During an informal meeting of European Leaders held at the historic castle of Alden Biesen, Belgium, Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed the importance of the European Union responding in a strategic and coordinated manner to the rapid changes taking place in the geo-economic and geopolitical environment. Changes that are having an impact on businesses and competitiveness, especially for small and open economies like our country.
Dr Abela argued that the EU should remain open to trade relations with various countries and regions. This while seeking to continue strengthening its resilience, effectiveness and competitiveness, both internally and with the rest of the world. He stressed that the diversification of trade relations is a crucial means for the EU and the Member States to reduce dependencies, especially in essential areas such as energy and raw materials, among others. At the same time, Dr Abela said that the EU must defend and strengthen strategic sectors and technologies against unfair competition and economic pressure. Thus, it is necessary to avoid measures that in one way or another reduce competitiveness or negatively impact investment.
The Prime Minister said that while it is important that the EU continues to advance global solutions in favour of climate action, this same ambition needs to be considered, responsible and one that strengthens the competitiveness not only of the EU but also of its Member States.
“The single market is one of the greatest assets of the European Union. The resilience of the EU, and therefore also that of the Member States, depends on a strong single market, together with internal policies and strategies that strengthen businesses and bring real benefits to citizens, including those of the Maltese and Gozitans,” said Dr Abela. He explained how for our country, a stronger single market means more opportunities, more investment, more exports of services and products, more competitiveness, and more jobs, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises that want to innovate and expand.
The Prime Minister stressed that our country will continue to push for a policy of incentive and sustainable growth, and not a policy of austerity. He also emphasised the need for the EU to continue strengthening connectivity, particularly in relation to energy, transport and digital networks, as these become essential infrastructure for the European single market to function effectively.
At the same time, Dr Abela pointed out the importance of also strengthening the European ecosystem so that companies can succeed, with special attention to small and medium-sized enterprises so that they can continue to invest, increasingly embrace innovation and expand.
This meeting was held at the invitation of the President of the European Council, António Costa, for European Leaders to discuss the strengthening of the single market and the competitiveness of the EU. During the discussions, Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta gave their perspective on these two main themes. These discussions are serving as preparation for the European Council scheduled to take place next month in Brussels.
Photo: OPM
