External influences on Malta’s energy sector : a study of multilevel governance at work on the option of waste-to-energy

Abstract

The use of energy has been a major component in the development of the society and the adaptation to the environment. Since, this sector encompasses other issues such as climate change and sustainable energy which can affect the human being and the environment, assistance from international organizations is perceived inevitable. A multilateral system in this case is inevitable (Esty, 2006). Since Malta is a full member of the European Union and the United Nations, it has emerged into a larger political arena and as a result it has altered public policy in Malta. Through an OECD/IEA Multilevel governance framework, the thesis aims to explore the linkages between regional, national and local politics to address waste-to -energy (waste management). The issue on waste management as another possible source of energy (waste to energy) is chosen as a case study to explore how MLG is being adapted. Consequently, through the formulation of two original hypotheses, the study aims to demonstrate two realties in Maltese contemporary politics. The data collection obtained from the official documents and the perspective views of the interviewees are the research tools utilized to test the original hypotheses. Findings indicate that the subject of waste management is considered both at EU and national level as another important source of renewable energy. Europeanisation of policy-making and European integration are the themes which are mostly associated to the changes incurred to the Maltese mode of governance. The inclusion of multiple actors at all levels of governance and coordination between the actors in the policy-making particularly in environmental issues has also featured as the turning point to obtain the desired outcome. Finally, this thesis identifies how the adaptation of MLG approach have shaped the Maltese polity, politics and policies in relation to waste management and through such data tests the original hypotheses.