Prime Minister Robert Abela attended the meetings in Prague, over two days, together with the leaders of the European countries. During this summit, the Prime Minister participated in a meeting of the European Political Community and an informal meeting of the leaders of the member states of the European Union.
During the day of Thursday, the European Political Community was launched for the first time, whose aim is to bring together the member states of the European Union and other European countries and provide a platform for more political coordination between them the countries.
During his intervention in this meeting, where several themes were discussed including peace and security, energy and the climate, Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed the need for collaboration between European countries and collective work to address the present challenges, especially that of the increase in the price of energy. He continued that the Maltese Government committed to, as it has already done, continue to protect vulnerable citizens from high energy bills.
“We will continue to confront these challenges so that while we don’t leave anyone behind, we will continue to give a better future to our citizens,” repeated the Prime Minister.
During Friday, the heads of the member states of the European Union met for the informal meeting of the European Council, where the Prime Minister Robert Abela focused on the main theme of energy in the background of the war in Ukraine.
Regarding this, the Prime Minister emphasized that he is preoccupied with the current economic situation, especially that of high energy prices, which is leading to great uncertainty throughout Europe. He claimed that our country is dependent on electricity and any imposition to reduce electricity demand will have a negative impact on Maltese and Gozitan families as well as on businesses. However, Malta agrees with the measures proposed in the action plan of the European Commission because they complement our efforts as a country.
“On energy, the Maltese Government has taken action and we are providing the necessary support to alleviate as much as possible the social and economic impact of high prices on citizens and businesses. We have also taken measures to reduce the demand for electricity not only in the public sector but we are also encouraging the private sector and even the citizens to be more efficient in the use of energy and reduce waste,” repeated the Prime Minister Robert Abela.
During this meeting, the discussion continued on the ongoing developments in the war in Ukraine, where last week, the EU leaders strongly rejected and condemned the illegal annexations announced by the Russia.
In this context, the prime minister claimed that Malta is and will continue to provide the necessary support to Ukraine, as well as accepting the eighth package of sanctions.
“Malta, which is the only EU member to be elected to the United Nations Security Council, will continue to speak in favor of ending the war in Ukraine, while we continue to stress the need to -humanitarian aid reaches all those most in need,” concluded Prime Minister Robert Abela.
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-231248?&lg=INT
Photos: OPM
