A bi-lateral meeting between Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel saw the topics of migration, financial services, and the general relationship between the two smallest countries in the European Union be raised. 

During the meeting, Muscat thanked Bettel for their “realistic attitude” as a country which always helped and participated in ad hoc agreements which Malta had coordinated to address certain delicate situations in the Mediterranean. 

The financial services industry was also discussed, with Muscat saying that pressure against tax harmonisation was going to increase and noted that Malta and Luxembourg cannot seem like the countries simply saying “no”, but as two countries which have the solutions. 

Bettel meanwhile confirmed that strong relations exist between the two countries and noted that while Malta and Luxembourg were competitors in the financial services industry, the two remain active in pushing against tax harmonisation as it is being discussed at a European level.  

On migration, Bettel said that while Luxembourg will contain to help when needed, the EU must find a more permanent solution.

He noted that Muscat had done what he had done in Luxembourg, and transformed Malta’s economy after six years into a traditional country to a more modern one, and praised the country for its economic and social results. 

In what was the first visit by a Maltese Prime Minister to Luxembourg in 15 years, the Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister for EU Affairs and Equality Helena Dalli.