Visit to the European Commission and the European Parliament

Representatives of the National Council of Women Malta—Ms Therese Cassola, Ms Marie Demicoli, Ms Gertrude Abela and Ms Iona Baldacchino—participated in an information visit to the European Commission and the European Parliament in Brussels. The visit took place from 24th to 26th September and was organised upon the invitation of the Malta European Commission Representation. Delegates from various women’s organisations also formed part of the group.

European Commission

The programme commenced with a visit to the European Commission’s Charlemagne Building. Ms Oana Chitescu delivered the first presentation: “Shaping Europe’s Future – The European Commission at Work.” The session provided an overview of the Commission’s role, priorities, and current legislative initiatives. This was followed by a presentation by Ms Juliea Koch-De Biolley, Head of the European External Action Service Taskforce for Equality, who led a discussion on “The Role of Women in EU External Action and Economic Diplomacy.”

Before lunch, Ms Rune Vanleeuw presented the work of DG JUST, with a focus on combatting violence against women across member states. Lunch was hosted by the European Commission, during which participants had the opportunity to meet Mr Clint Tanti, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Mr Glenn Micallef. The afternoon session featured Ms Valerie Reyser from the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security, who gave a presentation on the Female Talent Development Programme, outlining the Commission’s initiatives to strengthen gender balance and promote women’s leadership within EU institutions.

European Parliament

The following day was dedicated to meetings at the European Parliament. Delegates met policy officers from the Cabinet of President Roberta Metsola and discussed the Parliament’s ongoing efforts to defend and promote women’s rights across the EU. Areas addressed included gender equality in the workplace, political participation, tackling gender-based violence, ensuring equal pay, and improving representation of women on corporate boards. It was noted that the European Parliament organises an annual Gender Equality Week, providing an opportunity to review progress, highlight challenges, and identify new measures to advance the rights of women and girls across the European Union.

Mr Neil Smart Costantino, Parliamentary Assistant to President Metsola, facilitated a visit to the President’s office. Although President Metsola was attending a high-level meeting in New York, participants were still able to tour the premises and gain insight into the work carried out by the President.

The final session of the visit featured MEP Thomas Bajada, who provided a comprehensive explanation of the workings of the European Parliament. He outlined the structure of parliamentary seating, the organisation of political groups, and the procedures governing debates and voting.

On behalf of the National Council of Women Malta, sincere thanks are extended to the European Commission Representation in Malta—particularly Ms Mariella Mangion and Ms Claudine Camilleri—for organising a memorable, insightful, and highly informative visit. The visit also served as a networking opportunity, making new friends and meeting other stakeholders from Women’s Organisations.