European politicians are normally very careful with their words, especially when they are talking about politicians of another country. If, then, these politicians hold important positions in one of the European Union's institutions, they are even more cautious with how they express themselves.

They are often put in difficult situations, but they put the art of diplomacy to work, extricating themselves from even the tightest of spots so as not to appear to be criticising anyone and doing their best to be seen as taking the middle ground.

This is why it was quite a shock that the president of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, brought up Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he was being asked specifically about Malta's own Joseph Muscat.

When approached about the rule of law situation in Malta, he said that the European Union needs to be strong. Otherwise, he continued, how can the EU deal with the likes of Putin and Erdogan?

In other words, if the EU cannot control Muscat and Malta, how can it be expected to deal with the much politically stronger Russia and Turkey?

It was not a slip of the tongue.

When Tajani visited The Malta Independent offices last year after attending the funeral of Daphne Caruana Galizia, we had the opportunity to grill him in an off-the-record meeting. But, even with the comfort that what he was saying was not going to be reported, Tajani never strayed from the official line, always choosing to be tactful to the point that it was almost frustrating.

So what he said to La Repubblica last week was intentionally meant as a message. It could have been a message for Joseph Muscat to change tactics in view of the growing dissent following the more recent revelations by the Daphne Project consortium. It could also have been a message to European institutions to see what is happening here, how Muscat has failed to take any action in spite of all the evidence, and that Muscat should not be trusted just like Putin and Erdogan should not be.

It could also have been a message to both Muscat and the EU.

Tajani's outburst did not go unnoticed. Two days later, the reputable English newspaper The Guardian wrote a highly damning analysis of Muscat's situation, and in no uncertain terms said that his hope of a European career is practically over.

"Muscat had been touted in Brussels as a potential successor to Donald Tusk, the president of the European council. While still popular at home, his hopes of securing high office in Europe appear to be in tatters," The Guardian writes.

European leaders might still pat Muscat on the back and share a smile with him the next time they meet in Brussels.

But it looks clear that his inability and unwillingness to take decisive action against people like Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri has been noted in Europe, and that he will be punished for it.