Malta defends consensus decision-making as Europe’s best response to an increasingly uncertain world
Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne said that Malta will continue to defend its right to have a full and equal voice in the European Union’s foreign policy. He argued that, in the face of an increasingly uncertain world, Europe must strengthen its capacity to act together, and not weaken the role of its Member States.
“Europe is strongest when it acts together,” said Minister Fearne during the informal meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers, known as Gymnich, which was held in Ireland under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Our choice should not be between unity and speed. We must organise ourselves in a way that we achieve unity earlier and then act faster,” said Minister Fearne. In this context, he argued that the European Union should improve the way in which common positions are built, through political commitment at an earlier stage, clearer strategic direction and faster action once an agreement is reached.
In an increasingly fragmented international environment, Europe is stronger when its Member States unite behind a common position that can be delivered with strength and credibility on the international stage.
“The Europe that Malta wants is one that acts faster because it prepares in advance, that is stronger because it acts together, and more credible because each Member State will be able to recognise itself in the position that is taken on its behalf,” said Minister Fearne.
Minister Fearne also spoke about the situation in the Middle East, stressing that Europe’s credibility depends on its consistent defence of international law. He reiterated with the European Union Foreign Ministers Malta’s position in favour of European action to restrict trade in products originating from illegal Israeli settlements.
“If the two-state solution is truly our common goal, we should be able to speak with one voice when what is happening on the ground is directly threatening the possibility of this solution becoming a reality,” concluded Minister Fearne.
Photos (MFEA)
Link to the video: https://we.tl/t-a5OMt13bw4NTiJDz
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PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
Malta defends consensus decision-making as Europe’s best response to an increasingly uncertain world
Foreign Minister Chris Fearne has said Malta will continue to defend its full and equal voice in European Union foreign policy, arguing that Europe should respond to an increasingly uncertain world by strengthening its ability to act together, not by weakening the role of its Member States.
“Europe is strongest when it acts together”, Fearne said. Minister Fearne was speaking at the informal meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers, known as the Gymnich, held in Ireland under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“Our task is not to choose between unity and speed. It is to organize ourselves so that unity is reached earlier and action follows faster,” Fearne said. Indeed, the European Union should improve how common positions are developed through earlier political engagement, clearer strategic direction, and faster action once agreement is reached.
In a more fragmented international environment, Europe is strongest when its Member States stand behind a common position and can carry it with authority internationally.
“The Europe Malta wants is faster because it prepares earlier, stronger because it acts together, and more credible because every Member State can recognize itself in the position taken in its name,” he said.
Minister Fearne also addressed the situation in the Middle East, stressing that Europe’s credibility depends on consistently defending international law. Minister Fearne reiterated to the European Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that Malta supports European action restricting trade in goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements.
“If the two-state solution is genuinely our common objective, we should be able to speak together when developments on the ground directly threaten its viability,” Minister Fearne said.
Photos (MFEA)
