Malta is looking forward to working with Spain, which will assume the Presidency of the European Council next July, to work closely on important legislation’s that the European Commission is also working on related to the internal market of the European Union including when it comes to access to medicines and transport.
This was an important message delivered by Prime Minister Robert Abela during an address to journalists in the Berga of Castile together with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Prime Minister Sánchez is visiting Malta among several member states of the European Union in preparation for the Presidency of the European Council.
Prime Minister Robert Abela pointed out that it is crucial that in the field of pharmaceuticals there is access to medicines for all member states, including for countries like Malta and this before the interests of large corporations.
“It cannot be that thirty years after the internal market was established, there are still circumstances where certain countries remain disadvantaged. You will find us supportive and ready to contribute very actively in this discussion.”
Dr. Abela added that citizens in countries on the periphery of the European Union deserve the same access to products in the single market as other citizens living in the heart of Europe and noted that this also applies to the sector transport where a country should not be punished because of its geographical situation. Regarding the field of energy, Prime Minister Abela emphasized the importance of continuing to help the people, but stressed the need for important reforms that address the climate targets where the operation of our economies is cleaner and environmental. Here he added how the Maltese Government does not believe in austerity but in an incentive policy in favor of green and digital hearts.
Prime Minister Abela pointed out that fiscal discipline remains important, but before the economic indicators, we need to put the people. “People are not numbers. People deserve to live a good quality of life,” said the Prime Minister, stressing flexibility for economic goals. The Prime Minister also said that he also looks ahead that during the Spanish Presidency, important legislation’s that the European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli is also working on, will be given a boost.
The Prime Minister noted how Malta and Spain cherish the common value of equality and this is a subject that makes a difference for the better in the lives of different people. In his address to the journalists, Prime Minister Robert Abela noted how Malta and Spain as two Mediterranean countries are a strong voice in favor of peace in the face of the war in Ukraine and challenges that bring hard realities such as in Syria and Libya among others.
“The thing that our peoples need most after a pandemic is peace to live and plan their future in serenity,” stated Prime Minister Abela, he stressed the need for more commercial opportunities even among others with Latin America.
Prime Minister Robert Abela ended by extending best wishes to the Spanish Prime Minister for the Presidency of the European Council and said that he looks forward to welcoming them again to Malta later this year at the MED 9 Summit, where leaders of member states in Southern Europe discuss current themes.
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