Interview with the Head of the National Delegation in the Committee of the Regions 2010-2015 – Michael Cohen
Why did you take on the challenge to become the leader of your national delegation within the Committee of the Regions?
Having experienced the work of the Committee of the Regions for the past six years, I feel that this in itself is a valid reason to accept the responsibility as Head of the Maltese Delegation. I am more than convinced that I can assist the Maltese Delegation to work closer to other colleagues coming from the 27 Member States. Another reason that gave me the opportunity to have a second mandate as Head of the Delegation, is that I have direct contact with Local Councils. Being the President of the Local Councils Association helps me to keep in close contact.
What are the most important issues that local and regional authorities from your country would like the European Union to tackle?
I think that the impact on climate and environmental issues are the top concerns amongst our members. It was for this reason that we had a positive feedback from a number of Local Councils that signed the Covenant of Mayors. Considering the size of Malta, being so small, where every decision being taken has an impact on the environment, there is no doubt that Local Councils would like to see a more direct action from the European Union on the environment. Having said that, Local Authorities in Malta would like to be more involved in decision making.
How do you foresee stepping up communication on Europe in your country, and how will you cooperate with associations representing local and regional authorities in this area?
Being the President of the Local Councils Association, I have the means and access to the media for better communicating the work being carried out. Although we do have our website which is updated daily, and although we communicate almost every day with the Local Councils, there is always the need to improve our communication, especially on the work being carried out in the Committee of the Regions. Unfortunately it is not always easy for them to catch up for the simple reason that it is not easy to understand what is being done in one single briefing. We have to add value by organising seminars and keep direct contact and invite representatatives from the Committee of the Regions to have a direct face to face discussion with our Mayors and Councilors.