Glenn Micallef sworn in as Malta’s EU Commissioner for intergenerational fairness, youth, culture and sport

Glenn Micallef has officially assumed his role as Malta’s European Commissioner, joining the new European Commission for the 2024-2029 term led by President Ursula von der Leyen.

He was sworn in on Tuesday (yesterday), along with his fellow Commissioners, in a solemn ceremony before the European Court of Justice.

As required by the Treaties, the members of the College of Commissioners pledged to uphold and safeguard the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. During the ceremony, each Commissioner took their oath in their native language, affirming their independence and commitment to integrity during and after their term in office.

The session was opened by Koen Lenaerts, President of the European Court of Justice, who underscored the European Commission’s vital role as the guardian of the Treaties and the promoter of the Union’s general interests.

In her address, Ms von der Leyen emphasised the importance of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, stating: “A promise that our Union would always stand up for universal rights, the freedoms and the dignity of all people on this great continent.” She also highlighted the challenges facing Europe’s core principles in the coming years, warning that threats will emerge both internally and externally.

“That is why we, this Court and this Commission, are custodians of the rule of law, of democracy and of social progress,” she added.

The President stressed that maintaining Europe’s competitiveness would be a key focus over the next five years: “Our economy is competitive when it stays true to our European social pact and reconciles freedom to conduct business with workers’ protections. Our economy is competitive when men and women enjoy the same opportunities. Our economy is competitive when our citizens and our businesses are protected by an independent judiciary. Rule of law, environmental and climate protection, fair and decent working conditions are not just values – they are our competitive advantage.”

She concluded her speech by urging the Commissioners to dedicate themselves to defending the European Union: “That is a great responsibility, but also a beautiful one. To live up to that responsibility with you, my colleagues, fills me with joy. Let us set to work with a great sense of responsibility, sincerity and joy.”

As Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, Mr Micallef is tasked with strengthening young people’s role in society while fostering cultural heritage and sports development.

His key responsibilities include:

• Developing a Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness to ensure that policies and laws consider the interests of present and future generations.
• Amplifying youth voices in EU policymaking, including coordinating Youth Policy Dialogues and assisting in the establishment of the President’s Youth Advisory Board.
• Creating a Culture Compass, a framework to support and enhance cultural initiatives, particularly improving working conditions for artists and cultural professionals.
• Enhancing the European Sport Model, ensuring sports at all levels contribute to physical and mental well-being.
• Implementing an action plan against cyberbullying and advancing the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child.
• Driving strategic foresight initiatives, identifying emerging trends, research, and technological developments that will impact future generations.