From the outset, there has been no stronger supporter of the enlargement process than Britain. But the achievement is all your own. It is already clear that Malta will contribute very constructively to the councils of the European Union, drawing on your wide international experience, the resourcefulness of your people, and your many friendships in the Mediterranean region and in the Commonwealth. Your deep ties with my country and its people are a great asset for us both. For our part, we in the United Kingdom wish you well in our shared adventure in the European Union. We are committed to working closely with the government and people of Malta to achieve our shared objectives of economic growth, prosperity and peace with justice for our citizens, in a European Union of which we are all equal members. A Union in which the views of every member state, their diversity, their national traditions should be treated with respect. The source of the EU’s authority must remain in the free will of nations, collectively expressed. I look forward greatly to pursuing these aims with the prime minister and government of Malta in the months to come, in friendship and in partnership within the Union. The world is changing at a pace and on a scale such as we have not seen before. The interdependence of states defines the time in which we live together. Your future success in the European Union is assured – and will be of benefit to us all. For today, as you embark on your new adventure, I say to the people of Malta – “Prosit!”.
Tony Blair MP
Prime Minister of
the United KingdomFrom the outset, there has been no stronger supporter of the enlargement process than Britain. But the achievement is all your own. It is already clear that Malta will contribute very constructively to the councils of the European Union, drawing on your wide international experience, the resourcefulness of your people, and your many friendships in the Mediterranean region and in the Commonwealth. Your deep ties with my country and its people are a great asset for us both. For our part, we in the United Kingdom wish you well in our shared adventure in the European Union. We are committed to working closely with the government and people of Malta to achieve our shared objectives of economic growth, prosperity and peace with justice for our citizens, in a European Union of which we are all equal members. A Union in which the views of every member state, their diversity, their national traditions should be treated with respect. The source of the EU’s authority must remain in the free will of nations, collectively expressed. I look forward greatly to pursuing these aims with the prime minister and government of Malta in the months to come, in friendship and in partnership within the Union. The world is changing at a pace and on a scale such as we have not seen before. The interdependence of states defines the time in which we live together. Your future success in the European Union is assured – and will be of benefit to us all. For today, as you embark on your new adventure, I say to the people of Malta – “Prosit!”.
Tony Blair MP
Prime Minister of
the United Kingdom