Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized Malta’s commitment to peace and diplomatic solutions during his remarks at an informal summit of the European Council in Brussels. The summit is focused on European defense, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Abela reaffirmed Malta’s respect for its neutral status, which is enshrined in the country’s Constitution. He pointed out that while Malta is neutral, it still contributes to international peace efforts, including through financial support for the European Peace Facility and by providing non-lethal assistance to Ukraine.
He also highlighted that Malta cannot adopt an entirely passive stance in global affairs. The Prime Minister welcomed a message from the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, which acknowledged that any discussions on defense within the EU should take into account the unique defense policies of individual countries, including Malta’s.
Abela stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue on peace in international forums, including the European Council, noting that while Malta might not be directly involved in some conflicts, it is not isolated from global realities. He pointed out that ignoring the broader context would be unrealistic, as Malta is affected by developments around the world.
