Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna met with a delegation from the European Banking Federation, during which he expounded on the priorities of the 2017 Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The meeting focused on the Capital Markets Union, insolvency law, the need for educational programs to empower the public, risk reduction measures, taxation, and solidarity among member states. Furthermore, Minister Scicluna stressed that Malta has the ability to assess the EU's problems and challenges from a vantage point which is different from other member states, due to its size and geographical position. He indicated that due recognition should be given to the needs of the Maghreb Region and the flow of economic migrants from North Africa to the EU.

The European Banking Federation delegation was led by Chief Executive Wim Mijs, Head of Public Affairs Enrique Velázquez and Head of Banking Supervision Gonzalo Gasós.

Accompanying the Minister at the meeting were Deputy Governor Central Bank Alfred Mifsud, Permanent Secretary Alfred Camilleri, Chief of Staff Tania Brown, and Head of the Presidency Unit Matthew Buttigieg.