Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds Ian Borg met Sandro Gozi, Secretary of State for European Affairs of Italy, at his office at the Auberge d’Aragon in Valletta.
They discussed the joint action preparations ahead of the commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in 2017.
Ian Borg reflected on the future of Europe by outlining that migration and asylum will be high on Malta’s agenda during the Presidency. Malta will also strive to make progress in the field of the single market, digital agenda and energy union.
Malta’s Presidency will aim to produce a long lasting legacy for Malta by listening to our societies’ frustrations by instilling and restoring trust and confidence back in the European Union. Currently Malta is finalising its National Programme for the Presidency and is looking forward to continue discussions with all social partners.
Gozi outlined the fact that Italy’s 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaty will be precisely happening during the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union which will come into effect as from January 1st 2017. Mr Gozi said that Premier Matteo Renzi and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will be co-hosting the event.
In conclusion, both Dr Borg and Mr Gozi highlighted Italy’s and Malta’s commitment to sustain
continuous cooperation between the two countries. They agreed that continued bilateral talks with suitable planning and preparations will carry on in the coming months ahead of what promises to be a very exciting and challenging times for Malta and for the EU in general.
