In Portorož, Slovenia, Prime Minister Robert Abela participated in the MED9 Summit together with the Leaders of the European Union Member States in the Mediterranean, the President of the European Commission and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
During the first meeting with the Leaders, the Prime Minister stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between Mediterranean countries so that Europe is more competitive, secure and resilient , three areas that form the foundations of Europe’s future.
“The Mediterranean is not Europe’s periphery but the main driver of its competitiveness. In the Mediterranean region, energy costs and logistical challenges have a strong impact on the economy, so we must ensure that the benefits of the Single Market reach everyone while strengthening connectivity, trade and skills. Therefore, as a country, we believe that the Pact for the Mediterranean is an important step in this direction because it recognises the potential of our region as a centre of growth and stability,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister added that energy and connectivity are at the heart of this vision. “We started this dialogue in Malta two years ago, when we talked about the Mediterranean as a hub for green energy. Today we are here to continue on that vision and see to it that we strengthen the links between the South and the North of Europe while integrating the island countries into the European grid.”
The Prime Minister also stressed that competitiveness depends on people. “The Mediterranean should be a space where skills and talent flow safely and legally. We need more academic cooperation, training and pathways for talent in the digital and green sectors, while also addressing the causes of irregular immigration,” the Prime Minister explained at the Summit in Slovenia.
He also spoke about the need for the European Union’s decisions on climate and energy to strengthen, not weaken, Europe’s competitiveness. “We must be ambitious but also realistic, including in the fight against climate change where we must protect sectors that are crucial for the economy and competitiveness, such as the maritime sector. We must protect our families from disproportionate financial burdens while giving businesses certainty to invest in the future,” the Prime Minister said.
“Ultimately, what unites us in this group is the goal of allowing the countries in the Mediterranean and all of Europe to attract quality work, strong businesses and a better life for citizens. If we work together in the energy sector, connectivity and skills, the Mediterranean can be the engine of growth and stability for the entire European Union,” the Prime Minister strongly emphasized.
During a meeting in the presence of King Abdullah II of Jordan, discussions focused on peace in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Here, the Prime Minister reiterated Malta’s position in favour of an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution, while acknowledging Jordan’s crucial role as a partner for peace, stability and humanitarian assistance.
Photos: OPM
