JOE Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, will be spending a few days in Malta for a series of meetings with political leaders and representatives of the Maltese fishing industry. The discussions will focus on the Green Paper on a future Maritime Policy for the European Union, which is one of the strategic objectives of the Barroso Commission. This Green Paper, currently being prepared by a Steering Group of Commissioners, chaired by Commissioner Borg, will be published at the end of May 2006. Its publication will launch an EU-wide consultation of all stakeholders on the economic, social and environmental benefits to be derived from greater integration of our maritime activities. As a maritime nation, Malta has an important role to play in this process. Fisheries and aquaculture will also feature high on the agenda during the Commissioner’s visit. The topics to be covered will include conservation measures in Mediterranean fisheries, the future European Fisheries Fund due to be in place from 1 January 2007 till December 2013, and the progress towards establishing a Regional Advisory Council (RAC) for the Mediterranean. During his visit, the Commissioner will meet Mr Jason Azzopardi, Chair of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, before meeting with the full Committee. He will also meet the President of Malta, Mr Eddie Fenech Adami, and Mr Alfred Sant, Leader of the Opposition. In his meeting with fisheries stakeholders, Commissioner Borg will listen to their concerns and suggestions and discuss issues of importance to them. He will also encourage them to take part fully in the creation of the Mediterranean RAC which will facilitate their involvement in fisheries management. On Monday March 20, Commissioner Borg will conclude his stay in Malta by meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Lawrence Gonzi, and his Cabinet.
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