VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is the only European Union country capable of maintaining subsidies on fuel and electricity for all families and businesses, Prime Minister Robert Abela has stated.
Speaking after a marathon European Council summit lasting over 12 hours, Abela said the island nation’s strong economy allows it to provide support without jeopardising fiscal targets or commitments to the European Commission.
“What we are providing cannot be believed by others. Despite this, we are reaching our fiscal targets faster than agreed with the European Commission,” he said. “This is possible because of strong public finances and a robust economy generating significant wealth.”
The summit, initially intended to focus on strengthening Europe’s economy, was dominated by heated discussions on the energy crisis triggered by the war in Iran. Two camps emerged: one pressing for immediate relief measures for households and businesses, the other advocating long-term shifts away from polluting fuels such as gas and oil.
Abela reiterated Malta’s commitment to continuing support to families and businesses, a policy in place since the energy crisis began in 2022.
During the summit, Malta and four other Mediterranean nations raised concerns about a Russian tanker drifting in European waters. The vessel, Arctic Metagaz, carrying gas, is currently in Libya’s search and rescue zone and has not entered Maltese waters.
“As long as this vessel remains drifting unattended, there is the potential for an ecological disaster, apart from dangers to navigation,” Abela warned.
Prior to the summit, Dr Abela attended an informal meeting on migration. He stressed the importance of preventing departures from countries of origin and highlighted Malta’s strong migration policy developed over the past six years.
The discussions also addressed the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis, with the Maltese Prime Minister calling for coordinated EU diplomatic efforts to de-escalate conflicts.
Leaders met with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, during the summit. Abela emphasised the need for respect for international law and the central role of the UN in global affairs.
Malta’s position at the summit underscores its dual focus: providing domestic stability while actively engaging in European and global security and humanitarian challenges.
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