Metsola entrusted with Environment Committee: “We need bold decisions and strong laws”

19.07.2019 10:07

Metsola entrusted with Environment Committee: “We need bold decisions and strong laws”

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Views expressed here are the views of the national delegation and do not always reflect the views of the group as a whole
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During this legislature, Partit Nazzjonalista’s Head of Delegation in the European Parliament Roberta Metsola will be sitting on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee. Whilst always being vocal on environmental issues, this is the first time that Member of the European Parliament for Malta and Gozo Roberta Metsola will have such an active role in environmental legislation.

Welcoming the new role, MEP Metsola said: “The next five years will be crucial for lawmakers to make sure that the right environmental legislation comes into effect. 2024 will be too late. We must act now.” Metsola explained that within the Environmental Committee, she will focus on three priorities: the reduction of the use of plastic, the improvement of air quality, as well as the important decisions which must be taken to address climate change.

“Earlier this year, we took strong measures to ban the use of single-use plastics. Now, it’s time to negotiate stronger laws to make sure that the next generation won’t be faced with a larger number of plastic in the oceans, than that of fish. We are the last generation which can take such decisions, and I will do my utmost to make sure that new rules are not only approved, but also implemented.”

MEP Metsola took note of President-elect of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen’s speech earlier this week in Strasbourg, during which she emphasised the need of drastic rules to address climate change. “When it comes to climate, Member States cannot act alone. We need not just a common approach, but also a common will. Much has been discussed, debated and agreed upon. Now it’s time to see that what has been decided, comes into force. The European Parliament will be a watchdog on this.”

Besides having an active role in the ENVI Committee, MEP Metsola has also been elected as the EPP Group Coordinator for the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee, which focuses on issues and legislation related to security, migration, rule of law and terrorism. She has also been chosen to form part of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the United States, as well as that for relations with Japan.

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The EPP Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 182 Members from 26 Member States

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