Yesterday, the Gozo Business Chamber, together with EUROPE DIRECT Gozo and Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta, organised a discussion session at the SEM offices in Valletta, following the State of the Union address delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The session provided an opportunity to reflect on the main messages emerging from the SOTEU speech and to discuss what these priorities mean for Malta and Gozo.
Mr Rodrick Zerafa, Chief Executive Officer of SEM, and Ms Maria Elena Despott, Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, opened the meeting by highlighting the main points addressed by the President of the European Commission, including the EU’s priorities, competitiveness, economic resilience, strategic autonomy, energy, climate change, citizens’ participation, and the way forward in light of the changes brought about by Artificial Intelligence.
Mr Daniel Borg, Chief Executive Officer of the Gozo Business Chamber, moderated the meeting, during which participants exchanged views on key European themes, including sustainability, innovation, security, and the green and digital transitions. Particular attention was also given to Gozo’s realities as an island region, including connectivity, regional development, economic diversification, and the need for EU policies to remain sensitive to the specific needs of smaller communities.
Such discussions are important in ensuring that European priorities are not seen in isolation but are understood in relation to the everyday realities of citizens, businesses, and communities in Malta and Gozo.
