During the seventh meeting of the European Political Community in Copenhagen, Denmark, Prime Minister Robert Abela continued to convey Malta’s strong position on the subject of irregular immigration.
This reality on the European continent was a central theme in this meeting, with European leaders agreeing that a holistic approach is needed to address irregular immigration as the challenges it brings continue to evolve. This was also the sentiment of Prime Minister Robert Abela who maintained that, apart from a strong regulatory and operational framework, there is a need to strengthen strategic partnerships and global cooperation on this subject. “The challenge before us is not only to reduce the number of irregular arrivals, but also to increase the effective return of those who arrive on our shores irregularly and do not deserve protection. The message must be clear that in our countries, it is we who decide who enters, and not the criminal circles in which human smugglers operate,” the Prime Minister said, as he highlighted the positive results that Malta has achieved in this sector, which are serving as an example for the European Union.
During the same meeting, the leaders also discussed the security situation in Europe and how this will continue to be strengthened in the current geopolitical context, including with the Russian aggression in Ukraine. The theme of security and defence was also discussed just a day earlier during an informal summit between European Union leaders, also held in Copenhagen.
In this discussion, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that support for Ukraine remains crucial while we must continue to support the efforts being made together with international partners to negotiate a peace agreement with the active participation of Ukraine. The Prime Minister also recalled Malta’s full commitment to promoting dialogue and reconciliation, building on the roles our country has played in the OSCE and currently in the Council of Europe.
Regarding European defence and security, Dr Abela stated that participation in this regard should remain on a voluntary and flexible basis, with full respect for the policies of all Member States. He stressed the various dimensions of security that Europe must address in order to ensure that Member States meet the expectations and protect the interests of their citizens.
Meanwhile, at the same meeting of the European Political Community, Prime Minister Robert Abela also participated in an activity where the European Coalition against Drugs was launched where different realities in relation to this social scourge were discussed. During this meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed our country’s commitment to the fight against criminal circles and drug traffickers, and reiterated his commitment to further international cooperation in order to increase security controls and border restrictions.
Prime Minister Robert Abela also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan , in favour of further bilateral cooperation.
Photos: OPM
