VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela called for a strategic European Union response to rapid global geo-economic and geopolitical shifts during an informal summit of EU leaders in Belgium.
Speaking at the historic Alden Biesen castle, Abela said the EU must remain resilient and effective amid fast-evolving global developments that are directly affecting businesses and competitiveness, particularly in smaller economies such as Malta.
The summit, convened by European Council President Antonio Costa, centred on strengthening the Single Market and enhancing Europe’s competitive edge.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Dr Abela said long-term competitiveness and the future of the Single Market dominated discussions, with energy emerging as a central theme.
He noted that several leaders highlighted rising energy prices and the absence of a fully-fledged energy union, adding that Malta’s decision to keep energy prices stable in recent years had proven prudent.
Artificial intelligence was another key topic, with Abela pointing to the importance given to AI in Malta’s latest budget.
He stressed that investment in AI was not about replacing jobs but creating more attractive employment opportunities and improving wages, while underlining the need for reskilling and upskilling.
While some view technological change as a challenge, he described it as “the greatest opportunity of our generation”.
Former Italian prime ministers Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta also addressed leaders, sharing their perspectives on the Single Market and competitiveness.
Abela further cited a recent International Monetary Fund decision to conduct Malta’s economic assessments every two years instead of annually, describing it as a sign of confidence in the country’s economic trajectory to 2030.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola urged decisive action to ensure Europe remains globally competitive, calling for an ambitious trade agenda delivering tangible results for businesses and families.
The outcomes of Thursday’s meeting are expected to inform formal European Council discussions next month, where leaders will continue efforts to bolster competitiveness and economic resilience.
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(ITALPRESS).
