Glenn Micallef Handed Youth Portfolio By EU Commissioner

Sep 17 2024

Glenn Micallef, Malta’s nominee for the European Commission, has been appointed Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport by Ursula von der Leyen.

At 35, Micallef is the youngest member of the proposed 27-member college and will focus on increasing youth involvement in EU policymaking.

Prime Minister Robert Abela quickly congratulated Micallef, calling it a “proud moment for Malta” as he takes on a role that significantly impacts youth, culture, and sports in Europe.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici also expressed enthusiasm for future collaboration with Micallef.

Fantastic news to hear that Malta’s nominee for the EU Commission Glenn Micallef has been assigned Culture amongst other responsibilities in his portfolio.
Certainly looking forward to keep the excellent working relationship going for more culture in Europe’s future! pic.twitter.com/KPxX4Bq8b2

— •Owen Bonnici (@OwenBonnici) September 17, 2024

Although considered one of the smaller portfolios, the role carries substantial responsibility, with a budget exceeding €13 billion, encompassing key EU initiatives like Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and Creative Europe.

Von der Leyen previously announced her intention to create a commissioner role centred on intergenerational fairness, stressing the importance of ensuring today’s decisions benefit future generations and foster solidarity across age groups. Micallef expressed his honour at being given the portfolio, describing it as deeply relevant to the daily lives of EU citizens.

Von der Leyen emphasised the importance of intergenerational fairness, entrusting Micallef with overseeing this vital issue.

Micallef’s appointment concludes weeks of negotiations, during which the EU Commission encouraged governments to nominate more women to ensure gender balance.

Malta, however, maintained its support for Micallef, who replaced the original nominee, Chris Fearne, after he withdrew due to legal issues. Micallef, an expert in EU policy, previously served as Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Abela.

In response to questions about pressure on member states to alter their nominations, von der Leyen dismissed such claims, stating that many countries had unrealistic expectations for their nominees to receive top economic portfolios.

#MaltaDaily

Mr.Beast, KSI and Logan Paul Launch ‘Lunchly’ to compete with Lunchables

Sep 17 2024

YouTube superstars Mr. Beast, Logan Paul, and KSI have joined forces to launch “Lunchly,” a new grab-and-go lunch option aimed at shaking up the lunch market dominated by Lunchables. The trio, known for their success in energy drinks and entertainment, are now expanding into the food industry with a focus on healthier alternatives.

In a joint statement, Mr. Beast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, explained the vision behind the new product: “We’re here to disrupt the lunch market for kids with healthier, better-tasting options. Lunchly is all about giving kids a fun, grab-and-go meal that’s not just delicious, but also good for them.”

Lunchly will feature a variety of meal options, including Turkey Stack ‘Ems, Pizza, and Fiesta Nachos, and will include KSI and Paul’s Prime energy drinks and Mr. Beast’s Feastables bars. Logan Paul emphasized the importance of offering a healthier choice, stating, “It’s time to provide a better option for those looking for a convenient, healthier choice.”

With over 350 million combined YouTube subscribers, the creators aim to revolutionize the way kids eat lunch, delivering a nutritious and fun alternative to the market.

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Malta Introduces 1st Fully Electric Concrete Mixer

Sep 17 2024

Malta has taken a significant step toward sustainable construction with the introduction of Europe’s first fully electric ready-mix concrete truck, the Energya E9.

This cutting-edge vehicle, purchased through private investment by B&B Construction, represents a major leap in eco-friendly technology for the construction industry.

Unlike previous hybrid models, the Energya E9 is powered entirely by electricity. B&B Construction is positioning this innovative truck as the future of environmentally responsible construction, setting a new standard in efficiency and sustainability.

The Energya E9 boasts:

Zero Emissions: The truck operates without releasing harmful emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.

Whisper-Quiet Performance: With reduced noise levels, the electric mixer creates a more comfortable work environment, minimising noise pollution.

Powerful Efficiency: The Energya E9 offers precision and speed in mixing concrete, ensuring high performance without the environmental cost of traditional diesel-powered mixers.

Designed for both sustainability and high performance, the Energya E9 is transforming construction projects with its advanced technology. B&B Construction is actively promoting this next-generation mixer as the solution for construction companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

Their message to the industry is clear: “Go electric, go green, go powerful!”

#MaltaDaily

European Parliament Begins Process for Forming New European Commission

Sep 17 2024

The European Union is entering a new phase as the process to form the next European Commission begins. In a recent social media post, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola shared insights into the ongoing discussions between the European Parliament and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on the structure and portfolios of the upcoming Commission.

Metsola mentioned that this meeting marks the start of the discussions between the two institutions, stating, “Today’s discussion is a first between the European Parliament and von der Leyen on structure and portfolios. It paves the way for Parliament to vet candidates as efficiently as possible.” This initial step is crucial in setting the stage for determining the responsibilities of the incoming commissioners.

The talks are focused on how the next Commission will be structured and which portfolios will be assigned to the new set of commissioners. These portfolios cover a wide range of policy areas, including the economy, trade, environment, digital transformation, and foreign relations, and they will shape the EU’s priorities for the next five years.

Metsola also emphasized the European Parliament’s role in scrutinizing the proposed candidates, assuring that the process will be thorough. “Parliamentary scrutiny will not cut corners,” she added. This reflects the Parliament’s commitment to a transparent and comprehensive evaluation process, ensuring that each nominee is qualified and fit for their respective role.

The European Commission is the EU’s executive arm, responsible for proposing and enforcing legislation, managing the budget, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Union. Each EU member state nominates one commissioner, who is then assigned a portfolio based on expertise and negotiation. These roles are key to shaping policy across a range of sectors, from climate and energy to digital policy and trade.

Before the commissioners take office, they must undergo a thorough vetting process by the European Parliament. This includes public hearings where candidates are questioned on their qualifications, their vision for the portfolio, and their commitment to upholding EU values. The Parliament has the power to reject individual candidates if they do not meet the necessary standards.

As these early discussions continue, the focus will shift to the actual selection and vetting of candidates. Each commissioner will be assigned a portfolio that reflects both their expertise and the priorities of the European Union. The process will conclude with a vote in the European Parliament to confirm the new Commission.

In the coming months, the spotlight will be on the candidates nominated for key roles, as well as how the portfolios align with the EU’s long-term goals—such as tackling climate change, advancing digital transformation, and promoting social justice.

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