Glenn Micallef is Malta’s Commissioner-designate in the new von der Leyen Commission. He is poised to be entrusted with the portfolio for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. Mr Micallef and other proposed commissioners will now face a grilling by MEPs, who will then vote on the college as a whole. If the vote is favourable, the college of commissioners will proceed to assume office.
Mr Micallef’s mission, outlined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, centres on youth empowerment, cultural development, and intergenerational fairness. As part of the work surrounding his portfolio, the European Commission Representation in Malta explained that Mr Micallef will ensure young people are actively involved in shaping Europe’s future, promoting greater freedom and responsibility within society. Mr Micallef will prepare a strategy to strengthen communication between generations and safeguard future generations in EU policymaking.
A key task is addressing the impacts of social media and cyberbullying by leading an action plan and contributing to an EU-wide inquiry on social media’s broader effects. He will help implement the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and establish a Youth Advisory Board for community engagement.
In culture and sport, Mr Micallef will develop a "culture compass" to guide cultural policy and improve artists' working conditions. He will also propose ways to enhance access to cultural heritage. In sports, his focus will be on strengthening European sport diplomacy and the European sport model, while promoting physical activity for mental well-being.
Mr Micallef will work under the executive vice-president for people, skills, and preparedness, with the support of the Directorate General for Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport.
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