Malta must be more assertive in safeguarding its interests in Europe

Malta must be more assertive, more strategic and more ambitious in defending its interests within the European Union.

This was the main message delivered in Parliament by Partit Nazzjonalista’s Deputy Leader Alex Perici Calascione as he replied to the Ministerial Statement made by the Prime Minister on the conclusions of the European Council held last week.

Alex Perici Calascione said that decisions taken at European level have a direct impact on Maltese and Gozitan families, workers and businesses. Malta must therefore be present with a clear vision and strong positions on key issues such as competitiveness, European funding, security, migration and foreign policy.

The PN Deputy Leader stressed the need for the European Union to continue strengthening its competitiveness while reducing the bureaucratic burden on businesses and increasing investment in innovation and technology. In this context, he also emphasised the need for Malta to defend the interests of SMEs more effectively and to address the particular challenges faced by peripheral islands such as Malta and Gozo.

On the next European Union budget, which was also among the items on the agenda of the EU Summit held on 18 and 19 June, the PN Deputy Leader said that Malta must insist that the principle of insularity is reflected in a concrete way in European funding. He emphasised that Gozo must be given special attention so that it can continue to develop and remain competitive.

On European security, Alex Perici Calascione reiterated the Partit Nazzjonalista’s support for a Europe that is more resilient and better prepared for security challenges, while fully respecting Malta’s principle of neutrality. He said that neutrality does not mean passivity, and that Malta can make an important contribution in areas such as cybersecurity, the protection of critical infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

On foreign policy, the PN continues to reiterate its support for the Ukrainian people in their fight for sovereignty and freedom, as well as for a just and sustainable peace. At the same time, it continues to call for a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, increased humanitarian aid and full respect for international law.

In this regard, he saluted the invaluable work of Vanessa Frazier as Representative for Children in Armed Conflict within the United Nations, and said that Malta must remain a voice for peace, dialogue and diplomatic solutions, as this is our country’s natural role in the Mediterranean.

Alex Perici Calascione also reiterated the PN’s support for EU enlargement and the eventual membership of Ukraine, Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans. He recalled that at the Summit of the European People’s Party, in which the Leader of the Opposition and of the Partit Nazzjonalista Alex Borg participated, emphasis was placed on the fact that enlargement must remain merit-based, while also recognising the geopolitical need for Europe to be more united.

The PN Deputy Leader also emphasised that Europe is built on democratic values, and that Malta must continue working in favour of strong institutions, good governance and full respect for the rule of law.

Alex Perici Calascione concluded by saying that the Partit Nazzjonalista continues to believe in a European, strong and ambitious Malta, one that is at the forefront of European discussions and that defends the interests of Malta and Gozo with conviction.

22.06.2026