VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed Malta’s opposition to any EU-wide taxes, insisting that fiscal sovereignty must remain the responsibility of individual member states.
Addressing parliament following last week’s European Council summit in Brussels, Abela said Malta would not accept bloc-level taxes aimed at financing the European Union’s next long-term budget.
His comments come as EU leaders begin negotiations on the upcoming budget framework, with proposals including gambling taxes and digital levies under discussion. Member states remain divided between the Friends of Cohesion group, which includes Malta, and countries opposing increased cohesion spending.
Abela stressed that cohesion policy should continue promoting development, progress and competitiveness across the EU. He noted that Malta coordinated its position with other Friends of Cohesion countries ahead of broader budget talks.
The prime minister said reforms linked to the EU budget should reflect citizens’ aspirations and national interests, adding that changes must be agreed through dialogue rather than imposed.
On energy, Abela highlighted Malta’s stability, citing a new LNG supply agreement with BP, while noting that high energy prices remain a concern across Europe.
He also called for a measured EU response to global economic challenges, urging the bloc to remain open to international trade.
Addressing migration, Abela said tangible progress had been achieved after 18 months of discussions among member states. He welcomed the adoption of the revised Return Regulation and called for its swift implementation with adequate funding.
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