Faculty of Economics Management and Accountancy
www.um.edu.mt/fema/publicpolicy
1
Table of Contents
Introduction note by the Head of Department
3
Feature – Amanda Bartolo
4
Graduates of the Department of Public Policy
7
Seminar on Historical Representations and Political Identities
8
A seminar on the Encylical Letter ‘Caritas in Veritate’ and the global economic crisis
9
Malta Journalism Awards
9
Robert Micallef talks to Professor Godfrey Pirotta
10
Women and Politics: Presence and Participation in the European Union
14
First year Public Policy students
15
Visit to National Archives
15
Family Policy in Malta: Practical Aspects
16
The Role of the Social Partners in the context of the EU 2020
17
2
Introduction note by the Head of Department
vulnerable to harsh legislation, to
well for a growing range of jobs;
discrimination,
and, beyond that, to form you as a
to
hatred,
to
indifferent public officials, to a public
leader.
which closes is mind and heart to
the stranger in its midst.
This is an opportunity to thank all
my colleagues - the academic and
I am reminded of the of the
tremendous
staff
and
the
that
Department's students - for your
public policy specialists
generous cooperation throughout
meet daily: our subject
the past academic year. I look back
addresses some of
with a deep sense of satisfaction at
the most exhilarating
all that we have done together. All
developments and some of
the full-time academic staff, several
should have returned from a brief
the most abject miseries in
part-time lecturers and students
conference in Brussels. An EU-
society. Very little falls outside the
have
funded project - DEVAS - will
interest of public policy - whether it
conferences or projects of national
launch its final report following an
be space exploration or conditions
or international importance. We are
EU-wide investigation of conditions
in prisons, economic recesssion or
as engaged in public life, in Malta
of detention of vulnerable asylum
work-life balance. Engaging with
and in Europe, as never before.
seekers, engaging in dialogue with
public policy as an academic
the European Parliament and with
discipline and as a profession
I wish each one of you
policy-makers from the member
requires people who combine a
a restful summer. May
states. A large number of NGOs,
rigorous
this extended break from
many of them sponsored by or
compassionate
affiliated with Churches, undertook
integrity with a concern for the
the project, which addresses one of
common good. Students who are
Europe's most significant, most
interested in the world around them
delicate policy concern. DEVAS
and who want to help shape its
Edward Warrington
reminds us that, even in affluent,
future, are invited to consider opting
Head of Department
stable,
Europe,
for Public Policy as a major area of
remain
study. We promise to prepare you
By
the
time
newsletter
has
this
been
delivered to your mailboxes, I
thousands
well-governed
of
people
contrasts
administrative
intellect
heart,
with
a
personal
ordinary
been
invited
routines
to
lead
renew
your minds and spirits.
3
Feature - Always on the move...
AMANDA BARTOLO is the person who keeps us all sane! Her efficient management of the affairs of the Department helps us to
carry out our responsibilities in the best manner possible.
Interview by Mario Thomas Vassallo
Amanda is one of those persons that you cannot miss out.
And what she does?
She is always there when the need arises. Lecturers,
Amanda joined the University of Malta in 1998 and at that
students, administrators and visitors alike seek to contact
time she was posted as at the Junior College. After five
her all day long. Whether you need a change in venue or
and a half years, in 2004, she was reassigned to the
else seeking advice which tutorial group to join, Amanda is
Departments of Public Policy and Social Policy/Work which
always right on the spot to help you solve your problems.
both form part of FEMA. “The change was not a simple one
She is at the centre of the Department’s operations and her
for me”, recounted Amanda, “I had to come to terms with
input is invaluable for all the stakeholders involved. Her
the policies and procedures of the University. At the Junior
timid, yet assertive personality is indeed a great asset for
College there are no credit systems and faculties. Here is a
us all. In this issue of our newsletter, we decided to get to
different story. Once I have been posted in the Department,
know her a little bit better: who she is? What she thinks?
I found myself automatically responsible for all the
operations and interactions involved. I had to take
ownership of all the bits and pieces forming the
Department, but this doesn’t bother me at all. I enjoy
working on my own, setting my targets and getting
satisfaction from achieving self imposed deadlines.”
However, Amanda is not the type of person who doesn’t
like to socialise with other colleagues. She explained to
me that during the academic year, particularly during
exams’ periods, she joins her counterparts in the other
FEMA departments and work as one team. “So, I am
proud that my job provides me both with opportunities to
work on my own initiative and to share my know-how and
resources with my team mates in the Faculty”.
When asked about which part of her job she considers the
most challenging, she hastily replied that the coordination
of the first year students of the B.Com programme is the
most hectic. The numbers are so large, that as soon as
you try to accommodate even a minor change, you run the
4
risk of breaking the whole system. “When students come to
they usually do), then it’s up to her to try and find the best
me with various difficulties, including lecture clashes, I
solution in the shortest time possible by contacting the
have to deal with the situation on a case by case basis. I
lecturer concerned. Logistics are crucial in guaranteeing a
believe in fairness and, thus, cannot devise a solution
student-friendly environment during this period when many
where some will benefit at the cost of others”, Amanda
students suffer from anxiety and stress. Once the invigilator
stated firmly. She feels sad whenever students or lecturers
calls ‘time out’, there is a whole process which ultimately
are adamant about their needs without taking into
leads to the insertion of results in the e-sims. But before
consideration the whole scenario and the organisational
this can take place, Amanda and her colleagues are
restraints she has to work within. On the other hand, she
immersed
had seen the Department expanding over the years by
conversions, double-checking, and coordinating examiners’
recruiting new full and part-time lecturers, many of whom
meetings. “This involves a high degree of teamwork and
are still young and continuing their studies at a Doctoral
we have to honour deadlines as scheduled, but since we
level. In the past year, Amanda was also part of the team
have all established an excellent working relationship, the
who devised an action plan to promote the Department
job becomes a bit easier for us all”.
in
strict
procedures,
including
number
among potential students, recruiting agencies and the
community.
The most exciting times for Amanda are the examinations’
periods which involve a great degree of back and front
office work. Prior to the exam period, she has to compile
the papers, coordinate examiners’ meetings and, after
making the necessary amendments, refers the paper to the
Faculty office. When exams are being held, Amanda visits
each and every venue where Departmental exams are
being held and, if students come up with problems (which
With the scope of getting to know better how Amanda spends a day in the office, I asked her about her activities during the
different times of the day…
Early morning
6:50am - waking-up time. There was a time when Amanda used to go walking at 4:30am but nowadays she
prefers to do that later on in the day. Usually she prepares her work lunch the evening before, but if not, she takes with her some
ready made snacks that do no not require any preparation. She cleans and feeds Holly, her adorable flat-face pug, and then she
is off to work, driving her own car, accompanied by one of her sisters who also work at the University.
Morning The clock marks 8:00am. This is the time when all the non-academic staff meets at the FEMA office. It is the time to
sign the attendance sheet, chat with colleagues and, most importantly, get information from the Faculty Officer regarding some
essential new targets for the day.
5
Immediately afterwards, Amanda enters the Department’s office and switches on the PC to read the incoming mail. Most of the
time, there are a number of emails that require immediate action, for example when one of the lecturers cancels a session and,
thus, students need to be advised immediately. There are always a versatile number of queries from students, lecturers,
University administration, Faculty office and outsiders that need to be answered quite urgently and take any follow-up action. A
cup of tea or coffee works miracles at this hour.
By this time, Amanda is busy taking phone calls and dealing with students who drop in her office. Lecturers also do so and she
assists them in their needs: raising purchasing orders, paying petty cash, making copies and all the rest.
The Head of the Department pops in from time to time or calls her to go to his office. There are meetings to be coordinated,
seminars to be organised, info to be disseminated, letters to be sent on the Head’s behalf, notices to be affixed on the noticeboards, and data to be collected and analysed. Over the years, Amanda has established a
friendly
relationship with Prof Pirotta, our former head, whom she finds to be both professional and
jolly, good company and productive in both research and tutoring. Although still in his initial
months at the Departmental headship, Dr Warrington, according to Amanda, is a real
gentleman, a perfectionist and always ready to show appreciation. “He has all the
attributes to continue leading our Department with great success”, concluded
Amanda with an enthusiastic voice.
12:30pm Mid-day break time. Like her day’s work, Amanda’s breaks do not have a given
pattern. Sometimes she
goes for a walk on her own or with a colleague of her, whilst there are days when all FEMA secretaries unite and go for in drink
at one of the coffee shops around University. When the weather is cold and rainy, Amanda prefers to stay in her office or go visit
her mum who lives in Msida.
Afternoon : Generally, the afternoons are calmer than the mornings. This is the best time for Amanda to work on those issues that
need more thought and require additional attention. This might include the updating of course catalogues, the writing of
meetings’ minutes or the online editing of the Department’s website. Other tasks are related to academic staff requirements,
including the compilation of part-time lecturers’ salaries and scanning of course material to be sent online to students who attend
the evening courses. “Adult students who attend our evening sessions do not have time to visit any of the copying shops, so we
provide this service to them to ease their preparation for the lectures”, Amanda told me.
Evening The clock marks 5:00pm. Time to go home. If she hasn’t got any errands to make, Amanda heads directly to home
where little Holly is eagerly waiting for her. She reserves the half an hour walk for this time of the day, if she didn’t make it during
the mid-day break. Once John, her husband, is back from work, they usually have their dinner by 7:30pm and spend the last
hours of the day watching a good programme or movie on TV or DVD.
This is the life behind the desk for Amanda. She is a very positive person who believes in the power of love in all of its forms.
Although she is committed to make the utmost of her job, she is a firm believer that a true person is the one who manage to
achieve a healthy work-life balance.
On behalf of my academic colleagues, I wish to publicly thank Amanda for her dedication, commitment and friendship.
6
Graduates of the Department of Public Policy
“I found the public policy course to be very
Profile of Dauglas Salt
Douglas Salt is a member of the Board
of Directors as well as a share holder
of the company. He is responsible for
overall
Branch
Operations
and
Property Registrations.
Douglas has been working with the company for 14 years.
personalised and stimulating , as well as a great
tool for personal development and thought
processes. The industrial psychology segment has
proven to be of great use throughout my working
life” DOUGLAS SALT
He became Branch Manager of Frank Salt’s Balzan Office
in 1997 and later in 2004 also the San Gwann Branch
Manager. With his extensive knowledge of the property
industry in Malta, Douglas is regarded as the top sales
consultant although he also has vast organisational,
Testimonial by Denitsa Mitova:
managerial and motivational skills.
He is the key liaison with both clients and developers;
providing advice and ensuring that Frank salt Real Estate
Ltd., are always ahead of the game on any developments
within the property market.
“the broader perspective
and insight I gathered during my PP
lectures at UOM made me more
perceptive and competitive”
Douglas was the secretary of the former Association of
Estate Agents and following its demise, in November 2005
successfully founded a Federation Of Estate Agents, of
which most agencies are members and of which he is
Founder President. He is also Founder Member of the
Rotary Club La Valette and was founder secretary for three
years.He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree
from the University of Malta in 1994, majoring in public
policy and management.
Douglas can be contacted at:
174, Naxxar Road, San Gwann SGN 9030, Malta
T: + 356 2316 1660
F: +356 2137 1357
M: +356 9949 0363
My name is Denitsa and I believe you remember me as
one of the Bulgarians that graduated from the UoM. I\'d like
to express my gratitude to the whole Public Policy Dept
and especially to you for the precoius advice with regards
to both academic and personal life. You, Mr Warrington
and Mr Vassalo provided me with a great study experience
and I often remember some of the topics we discussed at
class.I hope this email finds you in good health and even
better mood. I am about to finish my MSc in Business
Studies at the University of Amsterdam this year and I\'d
like to admit that the broader perspective and insight I
gathered during my PP lectures at UoM made me more
perceptive and competitive. Thank you once again!
E: dsalt@franksalt.com.mt .
7
Seminar on Historical Representations and Political Identities
The Department of Public Policy within the Faculty of
Economics, Management convened a seminar on
Historical Representations and Political Identities for
students of the current cohort of the Diploma in Political
Studies.
The speakers were Professor James Liu from Victoria
University of Wellington, New Zealand and Professor
Denis Hilton from the University of Toulouse-II, France.
The seminar was held on Tuesday 27th April 2010 at
Gateway Building and was chaired by Robert Micallef,
Resident Academic at the Department of Public Policy.
are in intergroup relations, particularly involving identity and
history. He has written extensively on the identity of
overseas Chinese, on the bicultural identities of Maori and
Pakeha, and has written
James Liu
on historical conflict and
Dr James Liu, is an American
reconciliation between Chinese and Japanese. He co-
political
cultural
edited an interdisciplinary book on New Zealand Identities,
psychologist who received his
published by VUW Press in 2005 and is currently writing a
PhD in social psychology in
book on the Birth of Global Consciousness: A Psycho-
1992 from UCLA. He is a
history of the last 500 years.
and
Professor in Psychology at
of
Denis Hilton
Denis Hilton is professor of social psychology at the
Wellington (VUW), where he
University of Toulouse-II. His research interests are in
Victoria
University
has worked since emigrating to New Zealand in 1994. He
social
is currently Deputy Director of the Centre for Applied Cross
conversational pragmatics and reasoning, decision-making
Cultural Research (CACR) at VUW.
,and experimental economics.
His research is at the interface between political, social,
and cross-cultural psychology where he has published
more than a hundred publications. His research interests
cognition
(especially
causal
attribution),
He has a special research interest in the social psychology
of history particularly on representations of the second
world war in Europe.
8
A seminar on the Encylical Letter ‘Caritas in Veritate’ and the global economic crisis
(1) The panel of expert speakers who took an active part during the seminar
(2) Part of the audience who attended for the seminar held in Mosta
The Department of Public Policy in collaboration with Għaqda Studenti tat-Teoloāija organised a well-attended seminar on the
Encyclical ‘Caritas in Veritate’ on Saturday, March 27, 2010
This seminar, held at the Katekumenju in Mosta, gave the opportunity to students, the academic community and the public in
general, to a further understanding and reflection regarding the encyclical while keeping in mind the present global economic
crisis. This Papal document incorporates a wide array of socio-economic and political realties, including the dynamics of the free
market, business ethics, globalisation, consumer rights, the renewal of the United Nations, the energy crisis, together with
poverty and unemployment.
Various experienced speakers took part, including MP Edwin Vassallo, Dr Joe Mifsud, the Head of the Department of Public
Policy Dr Edward Warrington, the Dean of the Faculty of Theology Rev Profs Emmanuel Agius, the Provincial of the Augustinian
Friars Fr Luëjan Borg OSA, Godfrey Leone Ganado, Fr Mark Sultana and Mario Thomas Vassallo.
Malta Journalism Awards
An interview conducted by Carmel Bonello with Prof Godfrey Pirotta on the study of Public Policy
and as a career for students won First Prize in its category during the journalism awards
ceremony held by the Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin. The judging panel was chaired by President
Emiritus Dr Eddie Fenech Adami. The interview was part of a series of interview programmes by
the name Taht il-Lenti produced and presented on RTK Radio by Carmel Bonello.
9
Robert Micallef talks to Professor Godfrey Pirotta about his career highlights, his years
as head of the Department of Public Policy and the state of public affairs in Malta
RM - During your career you have
and for advice on their studies. Their
to the development of the
played a key role in pioneering the study
heart remained with the department.
University. In addition to their
of public administration, politics and
Although initially the Department was
teaching they sit on university
public policy in Malta and have been a
not fully accepted within the Faculty
bodies responsible for Quality
member of the department since its
today
Assurance, Academic Staff
inception in 1978. How do you look back
department has made to the Faculty is
Development,
at these years of growth for the
fully recognised and appreciated, even
Justice and Commitment. The
department?
by the current Rector and his
department's contribution to
the
contribution
that
predecessors.
the
It
Ethics
and
is
Malta can be seen in the fact
GP - The department has
significant
that
that many of those now in
made
graduates of Public
leading managerial positions
Policy
hold
in both the private and the
lecturing posts on a
public sector are graduates of
an
contribution
astounding
to
the
Faculty, University and
today
Malta. Students who chose public policy as
full-time and part-time basis with at
our
one of their major areas have always stated
least four other departments, in
examples will suffice: Dr
that it was the best choice that they had
addition to Public Policy. The current
Leonard Mizzi, formerly Head
made.
Head
of
of the Brussels Business
Management is actually a graduate of
Bureau, now a Director with
Even those that actually chose another
our Department. Academic members
the EU; Mr Walter Farrugia,
area for their Honours usually came
of
formerly of KPMG now an EU
back to us to supervise their dissertation
contributed and continue to contribute
the
of
the
Department
department
have
also
department.
official;
Mr
John
A
few
Portelli
10
currently CEO at Viset Valletta Water
education; second, we adopted a
have
experienced
Front Operations; there at least five to
British style of teaching allowing for
graduates and they want
six Permanent Secretaries who are
continued interaction with students
more. Last year every
graduates of the Department; Ms
on both a formal and an informal
single
Therese Vassallo, Acting
level; and third our courses were
Honours student had a
Public
our
Policy
inter-disciplinary
good career position to go
National Council for
that our graduates
to even before they had
Persons Equality; Dr
found
to
sat for their exams. This
Joseph
specialise in other
year the calls have been
areas
coming through again.
Director
of
so
the
Muscat,
formerly
MEP now
Leader
of
it
easy
such
Economics,
the
as
HRM,
Opposition and the
European
Studies,
RM
Labour Party; and of
Diplomatic
Studies,
published the official
interest one should note that Mr Karl
Statistics, and of course Public
history of Malta's House
Gouder, who has just been co-opted
Policy. When I became Head of
of
as a member of Parliament for the
Department I sought to sharpen
What are your views on
Nationalist Party , is also a former
the mission of the department,
the
graduate of the department. In fact the
entrench
friendly
Parliament today? Does
list is endless and I can say that no
philosophy through an open door
Parliament need to be
other department in the Faculty enjoys
policy, increase accountability and
re-located?
the success that our department has
transparency in the assessment
enjoyed since its inception. Even at an
of student work, attract
academic level our department has the
foreign academics and
highest
students,
rate
of
postgraduates,
relations
including Ph.Ds, in the faculty.
private
its
student
-
In
2006
you
Representatives.
operations
of
It was gratifying to be chosen by
both sides of the House for
this
task.
establish
But
unfortunately
with
my
sector
has
research
increasingly
RM - How would you describe
organizations, such as
your achievements and highlights
Competitive Malta, with whom
of
of
we signed an agreement, and raise
department between 2000 and
the public profile of the department.
respect for Parliament has
2009?
On this latter point I have to say
dwindled among its own
GP - Even before I became head of
that it was the quality of our
members. There seems to
department a number of practices
graduates that has really made this
be no desire to ensure
had been established. In the first
possible for I am astounded at the
that the spirit, as well as
instance
a
ever growing number of employers
the letter of the rules -
our
who now call me to ask about our
including
potential
rules - are respected.
your
curriculum
years
we
had
which
as
head
designed
provided
students with a top of the range
graduates.
Employers
given
me
the
impression
that
today,
more
than
ever
before,
Constitutional
11
Parliament is not only the supreme
making false declarations under
changing it to suit current
law-making institution of the country
oath
campaign
costs seems to send out the
but the main scrutinizing agency of a
spending. If I am right, and recent
message that they would
democracy. But it is clear that it is
events seem to indicate that I am
rather not publicize how much
failing in its duties. Look at the way
right,
are
funds they are ready to
the Public Accounts Committee is
breaking two laws; the one on how
commit to stand for election or
structured and functions and you will
much they can spend; and the one
win a seat.
see
that
about
these
their
candidates
it
provides citizens
RM - Is the Maltese public
with little if any
service coping well with the
protection
institutional demands of an
from
abuse
or
maladministration
EU member state?
in
public
expenditure. And no I do not think
that a new Parliament building is
necessary,
certainly
before
Parliament has been given the funds
to create those support systems
which are so badly needed. For
example, it is clear that Permanent
Committees do not have the staff,
administrative and technical, to
render its work truly meaningful.
Parliament will have a new building
against perjury. I cannot accept
that those whom we elect to make
laws for the good governance of
the island deserve my respect if
they themselves cannot, when it's
stricter control over the campaign
spending of electoral candidates.
You also said that candidates that
broke electoral
laws are not
views
about
today's
situation?
GP - In 1993 I pointed to two things:
First that electoral candidates and
some newly elected MPs may be
understand
beginning
to
what
EU
membership really involves.
But the
problem
of
fact that the
public
democratic
government,
service
often
ignored in Malta, is
that no one is above the law. And
point I made was that campaign
spending by individual candidates
was rising alarmingly. My question
was, and remains, why is that
happening?
lies
now in the
fundamentally rule
has
not
been structured to meet these
demands. For example, the
public service has as yet no
quite developed its policy
analysis core. It has made
some
progress
in
this
direction but it still does not
have the policy advisors
required
by
any
modern
government to fulfill its role
worthy of being MPs. What are
your
now
those laws. One
candidates included. The second
RM - In 1993, you called for
is
in their interest to do so, keep
no one means no one, electoral
but not soul.
GP - I think the public service
Why is being elected to Parliament so
important that one needs to spend a
fortune doing it? Is it perhaps because
the economic benefits outweigh the
costs? The readiness of politicians to
effectively. The EU is not
about what has been decided
today but understanding the
implications
of
today's
decisions for the future and
go on breaking the law rather than
12
planning accordingly. There is nobody
has no resources and whose
really asking what will be required in ten
RM - What is your assessment of
economic agenda is set by
or twenty years from now. Also there is
Malta's main challenges today as a
the world economy needs a
need to distinguish between providing
small state navigating competitive
leadership
leadership on the domestic level and
international waters?
addressing the EU dimension. For
example,
capable
of
communicating
and
of
GP - A different kind of leadership than
mobilizing
population
has
we have had so far. That is a
towards realistic economic
remained so centralized that those at
leadership that cuts the buzz words
goals. A leadership that sets
the top have to concern themselves with
and the spin and re-educates the
the example and refrains from
the agenda dictated by Ministers, that
Maltese as to the real challenges
the now decades old trend of
dictated by the EU and the overall
facing the island. A leadership that sets
living beyond the island's
administration of departments. This has
an example of professional and ethical
means.
to change and more delegation of
conduct and which does away with
powers allowed further down the
political patronage and puts merit at
managerial hierarchy.
the top of the agenda. An island that
the
public
service
the
“The EU is not about what has been decided today
but understanding the implications of today's decisions
for the future and planning accordingly.”
“… the public service has remained so centralized that those at the top
have to concern themselves with the agenda dictated by Ministers, that dictated by the
EU and the overall administration of departments. …This has to change and more
delegation of powers allowed further down the managerial hierarchy”
13
Annual Lecture on Gender and Public Policy:
Women and Politics: Presence and Participation in the European Union
The Public Policy Department of the University of Malta together with the National Council of Women (NCW) and the National
Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) convened the first Annual Lecture on Gender and Public Policy. The lecture
honoured the memory of the late Agatha Barbara and the late Josephine Burns Debono, two pioneering women who paved the
road for the participation of Maltese women in the nation's public life.
The Memorial Lecture was held on the 11th March 2010 at the University building, St Paul Street, Valletta. Professor Emeritus
Elizabeth Meehan from Queen's University, Belfast, spoke on Women and Politics: Presence and Participation in the European
Union. Elizabeth Meehan completed her undergraduate education at Sussex University and post-graduate education at Oxford.
Her first full-time lectureship was at Bath University from where she was granted leave to hold a Hallsworth Fellowship at
Manchester University. She was appointed to a chair in
Politics at QUB in 1991, where she also became a Jean Monnet
Professor and, from 2001-05, was the founding Director of the
Institute of Governance. In 1998-99 and in 2004, she held Visiting
Fellowships at The Policy Institute, Trinity College Dublin and the
Institute of Advanced Studies in the Humanities at Edinburgh
University. During the 1990s, she chaired the Political Studies
Association of the United Kingdom and is now an Honorary VicePresident. The Association made her a 'Lifetime Achievement'
award in 2005 and, in 2006, the UACES made an award to mark
her contribution to European Community studies in Ireland. She
now holds honorary positions at the Policy Institute, Trinity College, in the School of Politics and International Relations,
University College Dublin, and in the School of Social and Political Science at Edinburgh University. She is an elected member of
the Royal Society for the Arts, the Academy of the Social Sciences, and the Royal Irish Academy. The lecture was co-ordinated
by Anne Marie Thake, resident academic at the Department of Public Policy.
14
First year Public Policy students
Visit to National Archives
15
Family Policy in Malta: Practical Aspects
Anne Marie Thake lectures the first students in Introduction to Public Policy. This semester, Ms Thake
invited a Guest Speaker – Ms Stephania Dimech Sant BA (Hons.) S.W.; MA (Sussex), A.L.C.M to deliver
a presentation on Family Policy in Malta: Practical Aspects to the first year students of B. Commerce.
Since September 2008, Ms Dimech Sant has been occupying the role of Policy Co-ordinator in the Prime Minister’s Private
Secretariat. Within her remit, she is responsible for policy review and implementation monitoring, compilation of information and
preparation of meeting briefs. Her presentation focused on the principles and definitions of family policy in Malta and stressed
that family policy is also a tool to enable society to adapt better to the changing circumstances. Her presentation was wellattended and the students greatly benefited from her knowledge and work experience.
Ms Stephania Dimech Sant
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The Role of the Social Partners in the context of the EU 2020
By Maria Brown
The EU 2020 is located within the context of the recent
This draws attention to the moves of trade unions in Malta
economic recession. Despite repercussions, one positive
in
outcome is the strategy for increased cooperation with the
Concurrently precarious conditions of certain flexi-jobs in
social partners, amongst other national - state and civil
Malta include stigmatising teleworkers as inefficient,
society - entities. The agenda projects increased
denying career advancement opportunities to workers
cooperation with the social partners in the implementation
employed with reduced hours and getting away with
of national reform programmes, particularly in the spheres
unequal rights for equal employment thanks to ambiguities
of education, training,
youth unemployment and job
in contracts and job descriptions. In this light, the risk of
At EU level, the social partners are
steering trade unions away from issues of social welfare as
represented by three main organisations: The European
a by-product of the EU 2020’s focus on economic and
Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), representing workers;
ecological issues comes at a very inappropriate time. The
The Union of Industries of the European Community
good news is that the detailed parameters of the strategy,
(UNICE), representing private sector employers; and The
including the detailed guidelines and national targets will be
European
(CEEP),
finalised in June 2010. The social partners should seek
representing public sector employers. The European
social dialogue to wisely use the governance at national,
Commission consults with them when drawing up
local and regional levels, advocated by the same agenda,
proposals for social and employment legislation. Indeed,
to underpin social welfare to economic growth and
trade unions in Malta are active in promoting social welfare
ecological
beyond the sphere of employment rates, such as
sustainability.
transitions.
Centre
for
Public
Enterprise
the
immediate
and
not-so-immediate
future.
occupational health and safety and family hardships due to
the recent introduction of utility surcharge. Without falling in
the idealistic trap of expecting an all-encompassing
agenda, it is valid to say that the European Council has by
and large neglected these issues in the EU 2020. Indeed,
the union of European countries has a long history of
juggling between the economic and social progress of its
member-states. Moreover, the European Council had to
account for ecological sustainability in the new agenda.
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Happy Holidays!
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