Prime Minister Robert Abela participated in the Special Meeting of the European Council held yesterday and today in Brussels, and which had on the agenda COVID-19, climate change, as well as the relationship of the Union European Union (EU) with the United Kingdom and Russia. European leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and Belarus, in particular the issue of the Ryanair plane that was forced to land in Minsk by the authorities to arrest the journalist and activist Roman Protasevich and his partner.
On COVID-19, the leaders discussed the implementation of vaccination plans in EU Member States, the epidemiological situation, vaccine production, and the vaccine certificate. The Prime Minister explained how Malta is the first member state to achieve herd immunity, where 70% of Gozitan and Maltese adults received at least the first dose of the vaccine. The Prime Minister also praised the EU’s vaccination strategy and stressed that the Union is now reaping the benefits of the sacrifices of its citizens and businesses.
In this regard, the Prime Minister pointed out that despite the positive results of the decisions taken in connection with COVID-19, the pandemic is still with us. The Government of Malta therefore welcomes the new contract with Biontech Pfizer while stressing the importance of the EU having a diversified portfolio of vaccine suppliers. At the same time, the Government also understands the EU’s global responsibility to help countries in need through vaccine donations to third countries that do not have access to vaccines.
On the EU COVID Digital Certificate, the European Council welcomed the agreement reached in record time on this certificate. The Prime Minister said that Malta has supported this certificate from the very beginning and that it is a useful tool for citizens, many of whom are looking forward to being able to enjoy their rights of free movement again.
Other topics on the agenda were the EU’s relationship with Russia as well as the United Kingdom. On relations with Russia, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the EU working to continue the dialogue and to avoid a situation of escalation of tension. On the situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the Government welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
During the European Special Summit, European Union leaders agreed on further sanctions on Belarus, including that European airlines should not operate to Belarus. The Council also called for the immediate release of the journalist and his travel partners.
Photo: PM Robert Abela and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
