# Tonio Borg

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Maltese politician

Tonio Borg Tonio Borg in 2012 European Commissioner for Health In office 1 July 2013 – 1 November 2014 President José Manuel Barroso Preceded by Himself (Health and Consumer Policy) Succeeded by Vytenis Andriukaitis (Health and Food Safety) European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy In office 28 November 2012 – 1 July 2013 President José Manuel Barroso Preceded by Maroš Šefčovič (Acting) Succeeded by Himself (Health) Neven Mimica (Consumer Protection) Deputy Prime Minister of Malta In office 23 March 2004 – 28 November 2012 Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi Preceded by Lawrence Gonzi Succeeded by Louis Grech Minister of Foreign Affairs In office 12 March 2008 – 28 November 2012 Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi Preceded by Michael Frendo Succeeded by Francis Zammit Dimech Minister of Justice In office 15 April 2003 – 12 March 2008 Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami Lawrence Gonzi Preceded by Austin Gatt Succeeded by Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici Minister of Home Affairs In office 8 September 1998 – 12 March 2008 Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami Lawrence Gonzi Preceded by Alfred Sant Succeeded by Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici In office 17 April 1995 – 28 October 1996 Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami Preceded by Louis Galea Succeeded by Alfred Sant Personal details Born (1957-05-12) 12 May 1957 (age 69) Floriana, Malta Party Nationalist Party Spouse Adele Galea Children 3 Alma mater University of Malta

**Tonio Borg** (born 12 May 1957) is a Maltese lawyer, law professor, and former politician who served as the [European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy](/source/European_Commissioner_for_Health_and_Consumer_Policy) replacing [John Dalli](/source/John_Dalli) as member of the College of the European Commission in the second [Barroso Commission](/source/Barroso_Commission).[1] He lectures [Public Law](/source/Public_law) at the [University of Malta](/source/University_of_Malta), and has authored numerous books on the subject.[2]

## Political career

Borg was first elected in [1992](/source/1992_Maltese_general_election), serving as Minister for Home Affairs.[3] After the [Nationalist Party](/source/Nationalist_Party_(Malta)) lost the 1996 election, he became a shadow minister to the [Alfred Sant](/source/Alfred_Sant) administration.[4] Eventually, the Nationalist Party would retake the government in 1998, wherein Borg assumed the role of Minister of Home Affairs until parliament was dissolved in 2003,[5] in preparation for Malta's EU ascension, which Borg's Nationalist Party was in favour of.[6] After the [2003 general election](/source/2003_Maltese_general_election), Borg was elected, and resumed as Minister of Justice and Home Affairs. In 2004, he was sworn as Deputy Prime Minister.[7]

In the [2008 general election](/source/2008_Maltese_general_election), the Nationalist Party returned to government, albeit with a slim majority. Tonio Borg was made Minister of Foreign Affairs.[8]

In 2012, Borg was appointed as EU Health (and Consumer Policy) Commissioner, replacing John Dalli. EU ministers majorly approved Tonio Borg's candidature, yet his conservative views on gay rights and abortion were subject to criticism from several MEPs.[9][10]

Disagreeing with the idea of a 'potential human being', Borg sought to entrench Malta's restriction of abortion in the Constitution. Whilst the proposition received support from some [Labour Party](/source/Labour_Party_(Malta)) MP's, most notably [Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca](/source/Marie-Louise_Coleiro_Preca), it was dismissed by moderate politicians in the Nationalist Party and the Labour Party.[11]

Initial controversy surrounding his election as Health Commissioner centered around perceived conflicts with his portfolio, wherein Borg, a Catholic conservative-leaning [Christian Democrat](/source/Christian_democracy), would oversee matters of stem-cell research, IVF, and other topics which are criticized under [Catholic social teaching](/source/Catholic_social_teaching), threatening the role's impartiality. Nevertheless, Borg maintained an impartial and moderate presence.[12] The post of Maltese commissioner was succeeded by Karmenu Vella in 2014.[13]

## Academia

Graduating with a law degree in 1979, he would start lecturing at the University of Malta initially as a guest lecturer.[2] Eventually, in 2016, he became an assistant lecturer, until 2018 wherein he completed his PhD in Judicial Review and Administrative Law,[14] and was promoted to senior lecturer.[15]

He became associate professor in March 2020. In 2024 he was promoted to full professor.[16] He lectures Constitutional, and Administrative law.

His PhD thesis was published as a book in 2020.[17] In it, Borg observes the field of Administrative law in Malta, highlighting potential abuses of power and the manner in which Maltese courts apply the *ultra vires* doctrine.[14]

## Other activities

- [European Medicines Agency](/source/European_Medicines_Agency) (EMA), Member of the Management Board[18]

## Recognition

In December 2018 Borg was appointed Companion of the Order of Merit (KOM) by the President of Malta.

## Publications

- Borg, Tonio (1979). *Public limits to fundamental human rights: a study of Maltese decisions*. (Master's dissertation).

- Borg, Tonio (2016) *A Commentary On The Constitution Of Malta. Kite Group*. Kite Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789995750282](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789995750282)

- Borg, Tonio (2019) *Leading cases in Maltese constitutional law*. Kite Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789995750824](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789995750824)

- Borg, Tonio (2021) *Maltese Administrative Law*. Kite Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789918230280](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789918230280)

- Borg, Tonio (2020) *Leading cases in Maltese administrative law*. Kite Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789918230051](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789918230051)

- Borg, Tonio (2022) *A Commentary On The Constitution Of Malta (2nd Edition)*. Kite Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789918230785](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789918230785)

- Borg, Tonio (2022) *The Blue sisters saga : a legal and factual analysis*. Kite Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789918230587](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789918230587)

- Borg, Tonio et al. (2024) *The Constitution of Malta at sixty*. Kite Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789918231478](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789918231478)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Official: Tonio Borg nominated European Commissioner - to stay on as minister until confirmation process is concluded"](https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121020/local/tonio-borg-expected-to-be-nominated-european-commissioner.441660). *Times of Malta*. 20 October 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_2-1) ["Prof. Tonio Borg"](https://www.um.edu.mt/profile/tonioborg). *L-Università ta' Malta*. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["borg-tonio"](https://parlament.mt/en/7th-leg/political-groups/partit-nazzjonalista/borg-tonio/). *Parliament of Malta*. 9 November 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["borg-tonio"](https://parlament.mt/en/8th-leg/political-groups/partit-nazzjonalista/borg-tonio/). *Parliament of Malta*. 5 March 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["borg-tonio"](https://parlament.mt/en/9th-leg/political-groups/partit-nazzjonalista/borg-tonio/). *Parliament of Malta*. 8 February 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Mitchell, Jon P. (2002). *Ambivalent Europeans: ritual, memory, and the public sphere in Malta*. London: Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-415-27153-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-415-27153-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["borg-tonio"](https://parlament.mt/en/10th-leg/political-groups/partit-nazzjonalista/borg-tonio/). *Parliament of Malta*. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["borg-tonio"](https://parlament.mt/en/11th-leg/political-groups/partit-nazzjonalista/borg-tonio/). *Parliament of Malta*. 19 February 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Malta's Tonio Borg appointed EU Health Commissioner"](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-20523924). *BBC News*. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Nomination hearing – DW – 11/12/2012"](https://www.dw.com/en/controversy-over-maltas-eu-commissioner-to-be/a-16373654). *dw.com*. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Plans for abortion law to be entrenched in Constitution"](https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050507/local/plans-for-abortion-law-to-be-entrenched-in-constitution.91186). *Times of Malta*. 7 May 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Keating, Dave (14 November 2012). ["A kinder, gentler Borg"](https://www.politico.eu/article/a-kinder-gentler-borg/). *POLITICO*. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Karmenu Vella « EEB Conference 2014"](https://2014.conference.eeb.org/speakers/karmenu-vella/). Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_14-1) Borg, T. (2018). Judicial review of administrative action in Malta (Doctoral dissertation).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Brincat, Edwina (25 March 2024). ["Court quashes University decision denying Tonio Borg's application for promotion"](https://timesofmalta.com/article/court-quashes-university-decision-denying-tonio-borg-promotion.1089818). *Times of Malta*. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Carabott, Sarah (18 December 2024). ["Tonio Borg promoted to full professor following two year saga"](https://timesofmalta.com/article/tonio-borg-promoted-full-professor-following-two-year-saga.1102623). *Times of Malta*. Retrieved 16 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Borg, Tonio (2020). *Judicial Review of Administrative Action in Malta*. Kite Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789995750886](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789995750886).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [Members of the Management Board](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us/who-we-are/management-board/members) [European Medicines Agency](/source/European_Medicines_Agency) (EMA).

## External links

Media related to [Tonio Borg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tonio_Borg) at Wikimedia Commons

## Political offices

Political offices Preceded by Louis Galea Minister of Home Affairs 1995–1996 Succeeded by Alfred Sant Preceded by Alfred Sant Minister of Home Affairs 1998–2008 Succeeded by Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici Preceded by Austin Gatt Minister of Justice 2003–2008 Preceded by Lawrence Gonzi Deputy Prime Minister of Malta 2004–2012 Succeeded by Simon Busuttil Preceded by Michael Frendo Minister of Foreign Affairs 2008–2012 Succeeded by Francis Zammit Dimech Preceded by John Dalli Maltese European Commissioner 2012–2014 Succeeded by Karmenu Vella Preceded by Maroš Šefčovič Acting European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy 2012–2013 Succeeded by Himself as European Commissioner for Health Succeeded by Neven Mimica as European Commissioner for Consumer Protection Preceded by Himself as European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy European Commissioner for Health 2013–2014 Succeeded by Vytenis Andriukaitis as European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Party political offices Preceded by Lawrence Gonzi Deputy Leader of the Nationalist Party 2004–2012 Succeeded by Simon Busuttil

v t e Maltese Government 2008–2013 Jason Azzopardi Tonio Borg Joe Cassar Dolores Cristina John Dalli Mario de Marco Giovanna Debono Tonio Fenech Mario Galea Austin Gatt Lawrence Gonzi Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici Clyde Puli George Pullicino Chris Said Francis Zammit Dimech

v t e Barroso Commission II (2009–2014) Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton1 (2010–14) Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Viviane Reding2 (2010–2014) Martine Reicherts (2014) Competition Joaquín Almunia2 (2010–14) Transport Siim Kallas2 (2010–14) Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes2 (2010–14) Industry and Entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani2 (2010–14) Ferdinando Nelli Feroci (2014) Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration Maroš Šefčovič2 (2010–14) Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro Olli Rehn2 (2010–14) Jyrki Katainen2 (2014) Environment Janez Potočnik (2010–14) Development Andris Piebalgs (2010–14) Internal Market and Services Michel Barnier2 (2010–14) Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou (2010–14) Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud Algirdas Šemeta (2010–14) Trade Karel De Gucht (2010–14) Health John Dalli (2010-12) Tonio Borg (2012–14) Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn (2010–14) Financial Programming and the Budget Janusz Lewandowski (2010–14) Jacek Dominik (2014) Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki (2010–14) International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Kristalina Georgieva (2010–14) Energy Günther Oettinger2 (2010–14) Regional Policy Johannes Hahn (2010–14) Climate Action Connie Hedegaard (2010–14) Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle (2010–14) Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor (2010–14) Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström (2010–14) Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Cioloș (2010–14) Consumer Policy Neven Mimica (2013–14) 1 = First Vice President. 2 = Vice President.

v t e European commissioners from Malta Joe Borg John Dalli Tonio Borg Karmenu Vella Helena Dalli Glenn Micallef

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND WorldCat National United States Italy

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tonio Borg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonio_Borg) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonio_Borg?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.