VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela participated in the MED9 summit in Portorož, Slovenia — the first to be held under the Slovenian Presidency. The summit brought together leaders from nine Mediterranean EU member states to discuss Europe’s economic competitiveness, energy and climate policy, and developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation in Gaza.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Abela stressed Malta’s commitment to pushing the European Union to strengthen competitiveness within the single market while safeguarding security of supply and citizens’ economic interests.
He highlighted Malta’s unique challenges as an island nation heavily dependent on imports, noting that the country remains unconnected to the European gas grid. Abela reaffirmed his intention to continue advocating for better energy connectivity and supply security for Malta and Gozo.
Abela pointed to Malta’s success in stabilising energy prices through subsidies as an example of balancing ecological transition with the protection of families and businesses.
He also called for climate policies that do not place excessive burdens on citizens and businesses, particularly in island states.
Abela said he will raise these issues at the upcoming European Council meeting in Brussels, where he will advocate for stronger protection of European industries and the competitiveness of the single market.
The MED9 summit, now in its 12th edition, also featured European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and King Abdallah II of Jordan, who addressed the leaders on the need for peace and stability in the Middle East.
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(ITALPRESS).
