VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has opposed the introduction of EU-level taxes under the bloc’s next long-term budget, insisting taxation should remain the responsibility of national governments and parliaments. Abela made the remarks during the MED9 Group Summit in Croatia, ahead of an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework.
The summit brought together Malta, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
According to a government statement, the leaders adopted a joint declaration covering the EU budget and geopolitical developments.
Abela said the next EU budget must reflect lasting challenges linked to geographical factors, particularly developments in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
For Malta, he identified reliable connectivity, affordable energy and resilient infrastructure as key economic priorities.
He called for the Mediterranean to be given greater priority in the EU budget, arguing that security, trade, energy and climate resilience converge in the region.
Abela also stressed the need to balance new priorities with traditional EU policies, including cohesion, agriculture and fisheries. He said Malta would remain constructive in discussions on new funding sources while maintaining its opposition to EU-level taxation.
On energy, Abela highlighted the impact of instability in the Middle East on prices and said Malta remained committed to stable energy and fuel costs. He warned that EU energy policies should not place families and businesses at a structural disadvantage.
Migration was also discussed, with Abela calling for stronger EU relations with Africa and a greater focus on the bloc’s southern neighbourhood. He called for increased EU engagement with countries such as Libya, including cooperation on energy, climate, security and investment.
On climate policy, Abela said the EU must balance its green transition with economic competitiveness. He also raised concerns that measures such as the Emissions Trading System should not disadvantage island states such as Malta.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
