MEP Alex Agius Saliba elected as S&D Coordinator for the Committee on Petitions

Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba has been elected as coordinator for the Socialist and Democrat’s political group for the Petitions Committee. MEP Agius Saliba is the youngest S&D MEP elected as Coordinator during this legislature.

The Petitions Committee acts as a bridge between EU citizens and the EU institutions. It has a vital role in identifying real problems EU citizens encounter with the EU law. One of the Committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure that all the rights and opportunities that EU legislation creates become a reality and directly benefit all citizens of Europe.

MEP Agius Saliba said that as a coordinator, he would continue safeguarding citizens’ interests placing them at the heart of the S&D work in the Petitions Committee.

“This Committee provides a unique opportunity for MEPs to engage directly with citizens in a meaningful dialogue in situations when the EU has failed them. Listening to people’s concerns and frustrations, who had turned to this Committee for help, have shown me that with our work, we can make a difference in people’s everyday lives,” commented Agius

Saliba shortly after his election.

As a coordinator, he will have an essential role in being a mediator and spokesperson for its political group in all the workings and other aspects of the running of the Committee.

Furthermore, he will be in charge of coordinating the activities of the S&D members and positions on a number of files and legislations that fall within the competence of the Committee.

MEP Agius Saliba said: “As a coordinator, I will be leading the work of the S&D Group, the most progressive and pro-European political force in Europe, in the Petitions Committee. This Committee represents a door for the citizens of Europe to reach the EU directly. Therefore, I am honoured that my European Parliament colleagues in the S&D group have entrusted me with this position of great responsibilities and importance.

“In my new role, I promise that I will be at the forefront of the battle for demanding a commitment from all institutions on listening to citizens’ needs and addressing the existing political and institutional shortcomings of the EU,” said Agius Saliba.