
and will focus particularly on raising awareness of the new maritime passenger
rights, and bus and coach passenger rights.

Why this new campaign?

59% of EU air travellers are unaware
of their rights while travelling, 34% are aware and 7% don't know about their
rights.

66% of EU citizens are not aware of
their contractual rights when purchasing a transport ticket, 34% are aware.

One in six
Europeans suffers from a disability. In addition, an ageing European population
means that there will be a continuously growing number of passengers who need
special assistance because of a disability or reduced mobility. One objective
of the passenger rights legislation is to allow disabled persons and persons
with reduced mobility to have the same possibilities to travel as other
citizens.

The EU is the
first area in the world with a comprehensive set of passenger rights for all
modes of transport (air, rail, waterborne, bus and coach). People need to know
more about the rights they now have under EU law.

How to find out your passenger rights?

A campaign website has been launched covering all transport modes. The
website is available in all of the EU's official languages.

Videos and posters on the campaign:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/passengers/news/campaign_en.htm

For more information
see: 

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passengers/index_en.htm

Lithuanian
Presidency of the Council of the European Union – A Credible, Growing and Open Europe – MEUSAC is organising a Public
Dialogue to present and discuss the programme and priorities of the Lithuanian
Presidency.

This event is being held in collaboration with the Embassy of the
Republic of Lithuania to Malta and the Parliamentary Secretariat for the EU
Presidency 2017 and EU Funds within the Ministry for European Affairs.

The programme and
priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency will be presented by His Excellency
Petras Zapolskas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Malta. The Hon. Dr. Ian Borg,
Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds will provide an
insight into Malta's reactions, perspectives and priorities for this semester.

Kindly confirm your
attendance by sending an email on , including name/s of
person/s attending, organisation/s being represented and a contact number. It
would be highly appreciated if your confirmation reaches MEUSAC offices by not
later than noon of Wednesday, July 10, 2013.

The Public Dialogue will be
held on

Date: Thursday, July 11,
2013

Time: 9.30 am

Location: The Aula Magna,
University of Malta,

Valletta Campus in St
Paul's Street, Valletta.

Registration starts at 9
am.

During the
Public Consultation with Hon Joe Mizzi, Minister  for Transport and Infrastructure, the issue of
parking in Sliema was debated. GRTU's Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech
emphasised that whenever there is a change in traffic management one has to be
extremely careful not to distort the economic equilibrium.

He explained that
the linkages of the economy in a town centre are built up throughout the years
also through the synergies between businesses themselves. Most of shoppers in
Sliema don't go simply to buy from a particular outlet and leave they enjoy a
full shopping experience. They buy items, go around window shopping and they
stop for a coffee or a snack. Experience has shown GRTU that in other areas
where there have been drastic changes in traffic management the result was measured
loss of business. Hence its consultation is very important prior to any changes
being implemented.

During the
Public Consultation with Michael Farrugia, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Simplification of
Administrative Processes, the parking commuting scheme was discussed. Philip Fenech explained that
many businesses paid thousands of Euros to the parking commuting scheme and so
far have not received any parking spaces in return for their clients. He
insisted that Government should use the large amount of money that has been
paid in building car parks in town centres to service these businesses.

Philip Fenech
also mentioned the excessive bureaucracy for cafeterias, bars and restaurants
to be able to place table and chairs in front of these establishment. He asked
for a more practical solution to this never ending issue. He also asked for
more practicality when it came to shops displaying on their façades and front
doors pots, plants, wearing apparel, etc… Mr Fenech explained at the same
time that he fully understood that pavements should not be blocked in any way
that hindered people with special needs from passing, use of pushchairs, etc…

On bureaucracy
Mr Fenech explained SMEs had little time for paperwork and should be left to
concentrate on running their business. He congratulated the Parliamentary
Secretary on the appointment of a Commissioner for the elimination of
bureaucracy. He asked the Parliamentary Secretary to meet GRTU on this issue at
his earliest to discuss the issue of bureaucracy for SMEs and the dossier GRTU
has prepared specifically on this topic.

Michael Farrugia said the question of
car parks in town centres was being looked at in further detail. He also agreed
that Malta being a Mediterranean climate needed to be more practical on
regulating table and chairs in open spaces and regarding overall bureaucracy.
He stated that Government was taking this seriously and that he would be
meeting GRTU to work together on bureaucracy affecting SMEs.                  

During an open consultation meeting with the Deputy Prime
Minister for European
Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto Hon Louis Grech
and Parliamentary Secretary for the Eu Presidency 2017 and EU Funds Hon Ian
Borg, GRTUs Deputy President Philip Fenech explained how urgent we require the
launch of schemes such as JEREMIE, Micro Guarantee, the Employment Aid
Programme and the Training Aid Framework.

Philip Fenech said that we are currently in a gap and many
employers are awaiting for these schemes to be launched as was promised in
order to make necessary investments, restructuring and employment. Mr Fenech
asked at what point was Malta in its preparation to launch the MicroGuarantee
and the next JERAMIE scheme and when was Government planning to launch the EAP,
TAF as was promised in the budget. GRTU has for months been waiting for such
schemes to be launched which have been delayed due to what appears to be
inexplicably lengthy negotiations for the Micro Guarantee and untimely
preparations, EU funding timelines and change in Government for the JERAMIE
scheme, the EAP and the TAF.

The Minister and Parliamentary Secretary replied saying that
they appreciated how important such instruments were for SMEs and Government is
working hard to reinstate the schemes mentioned. Government has applied for the
JERAMIE fund and it is currently in the processing of issuing tenders but it should
be in place by the end of next month.

The Micro Guarantee is still a priority and they are going to
put it in place in order to ensure the sustaining of  new business generation that required
assistance through Government guarantees.

On the EAP and TAF they increased the workforce at ETC  to cut down on the immense backlog the
schemes had and on which employers had been waiting for reimbursement of funds
even for years. The Parliamentary Secretary confirmed these will be part of the
next funding period and soon other schemes will come out that will put in 3.8M
for investment in training.

Other important items mentioned were that the Consultation
process will be improved through more transparency so that draft laws would be
made available for citizens to view. The appointment of a Commissioner against
bureaucracy and the importance the Government will be giving to the presidency
of the EU which will come at a very interesting and important time for both
Malta and the EU and will give is the opportunity to show how serious and
efficient we are.

EuroCommerce
has spoken out against an aggressive marketing campaign run by the card scheme
MasterCard. The media campaign, appearing in the national press in France and
other countries has sought to incite public opinion against proposed
legislation concerning fees charged on card payment transactions.

Government must admit the CVA was a failure. It has made life
for consumers, commuters and business miserable. There is definitely no space
in Valetta for all to park their car in the City and the Park and Ride must
stay but go back to a free service. CVA in the afternoon was unnecessary.

During the peak morning rationing and turnover of available parking spaces must
remain under one method or another and against payment and subject to time
limit. All reserved parking without exception irrespective of who the person,
including residents' green boxes must go. Same for reserved parking for
parliamentarians and ministers. The latter should have reserved parking outside
the City or at St Elmo and call drivers to pick them as necessary and MP's
should be offered free battery run taxi service from reserved car parks outside
the City.

The City belongs to all of us and Ministers and
Parliamentarians and other big shots must give an example of Eco friendliness
and social responsibility. What should be avoided at all costs is a free for
all as we had before CVA. The city build by gentlemen for gentlemen slowly is
returning to glory thanks to the massive investment refurbishment of historical
buildings, street paving and new public and private capital investment and the
City deserves serious traffic and parking management. Definitely the policy of
the previous government to oppose all underground car parking investment in the
city must be reversed. Failure to invest on underground parking in the City was
a gross mistake. There is scope also for investment in the open spaces in the
ditches and in lifts to the City. The concept must be pedestrianisation on top
and cars underground.

Il-GRTU laqghet in-negozzjanti
Ghawdxin nhar it-Tnejn 24 ta' Gunju 2013 gewwa Ghawdex stess. Din kienet
laqgha parti mill-ezercizzju li l-GRTU ta` spiss taghmel biex iggib
il-politikanti iktar konxji mis-suggerimenti u d-diffikultajiet tan-nies
fin-negozju billi jisimghu min ghandhom dirett u l-GRTU tkompli ssegwi biex dak
li gie diskuss u miftiehem jigi implimentat. Il-Laqgha saret fil prezenzq tal-Ministru ghal Ghawdex l-Onorevoli
Anton Refalo.

Fid-diskors tieghu l-Onorevoli Dr
Anton Refalo qal li d-diffikultajiet li Ghawdex ghandu llum huma marbuta
mal-konnettivita fil-qasam tal-ICT u t-transport bl-ajru u bil-bahar li holqu
sitwazzjoni difficli biex Ghawdex jirreplika mudell ekonomiku li f'Malta halla rizultati
tajbin fejn jattira investiment barrani. Dr
Refalo qal li dawn il-limitazzjonijiet f'Ghawdex qed jissarfu f'telf
tar-rizorsa umana ta' hafna gradwati li qed jaghzlu li joqoghdu f'Malta biex
itejbu l-opportunitajiet taghhom. Dan il-Gvern, sostna Dr Refalo irid fost
affarijiet ohra jisma u jtejjeb l-interessi
tal-SMEs.

Dr Refalo emfasizza fuq l-fast
service bejn iz-zewg gzejjer fejn l-gvern ghandu road map bil-possibilta ta'
link permanenti bejn iz-zewg gzejjer. Ser isir
feasibility study dwar il-mina u iehor dwar il-pont. Possibilta ohra li
jitnaqqas b'mod konsiderevoli t-tragitt bejn Malta u Ghawdex. Qed jigi diskuss
ukoll servizz iehor li jghaqqad ukoll Ghawdex u Sqallija bil-ghan li jizdiedu
l-opportunitajiet ghan-negozji u l-industriji f'Ghawdex. Qed tigi miflija
l-possibilta li jigi ntrodott s-servizz tal-ajru bejn iz-zewg gzejjer.

Dr Refalo informa ukoll li sabiex
jigi incentivat iktar is-suq tat-turizmu domestiku fix-xhur tax-xitwa ser jigu
ntrodotti skemi ta' vjaggar bl-irhis bejn iz-zewg gzejjer. Ser tohrog
expression of interest fil-granet li gejjien sabiex issir yacht marina ohra
f'Ghawdex bil-kooperazzjoni ta' Ministri ohra u bl-appogg shih tal-Prim
Ministru. Dr Refalo qal li ser jsir titjib infrastrutturali fil-villagg
tas-snajja f'Ta' Dbiegi sabiex jigu ppriservati s-snajja tradizzjonali.

Dwar l-SMEs Dr Refalo qal li
l-Gvern  huwa kommess li jinholoq SME
park min fejn dawn l-entitajiet ikunu jistghu jahdmu. Dr Refalo informa li hu
ga hatar l-Gozo Regeneration Group sabiex jiehu hsieb jfassal framework
finanzjarju sabiex jigi attirat l-investiment lejn Ghawdex. Dan  l-group qieghed jahdem ma' kumpanija
internazzjonali ta' konsulenza. Dr Refalo qal li fir-rigward ta' Ghawdex
l-isfidi huma ferm akbar mill-bqija tal-pajjiz izda konvint li b-impenn ser
jilhaq l-miri fl-ahjar interess kemm ghan-negozju kif ukoll tas-tishih
tal-ekonomija f'Ghawdex.

Joe Attard min naha
tal-GRTU rringrazzja lill-Onorevoli Dr Anton
Refalo, li gie ewlieni li jisma l-problemi u
jelenka t-triq il-quddiem ghall-Ghawdxin. Fost l-issues li qajmu l-partecipanti kienu:

Proprjetarju ta'
tlett stabbilimenti gewwa r-Rabat Ghawdex wera it-thassib tieghu dwar il-futur
tal-business tieghu. Irrefera ghall-ligi tal-Kera bhala xi haga maghmula bla
hsieb. Fil-kas tieghu jrid jghaddi c-cwievet lura lis-sid fi zmien erbatax (14)
il-sena.

L-GRTU diga ghamlet diversi
sezzjonijiet ta' laqghat mall-Gvern precedenti u din l-kwistjoni ser tigi
pprezentata mall-Gvern prezenti. L-GRTU ser tkun ekwa sabiex tinstab soluzzjoni
kemm ghas-sid kif ukoll ghall-proprjetarju.

Persuna ohra
nformat li kien ilu hamsa u ghoxrin sena (25) jitlob post min fejn jista
jahdem. Applika l-Malta Enterprise (ME) u sal-lum ghadu ma gie offrut l-ebda
post. Staqsa fejn qed imorru l-miljuni msemmija f'investiment il-ghaliex
Ghawdex mhu qed jigri xejn.

Operatur iehor
ilmenta li fl-2007 ha art minghand l-Malta Industrial Parks (MIP). Ilu hames
snin (5) biex igib il-permess. Meta beda jippjanta sab problema fil-faccata
ghaliex skopra li kienet ghaddejja bankina.

Operatur iehor
bi tlett stabbilimenti gewwa r-Rabat u
b'ammont sostanzjali ta' impjegati infurmat li r-Rabat qieghed jinqered
bil-problema ta' parking. Gie issugeriet li jinholoq parking taht l-playing
field eziztenti.

Proprjetarju ta'
restaurant wera it-thassib dwar impjegati meta jonqos ix-xoghol fil-perjodu
tax-xitwa.

Operatur iehor
talab lill-Ministru sabiex l-ETC terga toffri skemi ta' ghajnuna fil-konfront
ta' impjieg.

Operatur li
xogholu huwa fil-kostruzzjoni, tkellem dwar il-problema tal-heavy plant u
l-parking ta' trakkijiet. Huwa sostna li f'Ghawdex ma hemmx estates bhal Malta
fejn jista jsir dan. Ippropona l-heliport fejn hemm spazju bizzejjed. Talab
ukoll sabiex jinsab post adekwat fi Pjazza Savina fejn it-turist ikun jista
jitnizzel safe mill-coach

Operatur iehor
semma il-parkegg ta' taht ic-Cittadella u ghalfejn ma hux qed jintuza.

Persuna ohra
staqsiet x'jista jsir dwar businesses li jghamlu xoghol ta' distribuzzjoni min
u lejn Malta fejn l-haddiema taghhom jghamlu sieghat jistennew sabiex jaslu
lura l-ufficcju specjalment fix-xhur tas-sajf. Dan qieghed jirrizulta f'hela
ta' hin bi spejjes f'overtime. Gie
ssugeriet li jinholoq logistic centre sabiex jkun jista jindirizza din
l-problema. Suggeriment iehor kien li jsir pre booking fejn jidhol servizz gej
jew sejjer lejn Malta/ Ghawdex.

Dwar il-problema ta' parking
il-Ministru wiegeb li sabiex tittaffa l-problema gewwa ir-Rabat qed jsiru
pjanijiet sabiex jintuza l-ground tal-football. Parir iehor kien li jinholoq
mechanical parking.

Dwar l-ME u l-MIP il-Ministru qal li trid tinqata
l-borokrazija li tezizti fejn hemm industriji li ilhom snin bla dawl. Isir
clearance certificate mill-MEPA biex 
wiehed jkun jista jahdem. L-ME tohloq politika ghal Ghawdex.

Dwar d-distribuzzjoni bejn Malta u
Ghawdex, l-Ministru irrefera ghal din l-issue bhala sikkina li taqta min zewg
nahat. Irid jigi studjat kif tahdem is-sistema dwar boarding pass ghal
haddiema. Irriduha tahdem b'soluzzjoni li jkun kuntent kulhadd.

Diffikultajiet f'Ghawdex ghandna
hafna u kbar qal l-Ministru. Irridu nahdmu fuq framework ekonomiku li jkun
b'sahhtu u aktar protett fejn nghinu lin-negozjant zghir billi noholqulu post
fejn jahdem u nghinuh jibbenifika mill-EU funds.

Joe Attard  irringrazzja lill-Ministru u wieghed li
l-GRTU ser taghti s-support shih sabiex tigi emeljorata l-posizzjoni tal-SMEs
gewwa Ghawdex. Irrefera ghall-istudji bhala xi haga posittiva izda fil-fehma
tieghu ahjar xi haga tangibbli.

Joe Attard informa  li l-GRTU ser tibda taghti s-servizzi taghha
gewwa Ghawdex mill-Ufficcju tal-NGO's fix-Xewkija kull nhar ta' Hamis bejn
s-saghtejn (2) u s-sitta (6) ta' filghaxija. L-ewwel gimgha ser jkun prezenti
hu stess sabiex jiltaqa' man-nies. Huwa talab sabiex dawk li jriedu jiltaqghu
mall-GRTU fuq suggetti diversi ghandhom icemplu l-GRTU  fuq 21 230459 jew 21 232881 ghall-appuntament
sabiex jiltaqghu mall-Ufficcjal inkarigat mis-suggett.

Joe Attard talab ghas-support ta'
dawk prezenti u heggighom sabiex ma jgergrux izda jahdmu sabiex isibu
soluzzjonijiet tangibbli.

GRTU Director General Vincent Farrugia as Maltese Employer's
representative at the European Economic and Social Committee was extremely busy
with strong participation in meetings of the Section for External Relations
(REX), the Section for Employment Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) and the
Section for Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT).

This week Mr
Farrugia also presented during a study group meeting his draft Opinion as EESC
rapporteur on the Commission proposal on
promotion the free movement of citizens and businesses by simplifying the
acceptance of certain public documents in the European Union:

Free Movement
of Citizens & Businesses by Simplifying the Acceptance of Public Documents
across the EU

Vince
Farrugia is the EESC Rapporteur-General drafting the Opinion for approval by
the Plenary Session on this important issue. This is the fourth Report Vince
Farrugia is presenting on issues relating to the removal of obstacles hampering
citizens and businesses from enjoying their full rights as within the EU.         

Vince Farrugia is a very active member
of the 2013 European Year for Citizens and on the removal of obstacles such as
Apostle and Certified translations that make life difficult and acceptance of
certain public documents expensive. Vince Farrugia as Rapporteur is insisting
on the removal of all escape clauses like reasonable doubt that continue to empower member
state Governments to further with their 
restrictive practices. The Draft Opinion presented by Vince Farrugia will be made public following its
adoption by the EESC Plenary and its publication in the EU official journal.

Rethinking Education: Investing in Skills for better
Socio-Economic outcomes

At the SOC meeting
Vince Farrugia spoke on the need to reach specific Framework Agreements
among
the Social Partners and with Governments at national and at EU level on
resolving specific issues that are the cause of much mismatch between
Employers
demands for skilled workers to occupy the jobs that are being
offered and the lack of availability of adequately qualified persons.
Vince
Farrugia reported on his practical experience as one of the negotiators
on the employers' side representing UEAPME on the negotiations  on the
Framework of Actions on Youth
Employment.

These Framework
"Agreements together with the establishment of National Skills Council
accompanying European skills Councils on various specific economic sectors
together with enhanced labour mobility and employment support schemes will go a
long way to resolve mismatching problems. Generalities and complaining alone
will not resolve problems. There's a lot of work that needs to be done and Governments and the Social Partners are not
doing enough. And we need more money on the table "emphasised Vince Farrugia.

EU-Turkey Relations

Vince Farrugia spoke at the REX meeting on the
EU-Turkey
Joint Consultative Committee Report on the state of the EU-Turkey
relations. Vince Farrugia said that it is
not the role of the EESC to comment on the
implementation  by democratically elected
Governments on policies and actions voters choose to
vote for in free elections. The EESC however must be very strong where
Governments as
in the case of Tayyip Erdogan where we see the attempt
and actually act to capture the courts, silencing media critics and
attack protestors.
Introducing controversial or wrong headed policies is an elected
Government
prerogative but EESC must openly criticise and condemn when Governments
deliberate and act in the interest only
of its supporters and not of national interests and when Governments as
in the
case of Turkey become not just hostile to their opponents but deaf to
their companies. It is our worse where as in the case
of Turkey voters are not only pulverised with tear gas and water cannons
but the Government talks of tinkering with the constitution to
perpetuate the rule of the existing Government. True democrats aspiring
for
European Union membership must be endowed fundamentally with an
understanding
that the minority who did not vote for them are as much citizens of
their
country as those who did and are entitled to a respectable hearing.

Internal Market Issues

Vince Farrugia
also spoke at the meeting on the exploratory
opinion demanded by the EU Lithuanian Presidency on the Unexplored Economic
Potential of EU Competitiveness with reference to state-owned
enterprises and on the Commission Communication on Smart
regulation and Response to the needs of Micro, Small and Medium sized
Enterprises.

Vince Farrugia
also took the podium on the Communication from the Commission on the Setting up
A European Action Plan and also gave his reaction on the Green Paper on Unfair
Trading practices in the Business to business food and non-food Supply Chain in Europe.

European Year of Citizens 2013

As member of EYC
Committee Vince Farrugia also spoke on the  performance of the Commission in the execution of the 25 promises made by the
Commission in its Citizens Report of 2010 and expressed his views on
the 12 new commitments in the Commission 2013
Citizenship Report.