During two days of talks in Porto, Portugal, Prime Minister Robert Abela participated virtually in an informal meeting between European leaders.
In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the vaccine to further combat COVID-19. While acknowledging the European Commission’s work in procuring vaccines for member states, he said that the predictability of vaccine deliveries, both immediately and in the future, remains a very important factor in the fight against the pandemic.
Dr Abela reiterated that countries need to have at their disposal the necessary tools to protect citizens. In this spirit, the Prime Minister stressed that we should also support third countries in strengthening the testing infrastructure of COVID-19 and assist them in obtaining the vaccine also by seeing what needs to be done to accelerate the production. This is also for the European Union to continue to honour its global responsibility and preserve its key role in the fight against the pandemic.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the Green Digital Certificate is an important tool for the summer season, particularly for countries such as Malta which depend on the free movement of people. He explained that in the short term, Malta will be introducing the vaccine certificate to further facilitate travel and that as a country we can serve as a pilot project of the Green Digital Certificate for the European Union. Dr Abela reiterated that in addition to these certificates, it is important that testing measures remain in place for people who have not yet received the vaccine against COVID-19.
During the discussion on the relationship between the European Union and India, the Prime Minister explained that Malta fully supports the strategic partnership which is aimed at improving bilateral and trade ties as well as cooperation on issues of common interest, as provided for in the Joint Declaration adopted at the meeting. Dr Abela expressed solidarity with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who virtually joined the meeting, while reiterating Malta’s support, which even if through a small donation of oxygen engines, will continue to help. to India as best it can in its fight and the devastating situation it has experienced in recent weeks in connection with COVID-19.
At the meeting, European leaders adopted the Porto Declaration which sets out the EU’s vision for social empowerment, including through investments in digital, environmental and a fair transition to the European Union.
In this regard, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that it is crucial that while the European Union addresses current realities, reflects on future priorities and expressed the view that the European Union should fight for equality, inclusiveness and a just society for all.
He said that the Union must focus on developing the necessary tools for ecological and digital transitions, while referring to the success achieved by the Maltese Government through various lifelong learning programs and investment in human capital, which programs the government is committed to continuing to promote over the next decade.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing the need for the European Union to strengthen its work to lift more citizens out of poverty and said that it must be ensured that economic growth truly leads to an improvement in the quality of life and equal opportunities for all.
