“Our country has always been clear and consistent in its support for Ukraine through instruments that are in line with international and European Union law, and that respect our country’s Constitutional neutrality. Satisfied that through mature discussion, this was the agreement we reached today” –
Prime Minister Robert Abela after the European Council Summit in Brussels At a meeting of the European Council between the Leaders of the Member States of the European Union in Brussels, Prime Minister Robert Abela reiterated Malta’s consistent position in favour of political and financial support for Ukraine that is in line with international and European Union law, that provides predictability and a guarantee of financial stability.
It was in this spirit that the discussion between the Leaders led to an agreement on a joint loan instrument from the European Union to finance Ukraine’s needs for the next two years. During these negotiations, Prime Minister Robert Abela also stressed that any financial support provided by Malta must be for uses that respect our country’s Constitutional neutrality, a fact that was acknowledged in the formal conclusions adopted at the end of the Summit.
During this meeting, the Leaders also took stock of developments in the Middle East and the progress in the implementation of the Peace Plan in the region. The Prime Minister noted that the situation remains unstable and fragile, and that a collective response is still lacking to the detriment of many innocent victims who continue to suffer. He maintained that the European Union must capitalize on the important diplomatic role it plays in strategic talks with international partners to ensure that what has been agreed is implemented without delay.
The European Council also discussed the geo-economic situation and the competitiveness of the European Union. The Prime Minister stressed that competitiveness remains crucial for prosperity in Europe and reiterated that the accessibility of the Single Market is crucial to ensure its sustainability and guarantee success for all Member States. Dr Abela also said that the balance between free trade and economic security, as well as strengthening cooperation with strategic partners such as the United States of America and China, are vital for a resilient and competitive European Union.
The Leaders also held their first discussion on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, taking stock of the progress achieved under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and discussing the plan for the next phases of the negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreement by the end of next year. The Prime Minister reiterated that Malta will continue to participate in a constructive dialogue in order to achieve the necessary political balance and find a fair compromise that takes into account the realities and needs of our country.
Among other topics, the Leaders also discussed developments related to the legislative framework and other initiatives in the migration sector, progress in discussions on the enlargement of the European Union and the necessary reforms, as well as the collective defence and security of the European Union. The Leaders also discussed the new impetus on the Mediterranean, where Prime Minister Robert Abela welcomed the adoption of the Pact for the Mediterranean and said that this will be an important instrument for strengthening relations with the Southern neighbourhood and the stability, prosperity and security of the Mediterranean.
Prior to the Summit, Prime Minister Robert Abela also participated in a coordination meeting on the theme of migration together with fourteen other Member States and the European Commission, where various common challenges, relations with third countries of origin and transit and cooperation in various multilateral fora continued to be discussed.
