PN welcomes recognition of the Mediterranean as a strategic priority at the European People’s Party Summit

At the European People’s Party (EPP) Summit held this morning in Brussels, Opposition and Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Alex Borg spoke about the importance of the European Parliament recognising the challenges and disadvantages faced by islands such as Malta and Gozo. He also had the opportunity to discuss the importance of ensuring that the EU’s next budget takes account of the disadvantages faced by islands with the European Parliament’s chief negotiator, EPP Vice-President and Vice-President of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, Siegfried Mureșan.

The Partit Nazzjonalista welcomed the fact that the Summit recognised Europe’s southern flank as a strategic priority alongside its eastern flank. This recognition reflects the priority put forward by PN Leader Alex Borg on behalf of Malta and Gozo.

During the drafting of the declaration, the PN submitted a proposal to strengthen the reference to the Mediterranean. The final text calls for greater investment and stronger partnerships with Mediterranean countries, including cooperation on maritime security, energy resilience, migration management and the fight against organised crime and human trafficking.

Alex Borg emphasised that European competitiveness must translate into tangible benefits for Maltese families and businesses. The EPP declaration calls for European policies to avoid imposing additional energy costs and for Member States to be given the greatest possible flexibility to provide temporary, targeted and tailored national support, within the European economic framework and while safeguarding fiscal sustainability.

The declaration also emphasises the need to reduce bureaucracy, strengthen the European Single Market and create more opportunities for businesses, including through the “One Europe, One Market” initiative. These are important priorities for a small, open economy such as Malta’s.

The PN reiterates that European maritime transport policy must take account of the geographical realities of islands. The Partit Nazzjonalista supports the decarbonisation of the sector but insists on a review of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to reduce the disproportionate burdens on connectivity and prevent unfair competition affecting Maltese ports. The PN remains in favour of an effective global framework under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

On Ukraine, the final declaration reiterates European support for its sovereignty. In the area of security, it also recognises the need to respect neutrality. Alex Borg stressed that European commitments must continue to respect Malta’s constitutional neutrality and the PN’s position on the financing of armaments.

PN International Secretary and Member of Parliament Beppe Galea accompanied Alex Borg to Brussels and submitted the PN’s proposal on the Mediterranean on behalf of the PN Leader during the drafting of the declaration. The PN will continue working within the EPP to ensure that the realities of Malta and Gozo remain firmly on the European agenda.

In Brussels, Alex Borg also held talks with several leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and EPP President Manfred Weber. During his visit, he also met Partit Nazzjonalista MEPs David Casa and Peter Agius.

15.10.2026