The Malta Business Weekly Homepage -
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Published on: 6/24/2001
Last Visited: 6/24/2001
Peter Brennan , director - Irish Business and Employers Confederation
Firstly , recognise and appreciate that you need the EU more than they need you.This stark fact means that very few concessions will be made in the accession negotiations , Mr Brennan said , providing a list of suggestions to Malta.
Another important tip from Mr Brennan was Make the screening process as simple as possible , as the Cypriots are doing.The fewer complications you present , the quicker you will get in..
He urged the country to adopt a consensual approach.This would really help the economy.It would frustrate the negotiators and send wrong signals to EU members if you keep giving conflicting messages , he cautioned.
In this regard , Mr Brennan recommended that Malta issue a White Paper on the consequences of EU membership.Political ambitions to become and EU member state will come to nought if the electorate does not buy into the process..he reminded the floor.
He stressed the importance of good intelligence about the EU and directed participants to Malta's Business Bureau in Brussels , which he described as an excellent resource.
Do not wait for events.Anticipate them and make your plans accordingly , Mr Brennan advised in an inspiring address that focused on the many benefits derived by Ireland through becoming an EU member.
A valuable word of advice was that Malta should buy into expertise : Do not try to re-invent solutions that have worked elsewhere.Do not try to do everything yourselves..
As he gave the Irish experience of EU membership , he stressed that joining the EU is all about change , challenge and chance.
The secret of Ireland's success is based on an uncomplicated policy agenda.
...
One participant asked Mr Brennan who he would choose as part of his team were he to be appointed leader of Malta's negotiations with the EU.
Mr Brennan replied that the team would have to include representatives of the major sectors involved , such as the agriculture and food industry , with each person being fully conversant in the different aspects of the sphere being represented.
You would need individuals who understand the Brussels acquis.You'd probably need to buy into that expertise , probably form Slovenia or Cyprus ; and train civil servants accordingly , he said.
He also underlined the importance of the contribution of Malta's ambassador in Brussels and the EU ambassador to Malta in negotiations : They have a critical role to play..
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