Malta calls on EU member states to explore ways to counter hybrid attacks collectively, while increasing the resilience of electoral systems and critical infrastructure, including Mediterranean undersea cables.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg expressed Malta’s full solidarity with EU member states affected by hybrid attacks, in his comments following a meeting of the EU foreign ministers with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaya Kallas to discuss hybrid threats, on the sidelines of this month’s EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, in Brussels on Monday morning.
Malta encourages further expert discussions to develop a dedicated EU strategy to counter such threats effectively.
“Undersea electricity cables, gas pipelines and telecommunication networks need to be given the necessary protection in the EU’s waterways, especially in the Baltic Sea where attacks have been prevalent, but also in other areas such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, as well as Europe’s Atlantic coast. These attacks directly target our security and could also have huge long-term environmental impacts,” said the deputy prime minister.
Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting discussed the situation in Ukraine, the latest developments in the Middle East as well as transatlantic relations.
On Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine, the deputy prime minister noted that amid mounting speculation on the prospect of ending this conflict, it is important for the EU to remain united in its commitment to supporting Ukraine, even during negotiation talks. “The peace plan must be led by Ukraine, with the active involvement of the EU,” he affirmed.
He also reiterated Malta’s commitment to tackle Russia’s shadow fleet, reminding that it has not shied away from implementing the various prohibitions related to maritime services, while working to reduce their direct impact on several of the country’s key industries.
As he welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Maltese Deputy Prime Minister underlined the need to make sure it is fully implemented. “We are not out of the woods yet. Negotiations for the second and third phases of this agreement will prove difficult. It is also imperative that we do not lose sight of the root causes of instability, including the role of Iran, the lack of prospect for a two-state solution and the ideological positions that are hindering the co-existence of the two peoples living side by side in this region.”
The new Trump administration in the US was also on the agenda during Monday’s meeting. “The EU’s enduring transatlantic relationship, built on shared values and interests, will remain essential for addressing global challenges and promoting collective security and prosperity,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg.
Photo: ODPM-MFT
