Legalising Prostitution: a benefit or burden ?

On Wednesday of last week, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop called "Is prostitution violence against women? - Prostitution the way forward." This workshop was organised by Fondazzjoni IDEAT to discuss the current topic that is been spoken on: Prostitution.

The aim of this workshop was to discuss this issue and gather different perspectives on the topic at hand. Rather than a just a workshop, this event ended up taking a form of a debate on whether prostitution should be legalised or not, and not just women working in prostitution but also men.

Prostitution part of the Government's agenda

After this year's election has passed and the MLP's electoral manifesto was put into force, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had spoken in a parliamentary session on a reform of the government's agenda.

"By ignoring this phenomena our country is listed as a country were human trafficking is obvious, especially the trafficking of persons coming from others countries ,or having our country used as a springboard for abuse abroad"

 An article issued by The Independent explained how Dr. Muscat said that it is high time that the country holds a mature discussion on marijuana. Similarly, on prostitution. So far no reform of legislation has been taken, but it is about time that some argument will arise soon enough.

Should one be jailed for prostitution ?

                                    Getty Images

During the debate the arguments against prostitution were that women would be considered abused and also categorised as human trafficking. But is that the case when women or even men give consent ?

Earlier this month, as issued by TVM Malta a man and six women were condemned to prison sentences up to one year for working as prostitutes and sharing the income with the man providing the place. Inspectors have accused the arrested for human trafficking, however no evidence of trafficking was found as the prostitutes were working on their own free will. So should prostitutes be imprisoned on the fact that prostitution is not yet morally acceptable ?

Sexual assistance for people with a disability

Another perspective that emerged during the debate was the use of prostitution as a means of pleasure for those who might find it difficult to find a sexual partner. This view makes sense thinking that some people cannot satisfy themselves sexually and need assistance. Similar ideas have already arose offshore as issued by Independent. 

Should this be the way forward and seeing that women and men are giving their consent and helping people who need this out there ? What is your opinion ?

Bringing Together European Democracy Seminar in Bulgaria

Towards the end of October, myself together with 3 other Maltese students,  were given the news that we’re about to fly to Bulgaria on an Erasmus+ project, which aims to bring forward aspects of European Democracy. The purpose of this exchange hosted by JEF Bulgaria was to come up with proposals encapsulating the common European Interest. However, this seminar was not only an academic one, but it was also an experience of meeting 20 other youths from 10 different EU Member States who shared their opinions and views.

During the week of my stay in Sofia, different speakers and representatives joined us to share their perspectives on a more unified Europe, and affairs linked to their careers.

EXPECTATIONS FROM THE BULGARIAN PRESIDENCY

A Bulgarian representative for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to talk about the Bulgarian presidency which will take place between January and June 2018. The presentation kicked off with a brief reference to Juncker’s five possible scenarios for the Future of Europe. According to him, enhanced cooperation, more growth in economy and employment and a stronger connectivity between Europe and the Western Balkans is expected from Bulgaria’s presidency.

THE FRENCH VISION TO REBUILD EUROPE

French Ambassador H.E Eric Lyobedel made an appearance on the morning of the second day. He indicated that no federal state will be formed in the near future and only a handful of the possible scenarios proposed by Juncker will occur soon. In addition he said that Europe will be looking for new partnerships with the African nations particularly those in the Mediterranean while expressing his views against a multi-speed Europe, before allocating some minutes for questions and brief dialogues.

"A Federalist Europe will not happen anytime soon"

THE CATALAN CRISIS

One of the participants who was on the exchange with us, Pablo Del Río Loira from Sevilla in Spain, created a presentation about the independence issue in Catalonia to such a state.

From a Spanish perspective, ideas were drawn in relation to the underlying principles as to why Catalonia wants to be separate from Spain. The northern region is firstly one of the top three biggest economies in the country. In addition one can also make a case about the cultural differences experienced from both sides.

It was an incredibly interesting presentation, one which stood out at the end of the week, when all the seminars were recapitulated.

MEETING WITH BULGARIAN MEP ANDREY KOVATCHEV + THE PRESIDENT OF THE UEF BULGARIA, MONICA PONAYOTOVA

UEF President Ponayotova came to discuss certain issues that have been troubling Europe at the moment; some of which include excessive migration, Euroscepticism, sliming down of the Commission and increased autonomy in states like Catalonia, Scotland and Wallonia, among other problems. Not only did she express her opinion about these matters, but she also spoke about how the EU should tackle such issues in the best way possible.

MEP Kovatchev also gave an insight to this, while he focused on how his country developed since EU membership. He discussed the EU in relation to the political parties in Bulgaria, who is in favour and who is not, as well as Russian influence in the country. Bulgaria being one of the EU countries that was most exposed to Russia in the past, it is not easy for them to stay loyal to the EU in all aspects, but Kovatchev explained that the union is the Bulgarian priority over any trade deal or relation with Russia. In addition, he shed light on countries like Georgia and Ukraine who desirecloser ties with the EU but are unable to due to regional conflict. Both speakers were very well informed and gave excellent speeches and presentations.

Conclusion

The week that was spent in Sofia was an incredible experience, one which we wouldn’t have wanted to miss for the world. A lot was learnt and we came back appreciating European identity a whole lot more. Me and my friends took so much from it, definitely more than we gave, and what tops it off is the friends and contacts that we made from all over Europe. Of course, this trip wouldn’t have been possible without JEF Malta, whom I would like to thank.

Before the start of a presentation