PN Leader Simon Busuttil said today that the EU is already very much a federation, "even if some want to deny or even contest it."

"Federalism actually means unity and collaboration. It is in Malta's interest for us to remain at the heart of the European Union," he said.

Dr Busuttil was speaking at an event held at the University of Malta to mark the 60^th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. 

Simon Busuttil said that he is proud to be a Pro-Europe politician and that he remembers well when he first was captivated by the European Project. The PN Leader said that there are two simple but strong reasons why he is in favour of the EU: "its fundamental principles, and his love for Malta."

He said that Malta waited for 14 long years to negotiate its way and join the EU. "During those years the country had a divisive internal debate about accession."

Addressing Brexit, Dr Busuttil said that it has given rise to questions about the nature of the EU itself. He said that it is a pity that the most widely known Article in the Treaty today is Article 50, the section about leaving the Union. He drew attention to the five different scenarios that the European Commission has put forward on the question of Europe:

1. Leaving things as they stand

2. Take away everything except for the Single Market

3. Allowing some members to collaborate more closely together

4. Reducing the scope but do it more efficiently

5. Make bigger steps towards unity and integration among all members

The Nationalist Party Leader said that he believes in options three and five. He said that countries that feel they should take more steps towards collaboration between themselves on a number of areas should be free to do so. The fifth scenario then, he said, is a natural consequence of this state.

 "The 60^th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome takes us back through some of the milestones of the EU," Dr Busuttil said. "However the EU today has new priorities to focus on. Among them is terrorism," He called for the creation of a European counter-terrorism agency.

He said that justice is another area of priority where, while the EU has made huge strides ahead, more needs to be done. He said that Malta ought to reconsider its position on the EU Public Prosecutor Office Initiative "since this is about the fight against criminality and fraud."

"Migration is another area where Europe does not do enough."  He said that it is time for a common migration policy.

"Malta stands to gain from a strong EU, and if we have not yet been successful at convincing the EU of our particular needs, we need to start doing so now."

He said that that it makes sense for Malta to have a different taxation policy given the small population and lack of access to the mainland which means extra costs in trade. He also said that state help to Air Malta is another case where the EU needs to respect diversity..