There is no doubt that the negotiation process is the largest project the Maltese government has undertaken since independence. Naturally, a great deal of work has been accomplished in a short time, and Maltese society has responded admirably to the adjustments this process has required.
On the other hand, there are areas where we have modified or refined some existing aspects of the legislation, but in general, we can say that Malta already possessed the basic infrastructure to deal with a large number of aspects of community acquisition.
The negotiations on agriculture were the longest. They also included administrative reforms prompted by the prospect of joining the EU.
The issue of non-resident citizens acquiring a second property was another sensitive matter, primarily because the EU had stated that non-permanent exemptions would be granted during the negotiations. Since a permanent exemption was necessary, it was hotly debated to ensure our position was understood.
Among the most complex issues were those related to indirect taxes. After lengthy negotiations, we secured a transition period until 2010 to maintain the zero VAT rate on food and pharmaceutical products, provided that no other member state retains similar exemptions after that date. It is important to note that an identical request from another candidate country resulted in a considerably less favorable agreement.
Negotiating the financial offer was another difficult element, but I think that was partly because the EU's starting point was unacceptable to all the candidate countries.
Malta will hold a referendum on EU membership on March 8, 2003, becoming the first candidate country to consult its electorate. Polls have consistently shown that the majority of Maltese citizens believe that joining the EU is in the country's best interest.
As a Mediterranean country, Malta believes that Greece can boost the somewhat forgotten Euro-Med process.
From the perspective of accession, we have already completed the most exciting parts of the negotiations, and we now need to finalize the drafting of the Accession Treaty with the Greeks. Malta expects the signing ceremony to take place in Athens on April 16, 2003.
Information provided by the Negotiating Team for Malta's Accession to the EU.
Any questions about this news?
Talk to Coexia, the AI of the foreign trade
