Not seeing the wood for the trees

Abstract

The environmental movement, both locally and in the rest of Europe, has, in a rare show of unison, collectively given the thumbs down to Karmenu Vella’s nomination as EU Commissioner for the Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, and to his performance in his scrutiny by the EU Parliament. The main motivation behind the position taken by the movement has been Malta’s abject record in the environment sector and Vella’s lack of proficiency with the subject and possible conflict of interest with the Maltese government’s pro-hunting stance.

All well and good, but virtually no mention has been made of the other half of the portfolio – fisheries and maritime affairs – which would serve Malta in good stead if and when Vella is confirmed in his post. During Joe Borg’s 2004-2008 stint as commissioner for these areas, new concepts such as the integrated maritime policy and marine spatial planning emerged in what was a highly productive spell.