Don't blame everything on Brussels

In his last days before early retirement, the representative of the European Commission in Malta has suggested to the Sunday Times that fingers should be pointed at the Government's policy measures rather than at Brussels:

The outgoing head of the European Commission Delegation to Malta, Ronald Gallimore has urged the Maltese to distinguish between local and EU-related issues before pointing fingers at Brussels. In his last and perhaps frankest interview with The Sunday Times, Mr Gallimore advises the Maltese to check whether any tough measures being taken by the government were in any way related to the EU acquis or if they were local policy measures needed to reach local political or economic objectives.
"When I read the newspapers it seems that everything is Brussels' fault, wherever Brussels is. Sometimes it does suit governments to do that. People should check the facts before they speak out," he said. It was natural for a country to go through a period of "deflation" right after EU membership, he said, adding that he was optimistic Malta would start reaping the benefits of membership within two or three years.
He also augured that EU membership would dilute some of the political fanaticism in the country - a slightly lower voter turnout would actually be a healthy sign.
Mr Gallimore speaks of his bafflement as he saw both the Yes and No camps celebrate in the aftermath of the referendum - minutes after opening his champagne.

Read the full interview.