Caritas MaltaA delegation of staff from Caritas Malta, including the organisation’s director Anthony Gatt, has concluded a series of high-level meetings at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The delegation, which also comprised New Hope Services Clinical Coordinator Ian Diacono, Ibwar Services Clinical Coordinator Daniel Mercieca, Psychosocial Services Coordinator Josef Pace, HR Manager Patrick Harvey, and several heads, professionals, and administration members, held talks with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
On Tuesday, 18 November, the Caritas Malta staff held various meetings throughout the day with Maltese MEPs David Casa, Peter Agius, Alex Agius Saliba, and Daniel Attard. The staff were also personally received by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, in a meeting attended by Caritas Europa’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Eva Reina.
A separate meeting was also held with Irish MEP Maria Walsh. The discussions focused on important themes affecting Maltese society, including:
- The drug problem in Malta and the existing services versus those that are needed.
- The situation of youths, where, according to the ESPAD survey on the proportion of young people reporting adequate mental health, Malta ranks sixth from the bottom among European countries.
- Issues related to mental health.
- Housing challenges.
- Work to reduce food waste and the distribution of food to those on low incomes.
- Work in favour of peace among nations.
- The EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2024 – 2027 – Recommendations for the Spring package and the Anti-poverty strategy.
The day began with an introduction by Janet Barthet and Nigel Mifsud, who provided a general overview of the history of the European Parliament and its member states.
The Caritas Malta contingent praised the organisation of the visit, noting it was both informative and featured genuine space provided by all the MEPs to listen to the concerns and ideas of Caritas Malta for a more inclusive and just society.
In appreciation of their work, each Member of Parliament was presented by Caritas Malta’s Director with a publication dealing with the legacy of Monsinjur Victor Grech, entitled Inħobbkom.
