Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti attended the Competitiveness (Research and Space) Council meeting held in Brussels, where discussions focused on the EU’s space and research policies.
During the meeting, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti highlighted Malta’s steadfast commitment to advancing collaboration and addressing challenges in the fields of space and research, both of which are critical to the Union’s innovation and long-term competitiveness.
In discussions on research and innovation, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti stressed the urgency of addressing the persistent innovation divide among EU member states, a challenge that undermines the European Research Area. He highlighted Malta’s strong support for “Widening” initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and balanced research landscape. By targeting disparities in research and innovation capacities, Malta believes the EU can unlock the full potential of its Member States and strengthen its collective competitiveness.
Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti also called for enhanced efforts to reduce fragmentation in Europe’s research landscape, stressing the importance of mobility and collaboration to mitigate the brain drain and develop Europe’s talent pool. He reiterated Malta’s commitment to boosting research excellence at the national level and contributing to international partnerships that align with the Union’s overarching objectives.
Turning to the draft Council Conclusions related to space policy, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti emphasized Malta’s support for a balanced approach that preserves civilian oversight while fostering synergies with defence where appropriate. He underscored the importance of safeguarding critical space infrastructure and enhancing secure connectivity, while advocating for sustainable practices such as investing in green technologies and debris mitigation. The Parliamentary Secretary reiterated that a coordinated and unified EU space programme would enhance the bloc’s resilience, competitiveness, and technological edge on the global stage.
Throughout the Council meeting, Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the critical role of strategic investments in space and research for the EU’s future. He emphasized Malta’s belief that supporting startups, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable practices are essential for building a stronger, more competitive, and future-proof European economy.
Malta expressed its readiness to support the Council’s Conclusions as an important step toward achieving these goals.
Photo: DOI/MEYR_PS
