Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2007-06-20-Speech-3-055"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2007-06-20"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Improving the method for consulting Parliament in procedures relating to enlargement of the euro area – Adoption by Cyprus of the single currency on 1 January 2008 – Adoption by Malta of the single currency on 1 January 2008 (debate)2
dcterms:Language	"mt"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20070620.3.3-055"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2007-06-20-Speech-3-0562
lpv:speaker	lp:David Casa2
lpv:spokenAs	member; ECON (2007-01-31--2009-07-13)3 member; Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (2007-03-15--2009-07-13)3 unknown; Partit Nazzjonalista (2004-07-20--2009-07-13)3 member; EPP-ED (2004-07-20--2009-07-13)3 member; PECH (2007-01-31--2009-07-13)3 substitute; Delegation to the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee (2004-09-15--2009-07-13)3 substitute; AFET (2007-01-31--2009-07-13)3 substitute; ENVI (2007-01-31--2009-07-13)3 substitute; Temporary Committee on Climate Change (2007-05-10--2009-02-04)3 substitute; Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (2007-05-23--2009-07-13)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, I cannot begin without first expressing my appreciation towards the Maltese and Gozitan population for the great strides they have managed to take in these three years since Malta became a member of the European Union. These were three difficult years that presented numerous challenges. In these three years the Maltese have shown themselves capable of adjusting to the future. It has been an extremely interesting time for my country, and I can say outright that the results have begun to show. The introduction of the euro this January confirms this. Malta has clearly shown itself capable of fulfilling all the necessary criteria so as to ensure that this important transition occurs smoothly. This transition will strengthen the country's economy and, in turn, competitiveness. Change is never easy. However, I believe that Malta is fully prepared to face up to this new challenge in January. We must keep in mind that Malta was given a restricted time period in which to conform to, and adopt, the measures required for this changeover to take place. In less than three years, Malta has reduced its inflation rate to 2.2%, and the ratio of national debt compared to the Gross Domestic Product is decreasing towards the reference rate of 60%. There has been a sustainable reduction in the budget deficit, which now stands at less than 3%, and one must also consider the fact that, as from Malta's entry into the ERM2 programme, the Maltese lira did not undergo any devaluation and at no point was there ever an air of uncertainty in the country. As Commissioner Almunia said, Malta has achieved a high level of sustainability and convergence. Malta and the Maltese are used to facing and overcoming their challenges, challenges that, in the past, were far from small and that nonetheless led to a string of successes throughout history. This is an historical moment for the European Union because it will lead to a larger eurozone, one that incorporates more countries and more people. It is also an historical moment for Malta because it will contribute to the further integration of its citizens with the European Union. I would also like to thank the rapporteur for his work in this area, which proved to be very useful."@en1

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