According to Greek mythology the Phoenix, a fabled bird lived 500 years. Others yet believed its life cycle lasted over thousands of years, at which end it burned itself on a funeral pyre, only to rise again from the ashes with reserved youth and beauty. Its dramatic rebirths made the bird a symbol of immortality and spiritual revival. In much the same fashion the Phoenix refused to die, so has Malta struggled over the centuries against insurmountable odds to become master of its own destiny. It is a paradox that having attained its rightful place within the global community, Malta must of necessity re- evaluate the price of its freedom in relationship with the European Union (EU).
The change of government in Malta from the Nationalist to the Labor party comes at a crucial time, when the island nation is struggling to find its way in an increasingly complex struggle, for long term survival and profitability. There is no question that both parties have the best interest of Malta in mind, inspite of different political spectrums. Full integration as a member of the EU, poses potentially serious problems for an island nation with limited resources , and for its European benefactors, in equal measure. In spite of hype proclaiming one big happy family, national self interest is the Achilles heels preventing a true union of the democracies. All 15 nations are reluctant to forego centuries old rivalries and identities. Can any reasonable person envision England giving up its pound sterling in favor of Euro currency, or playing second fiddle to a dominant Germany? Much the same situation prevails in Malta. By virtue of its minuscule size Malta stands to be devoured whole, by the nurturing embrace of mother Europe. In the process Malta might well lose its special character and independence, without gaining offset values. What then is Malta to do, being part of Europe with its cultural, social and political institutions inherited from the West.
The answer may well be to ask for EU Associate membership, a marriage of convenience which might benefit both sides of an unequal partnership. The arrangement would extend EU military security and other bilateral trade and cultural protocols, without provoking European fear of disproportionate power sharing with a diminutive member state. For Malta, it will be in a position to retain its national character and identity for the foreseeable future, until a more equitable system of power sharing is formulated with the passage of time. The commonwealth relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico serves as a good precedence, albeit that the United States is not Europe, and Puerto Rico is not Malta. Nonetheless it is impressive in the degree of accommodation that the world's most powerful nation has bestowed on a tiny island dependency. Imperfect as it may be, Puerto Rico's rich Catholic identity and Latino way of life have been maintained, even as the island does not enjoy full representation within the U.S Congress.
As long as Europe remains an entity in principal and not in fact, divided by selfish motives, there is no hope for Malta being treated on equal terms. The key to Malta's continued prosperity is to persue a win -some, lose-some course of action. A moderate policy of accommodation with a beneficent Europe, offers a reasonable way out in its search for a viable solution to the political impasse it now faces. Europe can survive without Malta, but Malta cannot do likewise without Europe. Bitter as this reality is, an eventual accord must take into account the aspirations of two unmatched contestants. Only then can Malta reap the best of two worlds, maintaining a degree of autonomy while living under the protective umbrella of Europe. Full EU membership for Malta is simply not in the best interest of Europe. The European parliament will be weakened considerably if smaller nations are given the same perks and privileges accorded larger ones in casting critical votes. An identical situation exists within the United Nations where Malta has the same carrying weight as the United States or Russia, in votes affecting problems of global scope and urgency.
Europe's leaders are pledged to create a simpler, more user-friendly European Union and smooth the way for other nations to join the world's largest trading bloc. The EU leaders agree there must be flexibility in allowing some countries to integrate faster than others, based on a system of preference. Therein lies the problem with Malta given its small size. Perhaps one day well into the 21st century or beyond, when Europe will have become like America, a single nation unified in purpose and identity, smaller nations like Malta will be seen as family members deserving equal rights and treatment. Until than Malta is better served maintaining a respectable distance from an over powerful parental embrace. To suffer death through caring suffocation offers no consolation for the deceased. Even the Phoenix can be recycled just so many times.