In response to a letter from the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, praising Malta's efforts to strengthen the rule of law, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that he appreciates such acknowledgement from global leaders, but said that nothing compares to seeing a satisfied worker, businessman or family.

In a letter dated 9 July 2020 and addressed to PM Abela, von der Leyen expressed her gratitude towards the plans for reforms envisaged by the Maltese Government in order to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence in Malta; as set out in the government's letter to the Council of Europe's Venice Commission of 13 April 2020.

"This is important in view of the draft country-specific recommendations adopted on 20 May 2020 where the Commission recommended that Malta take action in 2020 and 2021 to complete reforms addressing current shortcomings in institutional capacity and governance to enhance judicial independence," she said.

Von der Leyen also encouraged the government to remain engaged in conversation with the Venice Commission.

PM Abela replied to this letter by expressing his gratitude towards the fact that the EU Commission has recognised the reforms the government is working on as well as the efforts the government is putting in to bring about necessary changes while providing a sense of stability and serenity.

However, he said that while he appreciates such acknowledgement from global leaders, "nothing is more satisfying than when a worker comes to me to thank the government for the help that he is receiving, or a business owner who was able to keep his business through the schemes we implemented."

"Our country is moving forward despite the challenges we faced in the past weeks. We are moving forward with regards to the economy and employment. We are also progressing in the social and education sector as well as the health sector which is full of dedicated workers," he said.

Abela explained that the changes the government is working on are meant to guarantee a strong future ahead which coming generation will be able to enjoy.

"This is a dialogical government, who is ready to listen and void of the instability that other political forces in Malta are experiencing at the moment. This is what we will keep working on achieving and we can only do this together."

"Our country is a success so let us keep making better. I urge you to join me so we can keep this going."