During the day on Monday, in Brussels, Prime Minister Robert Abela attended an Informal Summit of European Union Leaders where discussions focused on European security and defence, with Malta emphasising the need for every decision in this sector to continue to be made with full respect for the European Union Treaties and the policies of the Member States, including that of Malta. The summit also discussed the European Union’s relationship with the United States in the context of the new administration of President Trump.
When the themes of European security and defence were being discussed, Prime Minister Robert Abela not only reiterated that this must be done with respect for the Constitution of Malta, but noted that in the face of geopolitical challenges we must push for peace and diplomatic solutions to end conflicts. He maintained that Malta remains committed to providing assistance where there are humanitarian tragedies and here he mentioned the assistance provided to Ukraine within the limits of the Constitution as well as the humanitarian aid in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Robert Abela has said that the European Union should not focus on military spending but on solutions around the table that will provide stability to peoples around the world. He said that the only way to end the fighting should be through talks, and he mentioned that the United States has an important role to play in this regard under a new administration.
The European leaders also discussed the new administration of President Donald Trump in the United States and the latest developments regarding import tariffs imposed on certain countries by the United States. Here, the Maltese Prime Minister stressed that a strong relationship between the European Union and the United States is essential both in order to remain open to trade and investment between them as well as in favor of the stability of global security. He explained how Malta is looking at the situation with particular attention on imposed tariffs and stressed that trans-Atlantic growth that provides economic stability must remain strong. He added that Malta, as a small country, remains in favor of markets that are not hindered and that do not negatively impact consumers.
During the discussion with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Dr Abela stated that the already strong relations between the UK and the European Union should continue to be strengthened. He reiterated that Malta looks forward to further collaboration with the UK on various areas including, not only for the security and collective defence of Europe, but also in other areas such as pharmaceuticals and health.
Photo (OPM)
