Month: June 2025

In Brussels at the European Council, while acknowledging the positive developments brought by initiatives presented by the European Commission, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasised the urgency of accelerating discussions on migration. He stated that the European Union must work towards greater cooperation with third countries of origin and transit, including Libya.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the effective return of those who are not eligible for asylum remains a crucial pillar of the EU’s migration policy and one that sends a clear message to human traffickers. This topic was also discussed in a meeting between certain EU leaders, including the Maltese Prime Minister and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, on the margins of the Summit.

The Summit also addressed the European Union’s competitiveness, with Malta once again presenting a strong position in favour of connectivity and accessibility within the Single Market. The Prime Minister stated that in order for the EU to strengthen its global position, it must start by ensuring that the Single Market puts people at the centre and works for everyone, wherever they may be. Dr Abela reiterated that, at the same time, the EU must seek to deepen economic ties with third countries to promote greater prosperity, growth, and job creation.

The Prime Minister said that competitiveness remains a crucial aspect in the context of environmental and digital transitions. He reaffirmed the Maltese Government’s commitment through the Malta 2050 Vision, which incentivises businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, which remain the backbone of our economy and the driving force of these changes.

European leaders also discussed the latest developments related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Robert Abela reiterated Malta’s message in favour of de-escalation and a stronger commitment to dialogue and peace. The Prime Minister recalled that, as Malta currently holds the Presidency of the Council of Europe, this week saw the signing of an important agreement establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the international community cannot continue to ignore the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, while also mentioning the families of hostages taken during the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023. He noted that the escalation in the region is creating economic and trade challenges along maritime routes and stressed that the European Union must work on a contingency plan. He reiterated that wars always remain a threat to citizens’ prosperity.

Leaders also discussed other topics, including Moldova and the Western Balkans.

Malta has maintained its financial commitment to GAVI, an alliance that works to provide life-saving vaccinations, particularly for children and vulnerable people. At the GAVI Summit held in Brussels in collaboration with the European Commission and the Gates Foundation, Prime Minister Robert Abela described the COVID-19 pandemic as an example that led Europe to cooperate closely, saving countless lives during the outbreak.

Addressing the Summit alongside European leaders, the Maltese Prime Minister stressed that Malta has always advocated for equal access to healthcare services and medicines, regardless of where people live. He explained that during times of geopolitical challenges, which bring uncertainty, inequality in access to medicine increases, making GAVI’s mission all the more important.

Prime Minister Robert Abela noted how GAVI’s mission has saved millions of children through vaccination against diseases and stated that, as an international community, a collective effort is needed to support this vital work. He said that through collaboration, we can build healthier societies, more resilient systems and countries are better prepared for future challenges. He emphasised that while the private sector in the pharmaceutical field has a role to play, it is also the responsibility of governments to provide the support needed to ensure GAVI’s continued effectiveness. Prime Minister Abela concluded his address with a clear message in favour of solidarity, to ensure that no one is left behind.

Bħala parti mill-impenji tal-Presidenza Maltija tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa, il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela assista għall-kxif ta’ Żieme skolpit mill-artist Malti Austin Camilleri. Żieme fi Pjazza Broglie fi Strażburgu huwa parti mill-kalendarju kulturali tal-Presidenza Maltija tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa li fih kien hemm ukoll ir-rappreżentazzjoni ta’ Kor Malta fil-Katidral ta’ Notre-Dame ta’ Strażburgu, li fakkar il-wirt Malti minsuġ ma’ dak Ewropew.

Fi Strażburgu wkoll saret il-preżentazzjoni ta’ bolla kommemorattiva li fakkret il-Presidenza Maltija u s-sittin anniversarju tas-sħubija ta’ Malta fil-Kunsill tal-Ewropa. Preżenti kien hemm ukoll id-Deputat Prim Ministru u Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin u t-Turiżmu Ian Borg, il-Kap tad-Delegazzjoni Maltija għall-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa u l-Whip tal-Gvern Naomi Cachia u r-Rappreżentant Permanenti ta’ Malta għall-Kunsill tal-Ewropa Francesca Camilleri Vettiger.

In his address to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that Malta views young people not only as the future but as the leaders driving today’s positive change. Focusing on the priorities of Malta’s Presidency of the Council of Europe, which runs until this November, the Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of peace as a key to prosperity for all.

Dr Abela remarked that in times of geopolitical tension and challenges, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Council of Europe has a role that extends beyond the European continent. “Global challenges require global efforts”, the Prime Minister asserted during his significant speech in Strasbourg. He stated that Malta serves as a bridge between the 46 member states of the Council and stressed that no nation is too small to help shape a better future.

He said that as an international community within the Council of Europe, we must safeguard peace that upholds the values of humanity. He underlined the fundamental human rights values embraced by the Council. “We cannot remain silent in the face of human tragedy in Gaza. The international community must come together to stop the bloodshed and ensure that international law is respected,” Prime Minister Abela said.

About youths, Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted significant initiatives Malta has undertaken to amplify the voice of young people. These include the establishment of the Youth Advisory Forum, which serves as a Youth Cabinet, the introduction of Vote16, and the nomination of the youngest-ever European Commissioner, entrusted with the youth portfolio. Dr Abela also mentioned Malta’s hosting of the Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth this October, which will bring together young people and policymakers to discuss a youth-driven democratic future.

The Prime Minister also outlined several reforms undertaken by his administration, many of which were implemented in consultation with the Council of Europe, including its Venice Commission, Greco, and Moneyval. These reforms have strengthened institutional integrity in Malta. He cited reforms in the justice sector, including judicial appointments, the enhancement of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Permanent Commission Against Corruption, the change in how the President of the Republic is appointed, now requiring a two-thirds parliamentary vote and restructuring of the Office of the Attorney General to boost its effectiveness.

In addition, Prime Minister Robert Abela referenced other reforms introduced by the government, such as bills to protect journalists and the transposition of the European Anti-SLAPP Directive.

He also highlighted the introduction of femicide into Malta’s criminal code and other reforms that have bolstered the empowerment of women, including in political life. The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming that Malta has always seen the Council of Europe as a natural home for the shared aspirations of humanity i.e. peace, respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He emphasised that dialogue and multilateralism have always been pillars of Malta’s foreign policy, with the country continuing to serve as a consistent voice for both regional and global stability.

Fi Strażburgu hekk kif Malta għandha f’idejha l-Presidenza tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa, il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela kellu laqgħat mas-Segretarju Ġenerali tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa Alain Berset u mal-President tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa Theodoros Roussopoulos.

Fiż-żewġ laqgħat, il-Prim Ministru Malti tkellem dwar il-prijoritajiet ta’ Malta fil-Kunsill tal-Ewropa u fost temi oħra ssemmew il-gwerra fl-Ukrajna u l-eskalazzjoni tal-kunflitt fil-Lvant Nofsani. Akkumpanjat fost oħrajn mid-Deputat Prim Ministru u Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin u t-Turiżmu Ian Borg, il-Kap tad-Delegazzjoni Maltija għall-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa u l-Whip tal-Gvern Naomi Cachia u r-Rappreżentant Permanenti ta’ Malta għall-Kunsill tal-Ewropa Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, Dr Abela qal li Malta tkompli timbotta favur id-djalogu u l-multilateraliżmu. Huwa ta donazzjoni f’isem il-Gvern Malti li biha qed jappoġġja proġett ta’ ħidma tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa bħala parti mill-Patt Demokratiku għall-Ewropa li bih issaħħaħ ir-reżiljenza demokratika, jiġġieled il-vjolenza kontra n-nisa u jsaħħaħ il-vuċi tat-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ fost oħrajn.