The Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) has brought about significant benefits effecting people's everyday lives, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna has said.

The EMU has created trade and jobs through the provision of free access to markets, he said while addressing 'The Economic & Monetary Union: How has Malta benefitted and what does the future hold?' - a breakfast event organised by the European Commission Representation in Malta in collaboration with the Central Bank of Malta, held at Laparelli Building on the 14th of September.

Minister Scicluna explained how the current favourable economic climates and the political will to deepen the EMU gives a unique window of opportunity to further strengthen the currency union, thus making it more robust. The eurozone crisis has revealed key weaknesses and the euro area was shown to have no public and very little private risk-sharing.

"Policies are needed that make the financial system more stable, and as we look ahead we need to cherish our common values and objectives. Malta's commitment to common rules set in the past is steadfast", concluded Minister Edward Scicluna.