Alex Agius Saliba Appointed Co-Chair To Lead EP Intergroup On Disability

Alex Agius Saliba Appointed Co-Chair To Lead EP Intergroup On Disability
Jan 24 2025 Share

Labour Deputy Leader and MEP Alex Agius Saliba has been appointed co-chair of the Disability Intergroup on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) within the European Parliament.

Established last month, the Disability Intergroup will hold its inaugural board meeting this week to outline its agenda and terms of reference.

Intergroups in the European Parliament are informal assemblies of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from different political groups, brought together by shared interests in specific areas.

These groups aim to foster collaboration and expedite legislative initiatives. Dr. Agius Saliba, who has been a strong advocate for disability-related policies since his election to the European Parliament six years ago, expressed his commitment to this cause.

Speaking on his new role, Agius Saliba stated: “It is a great honour to represent the Socialists and Democrats in the Disability Intergroup.

Advocacy for policies affecting society’s most vulnerable is central to my mission at the European Parliament. Better European legislation can significantly dismantle the barriers disabled persons face daily, improving their quality of life.”

Priorities of the Disability Intergroup

The Disability Intergroup will work to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). Its agenda will span a range of legislative initiatives that impact the daily lives and well-being of persons with disabilities.

A key focus area will be addressing the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in integrating into the labour market.

Current statistics within the European Union highlight the challenges: only 50.9% of men and 45.9% of women with disabilities are employed, often in part-time roles. Additionally, individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to face obstacles in completing their education.

The Intergroup will work to foster consensus on measures to bridge these gaps, including:

Updating the Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to reflect current challenges.

Introducing provisions for disabled persons in the Traineeship Directive to enhance accessibility.

Establishing a Disability Employment and Skills Guarantee, modelled after the successful Youth Guarantee, to ensure greater support for employment opportunities.

Improving health and safety regulations and expanding the social safety net to incentivise workforce participation.

Advocating for increased funding through initiatives such as the European Social Fund to support programs aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities.

Malta’s Role in Disability Advocacy

Dr. Agius Saliba emphasised the importance of Malta’s contributions to this field, highlighting the country’s proactive stance in disability advocacy.

“Our Labour Government has surpassed European expectations by implementing a comprehensive national disability strategy that actively engages civil society and ensures a constant voice for persons with disabilities,” he noted.

However, he acknowledged that many obstacles require a coordinated European effort to address effectively. “While Malta has made significant strides, many barriers and shortcomings can only be resolved through concerted action at the EU level.

Far too many individuals suffer in silence, and my role will allow me to elevate their challenges to the highest levels of European governance. I will also ensure that Malta’s specific issues receive the attention they deserve.”

Agius Saliba’s appointment underscores his commitment to advancing policies that improve the lives of persons with disabilities across the European Union, reinforcing both his advocacy and Malta’s leadership in this crucial area.

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EP Adopts MEP Daniel Attard’s Resolution Condemning Iran’s Regime

EP Adopts MEP Daniel Attard's Resolution Condemning Iran's Regime
Jan 24 2025 Share

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution led by Labour MEP Daniel Attard, in collaboration with members from other political groups, condemning Iran’s systematic repression and human rights abuses.

The resolution draws attention to the plight of activists such as Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, who have been sentenced to death under deplorable conditions, violating fundamental human rights.

It demands an immediate end to executions and calls for the release of European citizens unjustly detained in Iran.

Reacting to the resolution’s adoption, Daniel Attard, Vice President of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Iran, stated: “This is not just a national issue—it is a challenge to the core values we must defend at all costs. Indifference is complicity, and Europe cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities.”

This is the second resolution championed by Attard to receive the European Parliament’s approval within his first six months in office. It underscores his steadfast dedication to defending human rights, both for European citizens and for the broader global community, while standing up for the principles of justice and freedom.

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Thomas Bajada Rapporteur For EP Water Resilience Strategy Initiative

Thomas Bajada Rapporteur For EP Water Resilience Strategy Initiative
Jan 24 2025 Share

S&D MEP Thomas Bajada has been appointed as Rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Water Resilience Strategy Initiative, a critical step toward tackling the EU’s mounting challenges surrounding water resources.

“I am honoured to take on this immense responsibility at a time when the world is facing climate change and mounting pressures on our precious water resources, threatening humanity’s lifeline,” Bajada said.

The initiative, spearheaded by Bajada, focuses on essential priorities such as improving water efficiency, addressing water scarcity, combating pollution, and promoting investments in digitalisation and innovation throughout the water cycle.

It aims to establish the foundation for the European Commission’s upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, which is set to be unveiled later this year.

A unified EU-wide strategy is essential to ensure that water systems, ecosystems, and communities can adapt and recover from challenges like droughts, floods, and human-induced pollution.

Bajada’s work directly aligns with the commitment made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen under the initiative “Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water, and nature,” where water resilience has been identified as a fundamental pillar.

The recent appointment of a Commissioner for Water Resilience, along with a dedicated Water Resilience Task Force comprising multiple Commissioners, presents a unique opportunity to streamline and strengthen the EU’s approach to water policy.

Bajada aims to integrate these efforts, making water resilience a central element of EU policy.

“This is a profound responsibility. Water must be valued for what it truly is: the foundation of life,” Bajada emphasised. “Current water legislation is fragmented across various sectors.

By uniting these elements into a comprehensive strategy, the EU can deliver clear guidance for Member States, stakeholders, and citizens alike, ensuring effective and sustainable water management.”

As Rapporteur, Bajada is committed to advancing an integrated, EU-wide strategy to safeguard Europe’s water resources and secure water resilience for future generations.

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Local Guitarist Wins Competition To Perform With Red Electric

Jan 24 2025 Share

Nineteen-year-old guitarist Kurt Cristina has made waves in Malta’s music scene after winning a competition organised by renowned Maltese band Red Electric.

The prize? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform a song alongside the band at the Vernal Festival on 7th March.

Cristina stood out among several talented applicants who submitted videos of themselves playing the guitar solo from Red Electric’s latest single, Emotional Surgery.

His rendition captivated the band, with his video earning an impressive 9,552 views on Instagram and hundreds of likes.

The decision to organise the competition shows Red Electric’s ambition to usher in the new generation of Maltese music and let them shine alongside the established names already making a name for themselves.

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