The European Union has registered a number of successes over the past few months after it managed to overcome significant obstacles, in particular an agreement on the Financial Perspectives, the Services Directive and increased economic activity, Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.
Speaking to the Maltese Press during the EU summit at the end of the Austrian Presidency, the PM said that Malta was in favour of further EU enlargement, especially with respect to the applications of Croatia and Turkey.
“Enlargement remains a key issue with two countries expected to join in the near future. However, with more countries coming on board, resolving the impasse on the EU Constitutional Treaty has become ever more urgent, so a solution in this summit is widely expected and anticipated to be found.”
Dr Gonzi said that Malta was one of 16 countries that had accepted the Constitutional Treaty. Two countries have rejected the treaty and another seven still have do decide what they are going to do.
The Prime Minister also commented on the problem of irregular immigration.
“Malta has a particular interest in this matter and I am satisfied to note that under the Austrian Presidency, the situation has improved considerably and funds have been made available to tackle the problem.
However, there is a concerted action plan which is being proposed for this summit and I sincerely hope that the concept of burden sharing will continue to be pushed forward.”
Dr Gonzi said that this topic was going to be discussed in great detail and a positive outcome of the talks could only improve Malta’s position.
Asked about the specific conditions of the plan, Dr Gonzi expressed cautious optimism that most of them would be accepted.
“In several meetings that we have held with EU officials, we have always found a voice sympathetic to our concerns. However, we are pressing for tougher conditions which will also include a specific set of rules for those countries that act as a transit for immigrants.”
The PM also commented on the absorption capacity of the EU, expressing Malta’s view that generally supports further enlargement.
“However, it is most probable that a report will be drawn up to establish what Europe’s eventual frontiers are to be in the future. Moreover, we see Turkey as an ideal country to act as an interface between European and Middle East countries, but membership has to be achieved if these countries reach the standards of the acquis communautaire as Malta managed to do.”
Dr Gonzi also commented on the possibility of a meeting between Libya and the EU regarding irregular immigrants, adding that Malta was supportive of every positive development in this regard as this could only alleviate the considerable burden that the country is facing.
Before attending the summit, Dr Gonzi also took part in a European People’s Party (EPP) meeting.