Social justice, integration 'priority' for non executive EU presidents convened in Malta

The President said social justice, integration and inclusion should be prioritised during the largest ever Arraiolos meeting | She also admitted that she was 'pleased' to see the largest female presidents, three in total, joining the event

The Arraiolos Group is the largest meeting of non-executive EU presidents. [Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday]
The Arraiolos Group is the largest meeting of non-executive EU presidents. [Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday]

Social justice, inclusion and integration were on the agenda for today's official opening of the 14th Arraiolos meeting, hosted by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

"It is so important for us to ensure that the dignity of each and every individual is celebrated," she said.

Arraiolos Malta 2017 is a multinational informal convention that brings together European Union member states to discuss the future development of the EU.

Crossing Borders- this year’s Arraiolos theme- will be the biggest meeting since its conception in 2003, as 13 presidents convene to discuss social class and migration.

"Malta's strategic position meant that our country was always a melting pot of cultures," she continued.

"I would like to invite you to discuss social models to face poverty, inclusion and social justice," she said. "We cannot only drive for economic growth, but also talk about social justice. We cannot be afriad to tackle poverty, exclusion which impact societies."

The President called for unity, as she insisted that issues of migration, trans national crime and poverty are global and can only be addressed with a "united approach"

"No citizens within our countries must feel forgotten," she concluded.

Coleiro Preca admitted that she was "pleased" that this would be the first time that this would be the largest female presidents, three in total, joining the meeting.

Coleiro Preca was joined by Italian President Sergio Matarella as well as Presidents from the 13 countries involved in the Arraiolos meetings: Germany, Slovenia, Poland, Austria, Estonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Finland, Hungary, Latvia and Portugal.