Minister for European Affairs and Equality Helena Dalli reiterated Malta’s call to respect the heads of governments’ agreed sequencing of the Brexit negotiations and welcomed the European Commission’s internal preparations on the future and the transitional arrangements. Speaking at the General Affairs Council of the European Union on Article 50, Minister Dalli emphasised that any future arrangement with the UK should be less than full membership.
The EU’s Chief Negotiator on Brexit, Michel Barnier, informed member states that no sufficient progress has been achieved so far by the UK on Article 50 of the Treaties of the European Union. Article 50 was triggered by the United Kingdom earlier this year, following a referendum in which the British people voted to leave the European Union.
Progress is a requirement stipulated by the European Council for negotiations to move forward to the second phase, and unless this is achieved by the end of November, it would seriously compromise the possibility to achieve sufficient progress by the European Council in December. There are a number of divergences, such as on the financial settlement of the UK, Ireland, and the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union, issues that are considered a priority by member states.
Dalli stressed the importance of the role that the EU Court of Justice will play following the UK’s withdrawal and on the need for it to be addressed. Minister Dalli also made a specific emphasis on future trade agreement/s with the UK and on the need that any future agreements should be as comprehensive as possible for the benefit of all concerned.
The General Affairs Council on Article 50 voted on the relocation of two European agencies from London following the withdrawal of the UK in 2019. The European Medicines Agency will relocate to Amsterdam while the European Banking Authority will relocate to Paris. Malta’s application to host the European Medicines Agency has been withdrawn following extensive discussions with the European Medicines Agency and other national Governments.
Prior to the General Affairs Council on Article 50, Minister Dalli participated in the General Affairs Council which is tasked with the preparation of the forthcoming European Council in December. The December Heads of Government meeting is expected to focus on defence, and on the social, culture and education sectors, particularly following the Gothenburg Social Summit. Minister Dalli called for equitable and inclusive learning opportunities, diversity, language learning, and investment in culture, including a strategic approach to international cultural relations.
On migration, Minister Dalli underlined the importance of continuing implementing the measures outlined in the Implementation Plan following the Malta Declaration. The collective efforts on this issue are bearing fruit, but there certainly is no place for complacency. Progress on reforming the Common European Asylum System remains crucial and it is critical to have a future-proof and effective policy that balances responsibility with solidarity.