Helena Dalli: Malta’s Voice in Brussels

Imagine standing in the grand, sun-drenched St. George’s Square in Valletta. The historic buildings, with their worn facades, bear silent witness to the city’s past. Now, picture a woman’s voice, clear and resonant, breaking the silence. “Could you hear our Amen?” she asks, her words echoing off the ancient stones. This is not a ghostly apparition, but Helena Dalli, Malta’s Minister for European Affairs and Equality, making her mark on the political scene.

Helena Dalli is no stranger to making her voice heard. Born and raised in Valletta, she’s seen the city transform over the years. From its humble beginnings as a fortified city to its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta has always been a place of resilience and change. Dalli, much like her hometown, has evolved and adapted, rising through the ranks of Maltese politics to become one of the most influential figures in Brussels.

As Malta’s first female Minister for European Affairs and Equality, Dalli is not just a trailblazer at home; she’s also making waves on the international stage. She’s been a steadfast advocate for Malta’s interests in the European Union, navigating complex negotiations with finesse and determination. But it’s her work on equality that has truly set her apart.

Dalli’s portfolio is a testament to her commitment to equality. She’s been instrumental in pushing for gender equality, LGBTIQ rights, and disability rights, both in Malta and at the EU level. Her work on the EU’s Gender Equality Strategy has been pivotal, with her efforts leading to the appointment of the first EU Coordinator on LGBTIQ Rights.

Back in Malta, Dalli has been a driving force behind the country’s progressive stance on LGBTIQ rights. From the introduction of civil unions to the recent ban on conversion therapy, Malta has become a beacon of hope for LGBTIQ communities across Europe. Dalli’s work has not gone unnoticed; she was awarded the 2020 Stonewall Award for Politician of the Year, a testament to her unwavering commitment to equality.

As Malta prepares to take over the EU presidency in 2027, Dalli’s vision for the country’s future is clear. She sees a Malta that is not just a small player in the EU game, but a key influencer, driving progress on issues like climate change, digital transformation, and social justice. She envisions a Europe that is more equal, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of its citizens.

But Dalli’s ambitions don’t stop at the EU’s borders. She’s a firm believer in Malta’s role as a bridge between Europe and the Mediterranean. She sees the country as a hub for dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation, a place where different cultures can meet, learn from each other, and grow together.

As we stand in St. George’s Square, Dalli’s voice echoes once more, not just in the grand buildings around us, but in the hearts and minds of those who believe in a more equal, more just world. Her question, “Could you hear our Amen?”, is not just a rhetorical one. It’s a call to action, a challenge to each of us to listen, to engage, and to make our own voices heard.