The MEPs who will sit on each of the European Parliament’s 20 committees  – and their subcommittees – in the legislature that has just begun were announced in plenary in Strasbourg on Friday. Following Wednesday’s decision by plenary on the structure and size of the committees and subcommittees, the political groups and the non-attached members appointed the MEPs assigned to each of them.

The European Parliament’s committees act as powerhouses, scrutinising legislation, shaping budgets, and tackling core EU issues like environment and trade, with some committees gaining more prominence based on current events or the EU’s long-term priorities.

“In the European Parliament the political make-up of the committees reflects that of the plenary assembly, where MEPs from different political groups also sit together,” Anna Zammit Vella, the European Parliament’s Press Officer in Malta, explained. “Committees consist of between 25 and 81 full members, and an equivalent number of substitutes. Each committee elects a chair and up to four vice-chairs amongst its full members, forming together the ‘committee bureau’, for a two and a half year mandate. Parliament can also set up sub-committees and special temporary committees to deal with specific issues, and is empowered to create committees of inquiry. The parliamentary committees normally meet in Brussels, and their work is supported by a secretariat. Their debates are held in public and, in principle, webstreamed.”

On Thursday, The Journal provided a glimpse into the committee assignments for the three Maltese MEPs from the Group of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D). Now, with the official list of all committee members released, we can take a look at the placements for the entire Maltese delegation, comprising the MEPs from the Group of the Europan People’s Party (EPP). As President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola (PN/EPP) won’t be participating in any committees. This means five out of the six Maltese MEPs will be actively involved in committee work – as full members in some and as substitute members in others.

The five Maltese MEPs who will sit on committees – Alex Agius Saliba, Daniel Attard, and Thomas Bajada for the PL/S&D, and David Casa and Peter Agius for the PN/EPP – will be spread across a total of 11 different committees in the European Parliament. In five of these committees, both the EPP and the S&D will have Maltese representatives.

Not all committees are equal

“Not all EU committees are created equal”, wrote Carlo Martuscelli and Louise Guillot in an article published by Politico on Thursday. Some committees are constantly busy dealing with crucial matters, while others see less action, they explained. Certain committees are always important because they handle the EU’s core areas, like competition (IMCO) and agriculture (AGRI). These are popular choices for ambitious MEPs. The Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) committee is another key player.

They point out that a committee that might be less obvious but holds significant power is the Committee on Budgets (BUDG). This committee oversees how the EU spends its massive annual budget (between €160 billion and €180 billion). With the EU about to negotiate its next long-term budget (2028-2034), this committee is sure to gain even more attention. No Maltese MEP has been appointed on that committee.

Looking at recent trends, environmental and climate issues (prioritised by the last European Commission’s Green Deal) and health (due to the pandemic) have become increasingly important. This explains the central role played by the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) in getting these sensitive legislative proposals passed.

S&D (Partit Laburista)

ALEX AGIUS SALIBA (Head of Delegation)

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection – IMCO (member): This committee is a powerhouse for ensuring a smooth-running and consumer-friendly Single Market within the EU. It acts as a guardian of the Single Market, ensuring it functions efficiently while prioritising consumer well-being and upholding high standards.

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs – EMPL (substitute member): This committee plays a central role in shaping EU legislation and policies that impact how Europeans work and live. It strives to ensure that EU policies promote a strong labour market, protect worker rights, and contribute to a better quality of life for all Europeans.

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs – LIBE (substitute member): This is one of the key committees responsible for legislation and oversight in these areas within the European Union. It is instrumental in creating an EU area of Freedom, Security, and Justice, ensuring it functions while respecting fundamental rights.

Committee on Petitions – PETI (substitute member): This committee plays a unique and vital role in bridging the gap between EU citizens and the European institutions. It empowers individuals to have their voices heard, holds the EU institutions accountable, and helps to ensure EU laws are implemented fairly and effectively.

DANIEL ATTARD

Committee on Transport and Tourism – TRAN (member): In a nutshell, this committee acts as a central hub for shaping EU transport and tourism policies. Its focus is on creating a safe, efficient, sustainable, and flourishing transport network alongside a thriving tourism industry that benefits all of Europe.

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy – ITRE (subtitute member): This committee is a major player in shaping EU policy across several crucial areas. In short, it is a driving force behind a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable European future. It works towards a robust industrial sector, cutting-edge research, a thriving space programme, and a clean energy future for the European Union.

Committee on Regional Development – REGI (substitute member): This committee is all about fostering balanced development across the EU’s regions. It acts as a driving force for a more balanced and prosperous Europe by promoting investment, collaboration, and effective policies to reduce disparities across the EU’s regions.

THOMAS BAJADA

Committee on Fisheries – PECH (member): This committee plays a critical role in safeguarding and managing Europe’s fisheries sector. It acts as a steward for a sustainable and thriving European fishing industry, balancing environmental protection with economic and social considerations.

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety – ENVI (member): This is a critical body addressing a wide range of issues that directly impact European citizens’ health and well-being. In essence, it acts as a multi-pronged force for a healthier and more sustainable Europe. It tackles environmental challenges, safeguard public health, ensure food safety, and promote international cooperation in these crucial areas.

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – ECON (substitute member): This committee is a crucial player in shaping and overseeing the economic and financial landscape of the European Union. It acts as a watchdog and driving force for a robust and integrated EU economy. It works to ensure responsible economic and monetary policies, a well-regulated financial system, and a strong Economic and Monetary Union that benefits all European citizens.

EPP (Partit Nazzjonalista)

DAVID CASA (Head of Delegation)

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs – EMPL: Same as Alex Agius Saliba (PL/S&D).

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs – ECON: Same as Thomas Bajada (PL/S&D).

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs – LIBE: Same as Alex Agius Saliba (PL/S&D).

PETER AGIUS

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development – AGRI: The committee is a key player in shaping EU policy on a number of issues related to farming and rural areas, playing a significant role in ensuring a strong and sustainable agricultural sector within the Union.

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection – IMCO: Same as Alex Agius Saliba (PL/S&D).

Committee on Petitions – PETI: Same As Alex Agius Saliba (PL/S&D).

Confirmation regarding the committees in which Maltese EPP MEPs will hold full or substitute member positions is still pending.

Committees’ constitutive sessions

All committees will hold their constitutive meetings on Tuesday 23 July, when they will elect their Chairs and Vice-Chairs.

Background

Each committee’s responsibilities are set out in Annex VI of the Rules of Procedure. During the previous legislative period, Parliament approved structural reforms for a more modern and efficient Parliament, changing the way committees and delegations handle their respective duties.

The committees’ work revolves around drawing up, amending, and voting on legislative proposals and own-initiative reports, as well as holding debates with Council and Commission representatives, hearings with external experts, and organising fact-finding missions. They will play a crucial role in the upcoming hearings of Commissioners-designate. The Conference of Committee Chairs coordinates their work.

Main illustration: The six Maltese MEPs – (top, from left to right) Roberta Metsola (PN/EPP), David Casa (PN/EPP), Daniel Attard (PL/S&D) & (bottom, from left to right) Alex Agius Saliba (PL/S&D), Thomas Bajada (PL/S&D), and Peter Agius (PN/EPP). Credit: Newsbook Malta.