Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela met with Austrian Federal Minister for Defence and Sports Hans Peter Doskozil to discuss migration and European security within the context of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The meeting was held at the Federal Ministry of Defence and Sports in Vienna at the invitation of Minister Doskozil.

The ministers discussed the possible short-term and longer-term actions with regard to migration, and looked at a number of possibilities. Minister Abela insisted on the urgent need to identify common solutions for the current migration crisis, especially with regard to the Central Mediterranean region. Both agreed that irregular migration to Europe has to be better controlled and managed through a holistic approach agreed among all EU member states, while internal security has to be bolstered through further synergies and closer cooperation at all levels.

The ministers also discussed matters of bilateral interest in the defence sector and further collaboration between their respective armed forces.

In the evening, Ministers Abela and Doskozil and their spouses were the guests of honour at the Officers' Ball 2017 at the Hofburg Palace.