Do we care?

In the European Union, poverty is on the increase. Those who are well off, are getting richer. Those who are poor, are getting poorer.

It is apparent that the social targets regarding poverty set by the Union for 2020 will not be achieved. However, in present circumstances, the available economic policy initiatives which could correct this problem are extremely limited. There is a political dynamic, driven by Germany, for governments to keep curtailing their expenditures, in order to avoid creating new deficits in national budgets.

However many seem to agree that without new spending commitments by governments, a strong anti-poverty approach cannot be developed. To be sure, the European Commission and the Council have made a small move in this direction. They agreed with the European Parliament to put more emphasis during the coming two and a half years, on projects having a social orientation in the prospective spending plans of the Union. Preference will be given to projects meant to help create new job opportunities for young people. Some will argue that it’s too little, too late. Perhaps, but it’s still better than not doing anything.

Here in Malta we hardly give any attention to this problem that is undermining European cohesion. One gets the impression we don’t really care about it.

Obama’s dilemma

Even when most have forgotten about them, political decisions – good or bad – continue to define the choices that with the passage of time must subsequently be made.

In past years, this point became clear with regard to policies followed by the Obama administration when dealing with the civil war in Syria. The “lessons” following from US interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq were taken on board. The US kept back from any direct military intervention on Syrian territory. When it did act, it did so at a distance and from way up, even though it kept insisting that President Assad needed to be removed, without presenting any substantive and viable alternative in his stead.

Now, after years during which American interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq were strongly criticised, the winds have changed. The claim is being made that the US today has no real influence in efforts to get the Syrian war to a definitive end. By contrast, that side which did undertake a military intervention, has reached many of its strategic objectives.

Personally, I believe it’s still too early to arrive at a final judgement on this issue.

At year end

Like many others, at end year, I usually look back to query what in the year’s events would most characterise it in future.

Generally, my recall would concentrate on public events in Malta or elsewhere. However, I’m told that in their enormous majority, people’s recall is different. What gets most remembered are the events of a personal nature that they’ve been through.

This year, I fit into this pattern. Despite Brexit and I don’t know what other changes have affected Europe or Malta, my deepest memory will be that of the loss of a relative who was closest to me. One knew that the time would come when she would have to leave, but somehow the idea persists that this would “never” truly happen. Then eventually it does.

Happy New Year to All.

Even when most have forgotten about them, political decisions good or bad - continue to define the choices that with the passage of time must subsequently be made.