VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta supports strengthening the European Union’s military readiness but warned this must not undermine the country’s constitutional neutrality.
Addressing Parliament on Wednesday evening following last week’s EU leaders’ summit, Abela stressed that security efforts should not “fuel the arms industry that perpetuates conflict rather than peace.”
He said Malta would continue contributing to the EU’s defence agenda through civil-military coordination, maritime security, crisis preparedness, and protecting Mediterranean infrastructure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had presented the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, aimed at bolstering Europe’s security autonomy. Abela said Russia’s war on Ukraine and rising cyber threats highlighted the need for Europe to rely more on itself for safety.
On Ukraine, he reiterated Malta’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people but urged caution over EU plans to fund Kyiv through loans backed by frozen Russian assets, insisting any such move must respect international law and Malta’s neutrality.
Abela also pressed for fairness in EU climate and competitiveness policies, arguing small island states like Malta face unique challenges. He said climate targets must not place undue burdens on families and businesses.
Turning to migration, he called for greater EU solidarity and cooperation with countries of origin and transit. On the Middle East, he urged humanitarian aid for Gaza and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.
Concluding, Abela contrasted Malta’s economic performance with austerity in other EU states and accused the Opposition of trying to tarnish the country’s reputation in Brussels.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
