A few weeks before Russia\u2019s aggression against the people of Ukraine enters its fifth year, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg called on the EU and other international partners to intensify efforts to end this war, while avoiding divisions that can be exploited by Russia.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, during the first 2026 meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, the Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism condemned the recent escalation in Russia\u2019s attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure in Ukraine, as he reiterated Malta\u2019s call for the EU, the US and other international partners to maintain effective engagement and ensure that diplomacy, international law and lasting peace can prevail over the use of force.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeace must deliver a Ukraine that is prosperous, resilient, and firmly anchored in Europe \u2013 economically and politically,\u201d Dr Borg said, as he welcomed the European Commission\u2019s Ukraine Support Loan proposal, which was tailored with the necessary safeguards, including a distinction between military and budgetary use of common funds, enabling Malta to participate fully while respecting its constitutional parameters.<\/p>\n
He also reiterated Malta\u2019s support for Ukraine\u2019s EU accession path, stressing the need to remain ambitious, yet realistic. Dr Borg underlined that enlargement must continue to be based on merit and the existing criteria, to preserve the credibility of this process for Ukraine and other candidate countries.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, Malta also welcomed the retrieval of the last remaining hostage held by Hamas, and the launch of Phase 2 of the Gaza Peace Plan. Dr Borg explained that the success of the newly formed Palestinian Technical Committee hinges on Hamas\u2019s disarmament and the Committee\u2019s ability to effectively uproot Hamas\u2019s narrative, which has no role in the governance of Gaza.<\/p>\n
\u201cExercising restraint to maintain the ceasefire is key, and the flow of humanitarian aid must continue to be scaled up rapidly, and in accordance with humanitarian principles. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the ultimate two-state objective, with a viable Palestinian state, coexisting with Israel in peace and security,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, the Foreign Affairs Council also held talks with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker T\u00fcrk. Deputy Prime Minister Borg reaffirmed Malta\u2019s full support to the Human Rights Council, as he expressed Malta\u2019s concern on the persistent pushback on several well-established human rights principles, particularly relating to the rights of women and girls, sexual orientation, and gender. \u201cWe commit to continue supporting and protecting these principles,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
The Deputy Prime Minister also participated in the EU-Morocco Association Council, where he highlighted the importance of the strategic partnership between the European Union and Morocco.<\/p>\n
Photo: MFT<\/em><\/p>\n