Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 January, 2022 at 2:15 pm by Andre Camilleri
MEP Alex Agius Saliba’s nomination by the Socialists and Democrats to become Vice-Chair of the Committee on Petitions in the European Parliament was approved unanimously by all members of the Committee, the Labour Party said.
For the past two and a half years, MEP Agius Saliba has served as the S&D Coordinator of the Committee on Petitions, “which is the only Committee that plays a crucial role as a bridge between EU citizens, Parliament and other EU Institutions. This Committee is an important instrument that get European citizens involved in participatory democracy.”
“I am honoured to be elected Vice President of this important Committee, which provides a unique opportunity for the Members of the European Parliament and the other EU institutions to directly connect with EU citizens and maintain a regular dialogue with them, particularly in cases where they are affected by incorrect implementation or breach of EU law,” exclaimed MEP Agius Saliba.
The Committee on Petitions allows all Europeans to share their concerns and challenges directly with MEPs when it comes to violations of citizens’ rights that affect them directly and fall within the Union’s competence. The right to petition is one of the fundamental rights of all European citizens and residents. “Petitions allow Parliament, through this Committee, to perform a continuous reality check on the manner in which the European institutions are responding to concerns voiced by citizens,” the PL said.
“Since the beginning of his mandate, MEP Agius Saliba played a very active role in the Committee on petitions, voicing citizens’ concerns, and most importantly, defending fundamental rights of the most vulnerable to ensure that no one is left behind.”
