In a meeting at Castille with the President-elect of the European Council António Costa, Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke about various themes of common interest for Malta and the European Union.
The Maltese Prime Minister stressed the need to continue working for a Single Market that works for everyone in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the European Union. He said that equal access should be ensured for each Member State, and he mentioned how crucial sectors such as pharmaceuticals and goods still face obstacles that prevent the objectives of the Single Market from reaching its maximum potential. Prime Minister Abela said that Malta is impacted by this and therefore as a country we insist against the “one-size-fits-all” policy.
Dr Abela explained how in a context of digital and environmental challenges we must strengthen the incentive policy to continue pushing towards innovation and quality growth among small and medium enterprises, which are the backbone of the economy. In the meeting with Costa, who is expected to start his term as President of the European Council from 1 December 2024, Prime Minister Robert Abela also raised the theme of immigration and the importance of continuing the cooperation with countries in North Africa, in particular with Libya. He stressed that as a European Union we want innovative and sustainable solutions to ensure that while protection is given to those who deserve it, those who do not deserve asylum are returned to their country of origin effectively.
During the meeting the role of the European Union in the Middle East war was also discussed, where the Prime Minister Robert Abela reiterated that on a European level we must continue to work towards a two-state solution that guarantees stability and peace . Regarding the situation in Ukraine, he said that we must continue to work actively for peace and at the same time look at the reconstruction of this country. He explained that Malta is working on initiatives that revitalize communities through social projects.
Against the background of the outcome of the election in the United States, the Maltese Prime Minister stressed that the European Union should see to it that it strengthens the transatlantic relationship which remains crucial for peace and stability around the world.
During his visit to our country, the President-elect of the European Council António Costa also visited together with the Prime Minister Robert Abela the first International Space for Contemporary Art of Malta, the MICAS, in Florjana and the Co-Cathedral of San Juan. Dr. Abela wished Costa for working with the leadership of the European Council and claimed that he looks forward to strong cooperation so that the European Council continues to facilitate important discussions that affect people’s lives and continues to provide political guidance. effective in addressing common challenges for our citizens and businesses.
Photo: DOI/OPM
