Social Europe is the ‘anti of populism’ – Muscat

Julian Bonnici Prime Minister Joseph Muscat commented yesterday that the general acceptance that the EU needed a social dimension was already a massive step towards the creation of a social Europe.

“Six months ago no one would have bet one euro that there would have been convergence on the social aspect. It is something that can be delivered and is the antidote to the rise of populism,” he said yesterday in Rome.

The issue, he said, will be refined when the heads of government meet again in Sweden, which he believe will become a “solid building block” for the creation of a social Europe.

Dr Muscat observed that the degree of EU scepticism at the moment may stem from the fact that the social advancement the re- gion had previously experienced had stalled.

“The social dimension of the EU is the crux of a strong future; people need the protection they deserve. In addition, the principle of equality must benefit all citizens. We need to do more to ensure gender equality, and full equality of the LGBTIQ community.”

Dr Muscat began yesterday’s speeches in Rome marking the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, by observing that it was a common perception that sacrificing sovereignty in certain areas was something to be frowned upon.

“This,” he said, is a flawed analysis of the benefits of the Union.”

The formation of EU, he said, was to allow many generations to reap the benefits of the founding principle of human rights, soli- darity, equality, justice and rule of law.

“Without the single market, the EU would not have become a force of prosperity, and we would have all been poorer and weaker. It is easy to forget previous problems when it has been good for so long.”

Dr Muscat went on to say that reinventing and rediscovering EU values was an ambitious project that should reflect the inherent realities of each member state without ignoring the global landscape. It was imperative, he said, that the EU develops its social dimension.

“We are at a junction, and our next moves will have consequence that will resonate in the years to come. Taking the right decisions takes courage, boldness and mutual trust.

“We need to make implementa-