The ‘Great Reset’: How can the EU drive a post COVID Recovery?

“The commitment to working together on tackling climate change is driven by the challenges and experienced we’ve endured over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Marisa Xuereb, President of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry during a webinar organised by CORE Platform entitled ‘How can the EU drive a post COVID Recovery?’

Marisa Xuereb noted that this ‘great reset’ brought along a much-needed shift in mindset both locally and internationally. “Although the EU is setting out plans to tackle climate change issues unless funds are allocated towards measurable objectives, an end goal might not be reached,” said Ms Xuereb.

The President of the Malta Chamber said that as with COVID, the EU is as successful as its weakest link and assistance must be provided on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the common goal is reached successfully.

In her intervention, Marisa Xuereb noted that the four main pillars that can drive such change in the context of smart investment are quality of buildings, waste management, sources of energy and decarbonisation of mobility. “As Malta’s leading voice of business, we greatly encourage all businesses to strategise their investment plans and prioritise these elements to truly bring forward this much-needed change,” said Xuereb.

While referring to The Malta Chamber’s recommendations for a Smart and Sustainable Island, President Xuereb explained how The Chamber was always a firm believer in technology and innovation as drivers towards an enhanced future. “Digitalisation can now more than ever enable more effective procedures in an array of sectors. The wave of change that was brought forward due to COVID should be the primary motivator that allows us to re-think the way forward for the years ahead,” concluded Marisa Xuereb.

The panel of speakers included Ms Helga Ellul (President, CORE Platform), Ms Abigail Mamo (CEO, Malta Chamber of SMEs), Ms Doris Sammut Bonnici (Vice-President, Malta Employers’ Association), Ms Claudia Taylor East (Chairperson, SOS Malta) and Mr Joe Tanti (CEO, Malta Business Bureau).