Minister Herrera outlines his main priorities during EU committee grilling

Climate change, the circular economy, low carbon emissions, and antibiotic risk infections are the main environmental priorities during Malta’s EU Presidency, Minister Jose’ Herrera told MEPs during his grilling with the committee on the environment, public health, and food safety.

The minister was praised by a number of his peers for the ambitious programme Malta has outlined in its presidency.

On climate change, Dr Herrera said that through the Paris agreement, the EU remains at the forefront of the international discussions. He stressed, however, that the agreement is currently in a fragile process.

“The council is committed to deliver on its international commitments, we are working closely with all member states, and we are focusing on creating a common position on the main outstanding issues” he told an MEP.

Should the EU pursue a transition to a circular economy, he said, the potential benefits would be massive since it would provide a more sustainable system.

The minister also pointed to a decrease in marine litter and plastics as an important part of his agenda.

“The marine aspect of the environment also has immense importance to Malta, and we will focus on green and blue growth throughout our agenda,” Minister Herrera said.

When pressed on Malta’s hunting regulations, Dr Herrera explained that he was “currently acting as the president of the committee and not as a Maltese minister, I will not let any local legislation prejudice my position in this particular role.”

He went on to say that the issues with hunting can be discussed at a later stage.

Maltese MEP Miriam Dalli said that the priorities set out by the Maltese Presidency, whilst ambitious, can achieve tangible results.