THE MALTESE PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU

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1 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

2 THE MALTESE PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU Miriam Dalli has played a part in making the Maltese Presidency a success. She participated in meetings, events and discussions that were organized by the Maltese Presidency, including a plenary session of the European Parliament on the outcomes of the Presidency. She organised a high-level conference with the participation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and foreign MEPs. Miriam was the main speaker in several conferences, including the EU s PRIMA initiative, energy efficiency in small island states and domestic violence. In the areas of migration, security, the environment and energy, she urged the EU to increase its efforts and ambition. Inside the European Parliament s building in Brussels, Miriam also hosted an exhibition of Phoenician artefacts from a shipwreck off Gozo.

3 SOCIAL JUSTICE At the European Parliament, Miriam continued to work in support of the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. After engaging with people with autism, Miriam, together with other stakeholders, exerted pressure on the University of Malta to be more inclusive in its admission process. Her work proved to be successful when the University of Malta agreed to facilitate the process of enrolment for students with learning difficulties. Together with the government and the Department for Inclusive Education, Miriam is committed to continue raising awareness on learning disabilities. Her work on autism, cancer and mental health was also recognised by the influential The Parliament Magazine that awarded her the title of MEP of the year in the area of public health.

4 CHILD PROTECTION AND EQUALITY Miriam Dalli led the Socialists and Democrats within the European Parliament on a report that calls for action by Europol on the protection of children against online sexual abuse. She highlighted the importance of having systems in place allowing persons to anonymously report illegal content online, whilst forcing the removal of abusive material off the internet. Equality is an important principle for Miriam. Together with the General Workers Union, she spoke of the challenges faced by women in employment whilst discussions with the Network of Young Women Leaders focused on several initiatives aimed at supporting women. Together with Parliament Secretary Silvio Schembri, she set up an initiative to support victims of domestic violence and gambling. Her activism in this field took Miriam to Gozo where she met with a number of NGOs including OASI Foundation, Arka Aid Foundation and Fondazzjoni Kenn u Tama. In a bid to increase women s political participation, Miriam is coordinating the Labour Party s LEAD initiative that has seen 85 women applying for the programme.

5 THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH Miriam Dalli was not only reconfirmed as the coordinator for the Socialists and Democrats within the Environment, Public Health and Food Security Committee, but she was also classified as the second most influential MEP in the environment sector. She has pushed forward the Manoel Island development case before the European Commission and is spearheading discussions on circular economy. She also led her political group to take a strong vote against food waste within the Member States. She promoted the use of biological pesticides which reduce the risks on human health and played a crucial role in the European Parliament s vote in favour of the elimination of the herbicide glyphosate, which also resulted in countries such as Belgium, France and Italy joining Malta in its position against glyphosate. Miriam is currently negotiating a law whereby emissions will be reduced by one third in several sectors.

6 2017 was a busy year with a number of challenges. However, looking back, I am satisfied with the work and results achieved. Through the use of social media, the service offered by my office, and the several meetings organised throughout the past 12 months, I remained in constant contact with you. As your representative at the European Parliament, employment, social justice, the environment and equal opportunities remain at the core of my work. Your priorities were, are and will continue to be my priorities. MIRIAM DALLI

7 96% 98% ATTENDANCE AND VOTE PARTICIPATION DURING PLENARY SESSIONS 158 MEETINGS IN MALTA WITH STUDENT ORGANISATIONS, ENTITIES, GROUPS, STAKEHOLDERS AND INDIVIDUALS. 205 MEETINGS IN BRUSSELS WITH HIGH OFFICIALS WITHIN THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS, NGOS, THE INDUSTRY AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS.? 191 PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS INCLUDING PARENTAL LEAVE, AIR QUALITY, FORT MANOEL DEVELOPMENT AND ABUSE OF CHILDREN ON THE INTERNET. MIRIAM DALLI WORKED ON 23 REPORTS AND OPINIONS INCLUDING: - Report on the use of the Schengen Information System for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals - Report on the fight against cybercrime - The legislation on emission reductions and Climate Change, to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement - Annual Report on the activities of the European Ombudsman in Report on the reduction of pollutant emissions from road vehicles - Opinion on the law establishing the European Fund for Strategic Investments - Opinion on European beekeeping sector - Opinion on the proposal for the Directive establishing a European Electronic Communications Code - Opinion on the law establishing a the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications - Opinion on the law on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers For additional information on these reports and more:

8 MIRIAM DALLI IS A MEMBER OF THE: - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs - Committee on Industry, Research and Energy - Committee on Petitions - Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries and the Arab Maghreb Union - Delegation for the EU-Armenia, EU-Azerbaijan and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Committees HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR: - Chosen as MEP of the Year for her work in public health - Re-confirmed as Co-ordinator for the Socialists and Democrats in the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety committee - Ranked as Most Influential Maltese MEP by VoteWatch and the second Most Influential MEP on environmental issues at the European Parliament - Launched the LEAD initiative aimed at encouraging the political participation of women in local and European politics - She was instrumental in leading the European Parliament to take a strong position on a 5-year phase out for the herbicide glyphosate T E miriam@miriamdalli.com f t i