Ukraine, Middle East, and climate change among key topics discussed at Brussels EU summit

EU support for Ukraine, the ongoing situation in the Middle East, European defence and security, climate change, as well as affordable housing, were among the key topics discussed at the European Council summit in Brussels, Office of the Prime Minister stated on Friday.

The OPM said that with regard to the European Union’s support for Ukraine, Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke of the continued solidarity with the Ukrainian people while also noting that every effort towards a peace treaty must be supported, wherever it may come from. The OPM continued that in this regard, EU leaders continued to discuss the concept of a Reparations Loan, where it stated Prime Minister Abela spoke of the need to further study the impact on each member state, and that the proposal must be in line with international and EU law. He also commented that Malta’s Constitutional neutrality must be respected.

With regard to discussions on European defence and security, the OPM said that Abela spoke about the importance of giving Malta the necessary freedom to operate and contribute within the limits of the Constitution. It added that he also spoke of how security goes beyond traditional elements of defence, and that areas such as maritime security, crisis preparedness, and protecting critical infrastructure across the Mediterranean and the areas around Southern Europe remain a priority for Malta.

The OPM stated that the Prime Minister’s main message was that it must be ensured that the EU’s goals are achieved without placing disproportionate burdens on its families and businesses while maintaining its high level of ambition.

When discussing EU efforts to strengthen global competitiveness, the OPM said that Abela spoke of the importance of making fair decisions which take into account the realities of each member state, particularly those of island states such as Malta. He said that such realities must be reflected in the legislation that will lead the EU to achieve its climate targets for 2040 and 2050.

On the topic of the Middle East, the OPM said that Abela spoke about the importance of mobilising resources and humanitarian aid, particularly in Gaza. He said that a strong collective effort driven by empathy and guided by the principle of a two-state solution is needed, commenting that only through that way would the region be able to ensure dignity in Palestine and security in Israel.

The OPM said that Abela also spoke about the need to continue to strengthen fiscal sustainability in the design of economic policy for the future, adding that the EU’s policy must be one of flexibility and respect for national competencies while also ensuring the financial stability of the EU and member states.

Additionally, the OPM said that the Prime Minister participated in a coordination meeting on immigration with twelve other countries ahead of the European Council meeting. During this coordination meeting, the OPM said that Abela spoke of Malta’s continued support for a collective and strategic effort in the face of the challenge of immigration, particularly focusing on solidarity, responsibility, and cooperation with third countries, including those of origin and transit. It continued that Abela said that the process of adopting laws, particularly with regard to the return of those who do not deserve asylum, should be expedited.