Malta cannot be left alone in the humanitarian crisis, Opposition Leader Adrian Delia said today. "The time for excuses are over now."

"Malta's resources are under great pressure due to COVID-19. Our detention centre is full, Maltese are worried and with reason. We have done our part, and we must act now before it's too late."

Delia said this after the summit meeting on irregular migration held by the European People's Party on Thursday. Delia has been calling for the European Union to prioritise the discussion on irregular migration.

Delia highlighted four main points which must be reflected on post-Covid-19. These are survival, solidarity, sovereignty, and sustainability.

 Regarding survival, he emphasised on the need for the EU to have a vision of the new economy and the new realities which will follow the pandemic, so as to safeguard jobs and create new ones.

On solidarity, he explained that it is important to express solidarity amongst all European countries;. He highlighted that it is important that countries like Malta, who are also facing the challenge of migration, to call immediately for action and solidarity.

Regarding sovereignty, he said that Europe must take the threats to democracy very seriously, and not allow itself to become a victim of the pandemic. He also spoke about the need for sustainability, especially in regards to climate change, and how the pandemic has had an impact on the world and its communities.

Delia highlighted that the Opposition has provided its full support to the Health Authorities and noted how in the last few hours the number of cases of persons testing positive has decreased drastically.

The Opposition has put forward a large number of proposals to strengthen the local economy, a number of which the Government has carried out, he said.

European Union leaders had agreed to strengthen solidarity amongst member states, especially during this time when solidarity is extremely important. It was discussed that a need for a new budget for European Union members to support the European economies be set up. The opening of borders was also discussed while making sure that there is not a second wave of the virus, and to see how to help the tourism sector in the summer months.