Prime Minister Robert Abela attended an informal meeting of European leaders in Versailles, France.
This meeting focused on the latest developments in Ukraine, where after strong sanctions were adopted in recent days and the European Union provided assistance from the European Peace Facility, it was agreed to strengthen this assistance. with another half a billion euros.
The Prime Minister reiterated his call for peace and a ceasefire as soon as possible. Along with other countries, Malta will also be contributing to the European Peace Facility, through which money will be spent in Ukraine but with the safeguard that this contribution will only be used in a way that respects the Constitution of Malta, which means that this contribution will not be used to supply arms.
On Ukraine’s accession, according to the provisions of the treaty, the leaders unanimously agreed to seek an opinion from the European Commission, while noting positively that at this delicate moment Ukraine has sought to part of the European family.
Other topics addressed were energy and economics.
Here the Prime Minister explained the importance of investing in energy infrastructure, including the completion of gas infrastructure. “We want to reduce the European Union’s dependence on third countries, including Russia, and increase the Union’s strategic autonomy in the energy sector. It is therefore important that Malta and Cyprus remain unconnected to the European gas system, and that we must complement investment in renewable energy with investments in a hydrogen-ready pipeline that connects us to the rest of the continent. ”
An article reflecting this was included in the formal conclusions of this meeting.
