Labour Members of the European Parliament have been at the forefront of crucial European initiatives, from promoting disability rights to defending human rights and addressing the EU’s water challenges. Alex Agius Saliba, Daniel Attard, and Thomas Bajada have been instrumental in driving forward these initiatives, making significant strides in their respective areas of focus.

Alex Agius Saliba Appointed Co-Chair of Disability Intergroup

Alex Agius Saliba, Deputy Leader of Malta’s Labour Party, has been appointed co-chair of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Disability, representing the Socialists and Democrats (S&D). This Intergroup, which includes MEPs from various political groups, aims to address issues affecting persons with disabilities across the EU. Saliba’s appointment is a recognition of his longstanding commitment to advocating for better policies for disabled individuals.

One of the main focuses of the Intergroup is to improve employment rates among persons with disabilities. In the EU, the employment rate for people with disabilities is significantly lower than that of the general population, with many only employed part-time. Saliba is pushing for policies to remove these barriers, including the introduction of a Disability Employment and Skills Guarantee, similar to the Youth Guarantee, which would provide better opportunities for disabled individuals in the labour market.

Saliba is also committed to advancing legislation that aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), aiming for greater inclusion and equal rights for disabled individuals across Europe​.

Daniel Attard Leads European Parliament Resolution on Iran

Daniel Attard, Vice President of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Iran, has successfully led the European Parliament to adopt a resolution condemning human rights abuses in Iran. The resolution highlights the cases of Iranian activists such as Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, who have been sentenced to death under harsh conditions. It also calls for the immediate halt to executions and the release of European citizens detained in Iran.

This is the second resolution Attard has spearheaded within six months, underlining his commitment to defending fundamental rights and freedoms. Attard emphasises that human rights violations in Iran are not just a regional issue but a global concern, and Europe must act to uphold its core values of justice and human dignity.

His work in the European Parliament has positioned him as a key advocate for human rights, with a focus on holding regimes accountable for their actions on the international stage​.

Thomas Bajada Appointed Rapporteur for Water Resilience Strategy

Thomas Bajada, a member of the S&D, has been appointed Rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Water Resilience Strategy Initiative. This role places Bajada at the forefront of Europe’s efforts to address water scarcity, pollution, and the need for increased water efficiency, amid the growing threat of climate change.

Bajada’s initiative is set to influence the European Commission’s upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, which will focus on ensuring that EU water systems can adapt to challenges such as droughts, floods, and pollution. He is advocating for an integrated approach to water management across the EU, ensuring that policies are aligned to protect water resources for future generations.

With water becoming an increasingly vital issue due to climate change, Bajada’s efforts aim to unite fragmented water legislation across the EU into a coherent strategy. His leadership is seen as pivotal in ensuring that Europe meets its water management challenges head-on​.

Our Labour MEPs’ work highlights the active role that the Malta’s Labour Party is playing in shaping European policies that impact citizens across the continent. As these initiatives progress, they are set to deliver real change for vulnerable communities and ensure a sustainable future for Europe.