Exclusive: Malta Daily Meets EU Commissioner Glenn Micallef in Brussels
Malta Daily travelled to Brussels to meet Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, who is the current youngest member of the European Commission and one of the youngest in its history.
Speaking from his office at the Berlaymont – the headquarters of the European Commission – Micallef shared his journey so far, his priorities for the coming years, and how he sees Malta’s role within Europe.
🎥 Watch the full interview here
On Football and the Importance of Home Leagues
Micallef expressed a clear stance on recent proposals for domestic league matches, such as Serie A and La Liga games, to be played outside Europe. He stressed that league football should be played in its home country, explaining:
“If you want to see the Louvre, you go to Paris. If you want to see the Milan play, you should have the right to watch them in San Siro.”
Meeting Children in Ukraine
Reflecting on one of the most emotional moments of his mandate so far, Micallef recalled visiting resilience centres in Ukraine, where he met children who had lost their parents in the war.
He described these encounters as deeply impactful, noting that while the EU’s support brings hope and practical help, the human stories leave a lasting impression.
Working Within the Commission
Asked about his role as the youngest Commissioner in the College, Micallef explained that he has found a welcoming and collaborative environment:
“If you come forward with good ideas, age is not a barrier. In fact, the energy you bring to the table is seen as a positive.”
Culture, AI and the Future of Work
Looking ahead, one of Micallef’s immediate goals is to present the Compass for Culture, a strategy to support and strengthen Europe’s cultural sector. This includes tackling challenges like working conditions for cultural workers, as well as the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technology on the creative industries.
He highlighted culture as a sector with untapped economic potential, capable of boosting tourism and contributing significantly to Europe’s economy.
Listening to Citizens
On the day of the interview, Micallef was preparing for the European Citizens’ Panel, a gathering of 150 randomly selected citizens from across the EU to discuss policies and share feedback.
For him, this direct input is crucial:
“It’s an opportunity to hear directly from people about the issues that matter most, so we can make sure policies reflect the realities citizens face.”
Looking Ahead
From football pitches to cultural strategies and citizen engagement, Glenn Micallef is determined to make his portfolio count. Representing Malta at the heart of Europe, he continues to push forward on issues of fairness, youth, culture, and sport, ensuring that these topics remain high on the EU agenda.
🎥 Watch the full interview here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/
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