Malta Presidency BriefingJanuary - June 2017

DeHavilland EU

Welcome

Last updated 13 January 2017

On 1 January, Malta takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Slovakia. This means that over the next six months, Malta will chair the meetings of the

Council, mediate between the Council and Parliament, and help steer the direction of EU policy.

This briefing gives an overview of what legislation can be expected during the Presidency, the key figures, main events, as well as detailing the politics of Malta

and the country’s agenda. On the following page, two Maltese MEPs kindly agreed to introduce the Presidency and give us their take on what it should focus on.

Miriam Dalli MEPPartit Laburista- S&D

“This year, Malta will lead the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time. This is a historic moment for Malta, and a chance for the fundamental values of progress, social inclusion and economic growth that the country holds so dear to be promoted at European level.

It is time, for Malta to prove that despite the country’s size, Malta is ready to be a European leader on all fronts.

Given the turbulent times Europe finds itself facing, there has never been a more pertinent time for a dynamic and innovative leadership - and given its current leadership, Malta can offer this.

The months ahead will not be an easy road to go down. The growing rise of the far right and eurosceptisism will see Europe enter a new era which will test its founding principle of solidarity - but if we stick to our values and our core belief that Europe is stronger together, we will surely pull through these turbulent times.

Europe needs a proactive leadership that helps encourage a balance between the preservation of cultural heritage and innovative growth and progress in European economies, while safeguarding the rights and needs of European families and citizens, including the rights of minorities.

I have no doubt that the Maltese Presidency will aim to do this, and will help lead Europe through the current scenario. The upcoming path may be rocky, but with solid leadership and a clear direction Europe will persevere.

Marlene Mizzi MEPPartit Laburista- S&D

“On 1 January 2017, for the first time since its accession in 2004, Malta will assume the six-month rotating Presidency of the EU. Having the EU Presidency for first time is always challenging for smaller countries, but having the Presidency in such turbulent times in Europe and in the world will make their work particularly more difficult and demanding. Europe is undergoing drastic changes, which may deeply affect our societies. It is not amiss to say that it will also bring many extra problems to the Maltese Presidency, which will have the most challenging task of uniting Member States under a single European voice. This is a litmus test for Malta and for Europe, but I am convinced that despite its size the Maltese presidency will be a success. I am saying that not because it is my country, but because I know the determination, professionalism and commitment with which the Maltese government has been preparing for the Presidency in the last year.

European citizens have become increasingly dissatisfied with the European Union, as it often fails to convince them that it truly represents their interests and aspirations. Therefore, I am glad to learn that Malta will take up the Presidency well aware that the continuing sustainability of the EU needs to be ensured, and that the Union's bureaucracy needs to be addressed in order to reconnect with the citizens.

The next six months must be about putting European citizens at the heart of the agenda. Europe needs to start listening to its people and act on their concerns and aspirations. I am pleased that important issues like migration, the single market, security, social inclusion, Europe’s neighbourhoods and the maritime industry will be the top priorities for the Maltese Presidency.

I also hope that Malta will address the issues of particular importance for completing the Digital Single Market and promoting smart and fair growth that fosters innovation and jobs for the future.

The PresidencyUnderstand what it means and Malta’s priorities

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The PeopleMeet the ministers who will chair the Council meetings

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The PoliticsPlace the EU’s challenges in the Maltese political context

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The PolicyGet the insights into key policies

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The EventsStay connected with the key dates for the next 6 months

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The TrioSee who takes over from the Maltese Presidency

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The PresidencyUnderstand what it means and

Malta’s priorities

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What is a Presidency?Each of the 28 Member States take it in turn to hold the Pres-idency of the Council of the EU, changing every six months, but acting within Trios of countries. It is the first EU Pres-idency held by Malta which joined the Union in 2004. The Council is co-legislator with the European Parliament, but has exclusive competence over sensitive areas, such as tax policy. The Council meets in ten configurations, divided by policy area, which the national ministers of the Presidency chair. For instance, the Environment Council meetings are attended by national Environment Ministers and chaired by the Environ-ment Minister of the rotating Presidency, in this case, of Mal-ta.

The Presidency mediates between the Member States, and is responsible for drawing up compromise texts. When agree-ment is reached, the Presidency will represent the Council at

‘trilogue’ meetings with the Parliament and Commission. The informal agreements, which often represent the breakthrough on a legislative proposal, depend on the negotiating skills of the Presidency, and are often used to measure a country’s success in the role.

The Presidency is crucial for EU policy making, but the ad-ministrative burden is significant, in particular for smaller Member States. The advantages for the country holding the Presidency are therefore not obvious, particularly as it must be politically neutral. The Presidency acts as an honest broker: the country cannot be seen as pushing its own agenda too hard. Therefore, the Trio of countries have an 18 month pro-gramme to follow with overarching aims that must be com-pleted by the time the final country has finished holding the Presidency.

Malta takes over from Slovakia as the third country in the trio of countries to lead the Council. Along with the Netherlands and Slovakia, the Maltese Presidency will progress the over-arching aims of increasing jobs, growth and competitiveness, empowering citizens, advancing the energy union and climate policy, bettering freedom, security and justice, and enhancing the EU as a global actor. However, these aims are not ex-haustive. New developments and challenges may need to be addressed if they appear. In this case, those will particularly relate to the aftermath of the UK referendum on EU member-ship and the migration crisis.

Council Strategic Agenda

• Jobs, growth and competitiveness• Activating and protecting all the citizens• Energy union & future-oriented climate policy• Freedom, security and justice• The EU as a strong player on the global stage

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What are the priorities?The Maltese Presidency will be largely defined by its work in the areas of migration and security.

We will try to make as much progress as possible on the various aspects of the migration phenomenon, keeping with the comprehensive approach to migration. However this can only be

possible if we all collaborate together in a spirit of solidarity - Louis Grech, Deputy Prime Minister

The incoming Presidency will also face challenges related to employment, social security, Single Market and in large part the planned Brexit negotiations.

Maltese Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech underscored the Presidency’s dedication to engage in restoring the citizens’ trust in the EU. In relation to its priorities, the Maltese Presidency will focus on six areas:

Migration

The Presidency will look towards reforming the EU’s approach to migration and review its asylum policy and the Dublin mechanism. It will also work on proposals that will help to better manage the entry into and exit from the Schengen Area.

Economic Growth and Social Inclusion

Malta will focus on stimulating levels of investment, job growth and economic development, and strengthening

the EU’s trade tools. It will also continue progressing the protection of worker’s rights and social security, gender balance, and employment levels among youth.

Single Market

The Presidency will simultaneously push for progress in the development of Capital Markets Union, Energy Union and Digital Single Market.

Financial Stability

Malta is prioritising the strengthening of EU’s fiscal stability and representation of the Euro area in the International Monetary Fund. It will also work on measures to combat tax avoidance and evasion.

Europe’s Security and Neighbourhood

The Presidency will seek to raise EU’s internal security through proposals to revise the firearms legislation, combat terrorism, and tackle organised crime. Externally, Malta will also focus on the EU’s defence and external stability.

Maritime

Malta’s transport focus will be on maritime affairs, in particular the promotion of the sector under the EU Integrated Maritime Policy.

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The PoliticsPlace the EU’s challenges

in the Maltese political context

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Malta is the European Union’s smallest Member State – both in terms of population and size – and holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time. Its determination to make a success of this role should not, however, be underestimated: the slogan featuring on the home page of the Maltese Presidency website reads:

“The ambition, planning and energy in implementing its programme will see Malta truly come of age as an influential EU

member.

Ahead of its Presidency, Commissioner President Jean-Claude Juncker said Malta was a "serious and hard-working country" that, although a small country, has its own ambitions.

Malta’s political landscape has been dominated by two parties since the country became independent, namely Partit Nazzjonalista (the Nationalist Party, PN) and Partit Laburista (the Labour Party, PL). The most recent parliamentary elections took place in March 2013, returning a majority for Partit Laburista. Its leader, Joseph Muscat, was inaugurated as Prime Minister and still holds the position today. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca was elected President by the parliament in 2014.

EU Membership

Malta joined the European Union as part of the fifth enlargement round with the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. In March 2003, the country held a referendum on joining the EU, with a narrow majority voting in favour of becoming a member, but then opposition Labour Party rejected the results. The victory of the Nationalist Party in the 2003 general elections confirmed the result of the referendum and Malta became part of the EU on 1 May 2004.

Migration

Despite seeing a lower number of migrants than EU countries such as Greece and Italy, as an island relatively close to the North-African coast Malta has been at the forefront of the migration crisis in recent years. Unlike countries in Eastern Europe, however, Malta has been less vocal about the crisis and its Prime Minister expressed his support for the EU’s relocation scheme. More recently, Malta’s Prime Minister said that migrants whose asylum requests have been rejected should be deported so long as their countries of origin are safe.

National politics

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EU affairsMaltese deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech forecast that the next six months are expected to be particularly challenging for the EU, as "the Union is being put to the test, and a new impetus is needed to avoid further setbacks".

The UK exiting the EU

Following the UK’s Brexit vote, UK Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that she intends to invoke Article 50 in March 2017, kicking off negotiations for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. Negotiations are expected to alter the agenda, as well as the schedule, of the Presidency. "There will not be a situation where the UK will have a better deal than it has today. It simply cannot be", Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said, reiterating that this is truly the position of the Presidency and that he does not see it changing.

Migration & Security

The Maltese Presidency will take place in the midst of one of the greatest challenges in EU history. As its predecessors, Malta is expected to push for a holistic approach on migration, as the systems that are currently in place seem to be failing. Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela stressed recently that "this can only be

possible if we all collaborate together in a spirit of solidarity".In light of the rising terrorist threat, the Presidency brings Malta serious responsibility in the field of security. Although the primary competence on internal security lies with Member States, the Presidency will work on the implementation of the Renewed Internal Security Strategy and the Roadmap to enhance information exchange and information management.

Rising Euroscepticism & National Elections

Within the upcoming semester, a number of key Member States are scheduled to hold national elections. Meanwhile, Euroscepticism and nationalism are on the rise in the EU, with a number of Member States’ political groups questioning the effectiveness of the EU and even membership of the EU. National elections in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Italy are set to take place during the Maltese Presidency.

The Union is being put to the test, and a new impetus is needed to avoid further setbacks.

Louis Grech, Deputy Prime Minister

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The PeopleMeet the ministers

who will chair the Council meetings

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Louis Grech is the serving Deputy Prime Minister of Malta, as well as Minister for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto. He was elected as an MEP in 2004 and again in 2009, a role he carried out until taking his seat in the Maltese House of Representatives in 2013.

When younger, and having gradu-ated as a Rhodes Scholar from the University of Oxford, Mr Grech was instrumental in setting up and developing Air Malta. He has also served as Director for several banks in Malta.

Dr Ian Borg became the Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds almost immediately after being elected to the Maltese House of Representatives in 2013.

The youngest member of the Executive, his role is to prepare for the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union and make the EU funds absorption process more efficient and transparent. He has been part of the Maltese delegation to the EU's Committee on the Regions since 2010.

Louis GrechDeputy Prime Minister

Minister for European Affairs

Dr Christian Cardona is the current Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business. In June 2016 he was also elected as Deputy Leader for Party Affairs for the Labour Party.He was a key member of the EU Parliamentary Committee during Malta’s negotiation process to join the EU. Between 2008-2013 he was the Labour Party’s Spokesperson for Industry, Self Employed and Foreign Investment. He had previously served as their Spokesperson for Competition, Communication and IT.

Dr Cardona has a background in law and holds a Masters degree in Shipping Law from the United Nations IMO.

Christian CardonaMinister for the Economy,

Investment and Small Business

Ian BorgParliamentary Secretary

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Edward Scicluna is Minister for Finance, a position he has occupied since his election to the House of Representatives in 2013. From 2009 – shortly after he joined the Labour Party – until 2013 he was an MEP and Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs..

Prior to his entry into politics, Mr Scicluna has held positions in a number of public and private financial institutions. He has also acted as a consultant for the EU, UN agencies, and various national governments and given economic advice to the European Commission and IMF.

Owen Bonnici has been Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government since 2014. He was elected to Parliament in 2008 when just 27 years old and became Opposition Spokesperson for Youth and Culture.

After Labour's election win in 2013 he briefly held the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Justice before promoted to his current role.

Owen BonniciMinister for Justice, Culture

and Local Government

Carmelo Abela is has been Malta's Minister for Home Affairs and National Security since 2014. He has been an MP since 1996 and was Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives between 2003-2010. He has been a government Spokesperson for Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, and Industry and Foreign Investment.

For many years Mr Abela had a position in banking. He was recently elected to the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and is a Member of the Parliamentary Assembly for the OSCE.

Edward SciclunaMinister for Finance

Carmelo AbelaMinister for Home Affairs and

National Security

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Evarist Bartolo has been Minister for Education and Employment since 2013. A Member of Parliament since 1992, he previously served as Minister for Education and National Culture between 1996 and 1998 and has done work in the European Affairs and Tourism departments.

Mr Bartolo is a known advocate of domestic civil rights. Before entering politics he taught at De La Salle College and worked in the media, for the national broadcasting station and as a journalist and editor for a number of organisations.

Michael Farrugia is the current Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity. A practising doctor for 31 years, he has held a number of government positions surrounding health.

These include Minister for Health, Elderly Care and Family Affairs, the Main Spokesperson for Health, Elderly Care, Social Security, Social Welfare, Housing, ETC, Cooperatives, and Labour party representative on IVF.

Michael FarrugiaMinister for the Family and

Social Solidarity

Chris Fearne was only elected to Parliament in 2013, but became Parliamentary Secretary for Health just a year later and was appointed Minister for Health in April 2016. He was also Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee.

After graduating in medicine, Mr Fearne worked as a paediatric doctor and surgeon in the UK and Malta. He is the founding Director of the Malta Institute for Medical Education and a Chair for the NGO Celebrities for Kids. As a student he was involved in a number of youth organisations.

Chris FearneMinister for Health

Evarist BartoloMinister for Education and

Employment

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Helena Dalli is the current Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties. She has previously been a Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. She is known for her work on human rights and equality legislation, particularly bills on domestic violence, gender identity, gay equality, and a landmark law establishing transsexual rights.

Having been an MP since 1996, Ms Dalli is the third-longest serving woman in Maltese political history. She is also a lecturer and newspaper columnist.

Chris Agius has served as Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport since 2014. In his two decades in Parliament he has also been Spokesman for the Employment Training Council

Mr Agius rose through the ranks of Maltese politics from local government. He was Secretary of the Cospicua Labour Party Committee until his election to Parliament and, before that, was the founder and Secretary of a Socialist Youth Group branch. A keen sportsman, he is President of a Maltese football club.

Chris AgiusParliamentary Secretary for Research,

Innovation, Youth and Sport

Joe Mizzi is the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. He is also Whip and Secretary of the Labour Party, posts he has held since 1989. An MP for almost 30 years, he has held numerous positions, largely concerning transport, maritime affairs, energy and oil exploration.

Before entering politics, Mr Mizzi studied Telecommunications and Electronics, was Propaganda Secretary of the Young Socialists, and had a varied career in industries such as shipping, oil, media, and in the General Workers Union. He remains Operations Manager of Datatrak Ltd.

Joseph MizziMinister for Transport and

Infrastructure

Helena DalliMinister for Social Dialogue,

Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties

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Emmanuel Mallia is Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Services Economy. Before this he was Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, a position he attained upon his election to Parliament in 2013 and was removed from a year later after an alleged cover-up within the department. He has also sat on committees set up under the auspices of the Council of Europe.

Mr Mallia is a professional lawyer, lecturer, legal advisor, Partner at his own law firm, and has been part of the defence team on several high-profile international criminal trials. He has been President of the Malta Red Cross for four years and is President of Casino Maltese and several sports clubs.

Dr Konrad Mizzi is the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister. He has also served as Minister for Energy and Water Conservation and then Minister for Energy and Health since becoming an MP in 2013. Within these briefs he pushed through a number of public-private partnerships.

After graduating from universities in Malta and the UK, Mizzi worked leading on major infrastructure and telecommunications projects. He came under intense pressure earlier this year after revelations made in the Panama Papers leaks.

Emmanuel MalliaMinister for Competitiveness and Digital,

Maritime and Services Economy

Konrad MizziMinister within the Office of the

Prime Minister

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Roderick Galdes is the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights within the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change. He was previously Shadow Planning, Housing, Urban Development and Construction Minister, Shadow Environment and National Heritage Minister, and Labour Representative on the Malta Environment and Planning Authority Board.

Mr Galdes has been active in the Labour Party from a young age, forming part of Labour's Youth Forum National Executive, together with now Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. He was the youngest Councillor from 1994 and first Labour Mayor from 2001 in his native Qormi.

José HerreraMinister for Sustainable Development, the

Environment and Climate Change

José Herrera is the current Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change. He has at various times been Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government and Culture, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth, Shadow Minister for Justice, and Labour Spokesperson for the Central Bank, Financial Services and Maritime Affairs.

Mr Herrera served on the Maltese-EU Joint Committee between 1996-1998, and was a part of both the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and European Affairs and the first group of Maltese MPs to take part in a session of the European Parliament.

He is a lawyer by profession and owns his own legal practice.

Roderick GaldesParliamentary Secretary for Agriculture,

Fisheries and Animal Rights

The PolicyGet insights into key policies

Click the Council below to jump to your area

JHA FACGACENV COMPET

EYCS ECOFINTTEAGRIFISH EPSCO

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EU forecast

The main priority of the Maltese Presidency in the Competitiveness Council is advancing the Single Market, with particular attention for the Digital Single Market (DSM), although proposals relating to DSM initiative are discussed in various Council configurations. Particularly, as part of the work in the Competitiveness Council, the Maltese Presidency aims to conclude on the proposal on addressing geo-blocking in the internal market. Furthermore, the Maltese Presidency will prioritise the mobilisation of private investment, taking forward the upcoming package for services and further enhancing the environment for SMEs.

Concerning research and innovation, Malta will focus on making progress on the priorities of the European Research Area and on taking forward the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) initiative, for strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries in the Mediterranean area. The Presidency will also aim to streamline the monitoring and reporting processes in research. In the field of space policy, Malta will concentrate on moving forward the Space Strategy for Europe, which was presented in autumn 2016.

Key ongoing proposals

• Geo-blocking Regulation• Revision of the Consumer Protection

Cooperation Regulation• Copyright Reform

Expected key proposals

• Services Package

COMPETCompetitiveness

Chris Cardona

Ministerial chairs

Chris Agius

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EU forecast

Being an island nation, Malta relies heavily on the maritime sector and the country takes the helm of the EU at a time when the Commission has chosen 2017 as its Year of Maritime. It is therefore no surprise that maritime issues are at the centre of Malta’s transport priorities. In particular, the Presidency will work towards securing a political endorsement on International Ocean Governance.On the social aspect of the transport sector, Malta will address the wellbeing of workers in the transport sector through the ongoing revision of the Posting of Workers Directive. The emphasis of the Presidency will also be on ensuring the EU is responsive to the needs of the international shipping industry while taking a more global approach.

Malta equally expects to see the launch of the Western Mediterranean Sea Basin Initiative in Spring 2017 with the goal of improving maritime governance, building on existing strengths, and tackling weaknesses in the specific geographic area. As a gesture of dedication to the safety of citizens, the Presidency will continue working on Passenger Ship Safety legislation and is expected to move forward on the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Regulation trilogues. The Maltese Presidency also noted that it would organise a stakeholder and ministerial conference on Road Safety and work on a proposal for Rail Passenger Rights.Lastly, building on the agreement reached by the International Maritime Organisation, the Maltese Presidency will dedicate efforts to tackling greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping. Equally, the Presidency will work on the implementation of the International Agreement on Emissions From Aircraft (GMBM) within the EU.

Key ongoing proposals

• Passenger Ship Safety package• International Ocean Governance• EASA Basic Regulation

Expected key proposals

• Western Mediterranean Sea Basin Initiative• RDE IV package • Port Reception Facilities• Revision of Interoperability of Electronic Road

Toll Systems in the Community Directive

TTETransport

Ministerial chair

Joseph Mizzi

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EU forecast

Malta, as an island with no physical links to mainland Europe, is sensitive to the benefits of improved connectivity and digitalisation. It is of the opinion that “the dawn of the digital age has ushered in an era filled with new opportunities which were unimaginable even up to a few years ago creating growth and jobs”. This makes the completion of the Digital Single Market paramount for the EU. The Maltese Presidency lists the preparation for the upcoming roll-out of 5G as the first of its priorities in telecoms. Malta intends to conclude the discussions with the European Parliament on the Decision on the Use of the 470-790 MHz Frequency Band in the Union during the first months of its Presidency. Additionally, it will give top priority to the conclusion of the Wholesale Roaming Review file. Most of the work during the Maltese Presidency in the area of telecoms will focus on the proposed recast of the European Electronic Communications Code. As it believes that “delivering a new framework based on increased connectivity and clear rules will be essential”, Malta will strive to advance on the file as much as possible with a view to revisiting the progress in the Telecoms Council in June 2017.The Maltese Presidency also aims to pursue the conclusion of the file on Cross-Border Parcel Delivery Services and on the promotion of Internet Connectivity in Local Communities and Public Spaces (WiFi4EU). It is awaiting the Commission launch of the initiatives on free flow of data and e-privacy before proceeding any further.Finally, as the Maltese Presidency coincides with the two-year anniversary of the launch of the Digital Single Market strategy, it will take stock of the ongoing legislative files that are part of the strategy.

Key ongoing proposals

• Use of the 470-790 MHz Frequency Band • Rules for Wholesale Roaming Markets Review• Recast EU Electronic Communications Code • Internet Connectivity in Local Communities

and Public Spaces (WiFi4EU)

Expected key proposals

• Initiatives on Free Flow of Data• Revision e-Privacy Directive

TTETelecommunications

Ministerial chair

Emmanuel Mallia

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EU forecast

Energy Security and Efficiency are expected to be the two main priorities of the incoming Maltese Presidency, while the EU Member State will also start work on other aspects of the ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’ package.On the energy security chapter, now that an informal agreement has been reached on the proposal for a revised decision on intergovernmental agreements in the field of energy, the new Presidency will devote its efforts to achieving a similar outcome on the proposal on measures to safeguard the security of gas supply.

On energy efficiency, two major initiatives under the ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’ package – the revised Energy Efficiency and Energy Performance of Buildings Directives (EED and EPBD) – will be the focus of the Presidency’s attention. Malta will also strive to find an informal agreement on the revised Energy Efficiency Labelling Framework, currently subject of a heated debate between the Council and Parliament over procedural issues.Finally, Malta will look at the external dimension of energy, with a "particular emphasis on regional cooperation". In this regard, it is expected to hold a High Level Ministerial Meeting "to highlight the potential of the Mediterranean region".

Key ongoing proposals

• Safeguarding the Security of Gas Supply• Energy Efficiency Labelling• Legislative initiatives under the ‘Clean

Energy for All Europeans’ package

Expected key proposals

• Communication Waste to Energy

TTEEnergy

Ministerial chair

Konrad Mizzi

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EU forecast

As regards the agriculture priorities, the Presidency will endeavour to finalise negotiations of the Regulation on Production and Labelling of Organic Products, which is still pending after six Presidencies. The Maltese will also aim at organising a ministerial brainstorming session on the future of CAP and any issues European farmers are expected to face in relation to food production. The so-called Omnibus proposal, which addresses the future of CAP is to be discussed during the April Council, where the Presidency hopes to reach some conclusions and define the way forward. Within the context of the current agricultural crisis, the Presidency will explore further opportunities for farmers, especially those that export to other parts of the world. International trade is also on the agenda, with the Presidency planning to look for opportunities, especially with Japan and other third countries, which may help to alleviate the agricultural crisis. On fisheries, the Parliamentary Secretary has highlighted the need to safeguard artisanal and small-scale fishermen, as short-term solutions are not sufficiently effective. The Presidency will therefore aim to put forward and establish a joint working group on fisheries management, data collection and fisheries monitoring and control. In reaction to the issues fish stocks are facing, the Maltese Presidency will seek to continue work towards the identification of areas that will allow restocking of populations in a faster and more efficient manner. Any priorities the Presidency has set are based on its commitment to sustainable ways of working.

Key ongoing proposals

• Production and Labelling of Organic Products

• Omnibus Regulation• Regulation on the Conservation of Fisheries

Resources and Protection of Maritime Ecosystems through Technical Measures

Expected key proposals

• Multiannual Plan for Demersal Species in the Western Mediterranean

AGRIFISHAgriculture & Fisheries

Roderick Galdes

Ministerial chair

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EU forecast

There is rarely a time when the ECOFIN Council is not busy with legislation, and the next six months will be no different. The Slovak Presidency secured breakthrough trilogue agreements on the Prospectus Regulation and the Money Market Funds Regulation before Christmas, and Malta will hope to do the same in 2017 for the Securitisation Package, a key part of the Capital Markets Union project, and new rules on Venture Capital Funds.In much earlier stages of the legislative process are the proposals on CCP Recovery and Resolution and on Business Insolvency, while March is expected to bring a revision of the key European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR), keeping the pressure on the Maltese Presidency.The banking sector in particular has a lot to think about following the publication of a significant Package on Capital Requirements at the end of 2016. Malta will hope to take this forward, as well as the European Deposit Insurance Scheme, the third pillar of the Banking Union, which has run into opposition from several Member States, most notably Germany.In the field of tax, there is a recent package of proposals including the two-stage Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) for the Presidency to get stuck into. First priority though will be the proposal on Hybrid Mismatches, which amends the recently-agreed Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive. Meanwhile work on the struggling Financial Transaction Tax will continue.

Key ongoing proposals

• Capital Requirements Package• CCP Recovery and Resolution• European Deposit Insurance Scheme• Revision of EuVECA/EuSEF Regulations

Expected key proposals

• Action Plan on Retail Financial Services• Revision of European Market

Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR)• Framework on an EU Personal Pensions

Framework• Proposal on Disincentives for Advisors,

Promoters and Enablers of Aggressive Tax Planning Schemes

ECOFINEconomic & Financial Affairs

Edward Scicluna

Ministerial chair

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EU forecast

Climate Change and the Circular Economy are expected to top Malta’s environment agenda during the first half of 2017. In particular, Malta will strive to bring together Member States’ positions on the proposal for a Post-2020 EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) in view of a general approach at the first Environment Council. It will also seek to advance discussions on the proposals addressing sectors not covered by the EU ETS.Malta will also follow up on the recent international climate negotiations in Marrakech.The Presidency will seek to make further progress on the Circular Economy Package, including on waste targets, landfill of waste, packaging and packaging waste and end-of-life vehicles, batteries and accumulators and waste electrical and electronic equipment. However, it is still unclear whether a negotiating mandate with the Parliament will be agreed during the next Environment Council.Other key environment milestones consist of the expected adoption of a Water Strategy for the Mediterranean during the Union for the Mediterranean Ministerial Meeting in April. Finally, climate change adaptation, marine litter and water re-use are expected to be discussed during an informal meeting of Environment Ministers in April as well.

Key ongoing proposals

• Revision EU ETS Directive• Effort Sharing Regulation and inclusion of

LULUCF sectors• Circular Economy Package

Expected key proposals

• Communication on Environmental Implementation Review (EIR)

• Strategy on Plastics in the Circular Economy

• Action Plan on the Implementation of the Nature Directives

• Recast Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)• Scope of the Directive on Hazardous

Substances (RoHS)

ENVEnvironment

José Herrera

Ministerial chair

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EU forecast

The Maltese Presidency aims to provide a platform where, through collaborative effort and in synergy with the Member States, health will be promoted in the EU. During its Presidency, Malta will take stock of the mid-term evaluation report (2014-2020) on the EU Action Plan on Childhood Obesity and identify the areas that need further action. Within this context, it will also present Draft Council Conclusions and voluntary guidelines for the procurement of healthy food for consumption in schools. A technical workshop on halting the rise of childhood obesity has been scheduled to take place in February. Rare diseases and access to innovative medicines are also in the spotlight, with the Maltese drafting Council Conclusions for negotiation, in an effort to promote voluntary structured cooperation within the EU. To this end, a Ministerial Conference on ‘Developing Medicines for Rare Diseases’ will be held on 21 March, following the Informal Ministers’ Meeting on 19 and 20 March.Malta’s focus on HIV is timely, as a recent EU-wide upsurge calls for immediate action. The Presidency, in collaboration with the European Commission and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), is scheduled to bring together experts on prevention and control, to discuss how Europe can respond to this crisis.

Key ongoing proposals

• EMA Amendment• Revision of the Posting of Workers

Directive• Veterinary Medicinal Products• European Accessibility Act

Expected key proposals

• Communication on Safety and Health at Work

• Protection of Workers from Risks related to Carcinogens

• Initiative concerning the Challenges of Work-Life Balance faced by Working Families

EPSCOEmployment, Health, Social Policy & Consumers

Evarist Bartolo

Ministerial chairs

Michael Farrugia

Chris Fearne Helena Dalli

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EU forecast

In the area of justice, the Maltese Presidency will put special emphasis on two proposals which will remove barriers with regards to the sale of digital content and the online sale of goods. It will initiate discussions on the proposal on Business Insolvency. Discussions will also be taken forward on the proposal revising the ‘Brussels IIA’ Regulation.Security is one of the Maltese Presidency’s six main priorities and work on the fight against terrorism will therefore be high on the Justice Council’s agenda. In this regard, the Maltese Presidency will oversee the final adoption of the Directive on Combating Terrorism. Furthermore, the fight against fraud directed at the EU’s financial interests will remain an important element of the Council’s work. In this regard, the Maltese Presidency will continue with necessary work in relation to the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the related revision of the Eurojust Decision.With regards to asylum, the Maltese Presidency will work to take forward the files on the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) as a matter of priority. These include discussions on the reform of the Dublin Regulation. The Maltese Presidency will build on the work done by the previous Presidencies with regard to Smart Borders and will take forward work on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Finally, the Maltese Presidency will carry forward the Council’s work on legal migration and visas, including by facilitating continued work on the Blue Card Directive for highly skilled third country nationals.

Key ongoing proposals • Contracts for the supply of digital content and for

the online sales of goods• Directive on Combating Terrorism• European Public Prosecutor’s Office• Reform of the Common European Asylum System• Smart Borders

Expected key proposals

• Harmonisation of Money Laundering Criminal Offences and Sanctions

• Strengthening of Mutual Recognition of Criminal Assets’ Freezing and Confiscation Orders

JHAJustice & Home Affairs

Owen Bonnici

Ministerial chairs

Carmelo Abela

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EU forecast

The General Affairs Council is a clearing house for a variety of miscellaneous topics not dealt with by other Councils, and does not really have a legislative role. It does however prepare for European Council summits, work on cohesion policy, and has a part in budget discussions along with the ECOFIN Council.

Currently it can be expected to discuss the future institutional set-up of the EU, in light of the 2016 British referendum, while Commission papers on improving the democratic scrutiny of EU processes will also be on the agenda.

Enlargement also falls within the remit of the GAC, but any movement here is currently on hold.

Key ongoing proposals

• None

Expected key proposals

• Communication on Improving the "Comitology" Procedure

• White Paper on the Future of the EU

GACGeneral Affairs

Louis Grech

Ministerial chairs

Ian Borg

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EU forecast

Trade issues discussed in the Foreign Affairs Council during the Maltese Presidency will include the ratification of EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is currently hampered by disageements on the national level. At the same time, another major agreement, EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, is expected to be successfully finalised. An important trade issue that the Maltese Presidency will also work on is the proposal for the reform of EU Trade Defence Instruments (TDI).

At the global level, Malta will give substantial attention to the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and will seek to contribute to the stabilisation of Libya, Tunisia, and Syria and and raise cooperattion with Ukraine. The Presidency will also be able to contribute to broader EU’s priorities, particularly the proposal for a Defence Initiative and a proposal for an Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace.

Key ongoing proposals • Global Strategy• European Defence Action Plan• Reform Trade Defence Instruments

Expected key proposals • New Defence Initiative• EU Strategy for Syria

Christian Cardona

FACForeign Affairs

High Representative Federica Mogherini

Ministerial chairs

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EU forecast

In the field of education, the Maltese Presidency will focus on promoting inclusion and diversity ensuring high-quality education for all, the New Skills Agenda for Europe, the European qualifications framework (EQF) and the Europass framework. Regarding youth, the Presidency has identified as priority issues the role of young people in the current skills agenda, implementation of the main recommendations of youth conferences, the fifth cycle of the structured dialogue and the mid-term review of the Youth Strategy.

Concerning culture and audiovisual, which are also part of the discussions in the EYCS Council, one of the key legislative dossiers the Maltese Presidency aims to progress on is the proposed review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Furthermore, it will continue work on international cultural relations and finalise work on the European Year of Cultural Heritage and on the European Capitals of Culture. On sport, the Maltese Presidency will concentrate on social inclusion and volunteering in sport as well as the EU Work Plan on Sport.

Key ongoing proposals

• Revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive

• New Skills Agenda for Europe

Expected key proposals

• Mid-term review of the Youth Strategy

EYCSEducation, Youth, Culture & Sport

Evarist Bartolo

Ministerial chairs

Chris Agius

Owen Bonnici

The EventsStay connected with the key dates

for the next 6 months

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Council calendarClick on the DeHavilland EU 2017 Council Calendar on the next page to view our Live Document. For the most up to date version, bookmark the

URL. DeHavilland EU will be updating this calendar throughout the year. Find the key below.

The Council is a single institution, but it meets in 10 configurations, determined by policy area. Although there is no hierarchy, the General

Affairs Council has a special coordination role and is responsible for institutional, administrative and horizontal matters. Any of the Council’s

10 configurations can adopt an act that falls under the remit of another configuration.

AGRIFISH Agriculture & Fisheries FAC Foreign AffairsCOMPET Competitiveness GAC General AffairsECOFIN Economic & Financial Affairs JHA Justice & Home AffairsENV Environment TTE Transport, Telecoms & EnergyEPSCO Employment, Health, Social & Consumers EYCS Education, Youth, Culture & Sport

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Click on the image below for

DeHavilland EU’s Live Maltese Council Calendar

Last updated: 21 December 2016

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Malta is the third country in the Presidency Trio with the Netherlands (January-June 2016) and Slovakia (July-December 2016). The Netherlands started work on the Trio’s

programme, followed by Slovakia, and now Malta continues work on the programme when the Slovak Presidency ends. The UK was due to hold the Presidency after Malta, but in

light of the outcome of the referendum, the UK has handed over to Estonia.

The Trio

Malta: January-June 2017

Estonia: July-December 2017

Bulgaria: January-June 2018

Austria: July-December 2018

Romania: January-June 2019

Finland: July-December 2019

Croatia: January-June 2020

DeHavilland EU

© DeHavilland EU Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

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