Malta has taken steps in the right direction in terms of reforming the rule of law and reducing political influence, but there are serious concerns which still remain, Vice president of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová said.

The European Parliament debated the court findings on the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the recent revelations regarding her investigations, where Keith Schembri was denied bail among other people after being charged with corruption and money laundering.

"The work of Daphne Caruana Galizia unveiled patterns of corruption, money laundering... We expect justice to ultimately be fully served," she said.

The Commissioner praised Malta's changes "in the right direction", but "significant concerns remain".

"The reforms of the judicial appointments' system which aim to separate powers are positive," she said. However, anti-corruption frameworks "are still lacking".

She noted that the commission is now working on a framework regarding the safety of journalists.

Other areas of concern are the "effective independence, ownership control and management of multiple media outlets", which continue to have significant impacts, she said.

The Commission is in contact with Maltese authorities in order to hold "sincere" talks about progressing, she said.

German MEP Manfred Weber said that it was clear that Caruana Galizia was killed because of corruption she revealed. "The public institutions remain politically captured... this is a major concern for us."

He mentioned that ministers and people in government were implied. "How is this possible? They obstruct justice and not let it take its course."

Others called for more stringent ways of keeping an eye on Malta, as they claimed that the European Union needs to crack down on these cases.

Alfred Sant

Labour MEP Alfred Sant claimed that the European Parliament was hindering the Maltese courts from doing their work, and for justice to take place, by holding this debate. 

He remarked that in the past, the Labour MEPs promised that the Labour Government would "strive to find the murderers who assassinated Caruana Galizia and bring them to justice. That promise is still valid."

Sant noted that "the road has been longer than we have anticipated. Shocking discoveries have been made... but there have been no let ups."

"The Robert Abela administration in Malta has given more than enough assurances. This debate has been called at a crucial time," he said.

"There is a time for political initiative and action. There is a time for police to investigate and prosecute. And there is a time for the courts to judge. This debate has been called at the same time that crucial evidence about the Caruana Galizia case is being given in the courts of law ... This debate is quite clearly intruding the judicial processes," he claimed.  

Sant questioned why the European Parliament was using "two weights and two measures" with Malta. "The house held back from debating in other cases being heard in courts, such as that with Sarkozy in France," he stated.

Roberta Metsola

PN MEP Roberta Metsola said that people who were responsible for the murder need to face justice.

"Our message today is clear: We need those responsible for the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, those who let it happen and those who tried to cover it up, to face justice. We need an end to impunity and justice for the stories she was killed for exposing. And we must prevent this happening ever again. That means strengthening our systems and giving Europol more authority on sharing evidence and investigations; It means having an Anti-SLAPP directive."

Metsola told parliament that the country is not the criminals that are being brought to justice, it is much better than that. "Do not let them dismiss this as partisan bickering - it is far more important. And do not judge my country by the actions of criminals posing as politicians. Malta is not them. Malta is better than them," she said.

"We built back better after becoming the most bombed place on earth. We pushed for democracy, and joined the EU as equals. We are the country that put climate change on the world agenda. We are the island of Daphne Caruana Galizia's courage...Oliver Friggieri's pen... Joseph Calleja's voice... Edward de Bono's thinking."

Metsola said that the house should ensure that this does not happen again. "This house should not give the criminals the comfort of silence or patronage. And let us do our bit to ensure this never happens again. Anywhere."

Cyrus Engerer

The PL MEP Cyrus Engerer said that this debate worries him, as at the time of the debate, a testimony into the case was "literally being heard."

"This is not a partisan issue, everyone in Malta wants to see justice being served. Everyone in Malta wants to know the whole truth," he said.

Engerer said that now Malta is seeing a difference as criminals are being brought to justice.

"The truth is coming out in Malta. Today we have institutions which are functioning and clearly are taking no one's side. It took us decades of abuse and a murdered journalist, but we are getting there," he noted.

"This debate worries me, as the convention on human rights clearly state the debates can deter the courts and deter justice. In the name of truth and the name of justice."

He accused the PN MEPs of trying to "score political points with the electorate before the election".

"You want to score points; damage has been done to the country, this became a habit, but this government is changing this as we can see," he said. 

David Casa

Casa was full of praise of Caruana Galizia's work and noted that those who are guilty are 'terrified'. "Daphne Caruana Galizia. Thank you. Thank you for your determination, despite the attacks. Thank you for having given everything, even your life, so as to prevent Malta from being run by criminals. In the name of this Parliament, thank you."

He said that there will be justice to face for the criminals "because that family that you tore apart, you will have to look into their eyes before you are put behind bars."

"A reality further confirmed with each passing day. Everyday a new development. Everyday a new scandal. Malta needs protection from its own government. Murderers and thieves can find others willing to defend them. But me, never."

Casa concluded with a message to Maltese people, saying that the European Parliament will continue to fight for justice. "Don't give up. We won't stop here. We will continue to fight for justice. There are bold people who will not be intimidated. In the police, the judiciary, journalists and civil society organisations. And not least, this Parliament. This Parliament is on your side. And I will be at the forefront to defend each and every one of you. That is my duty. Thank you Daphne, we will never forget you."

Alex Agius Saliba

In a passionate speech, Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba said that he cannot understand why the EP is discussing this during the midst of a court case and while other countries are also battling corruption cases.

"The institutions in Malta are functioning and treating everyone equally because we want to see justice being served, where 7 people are being accused of homicide.

"That is why I don't understand why the European parliament is today trying to pass its political judgement on a case that is still ongoing in our courts. Let us let the institutions and the procedure to take its course."

Agius Saliba took a swipe at Opposition leader Bernard Grech, after the latter claimed that he would grant presidential pardons to those accuse of murder without consultation, he said. "Justice will certainly never be served with the opposition leader giving pardon to all those being charged with the murder., without consulting with any institution."

The Maltese government "has never been arrogant", Saliba said, "and has continued to implement various recommendations."

Josianne Cutajar

PL MEP Josian Cutajar followed the steps of her labour colleagues, saying that she also wants to see justice being served, but saw this debate as hindering justice to take its course as nothing can come out of this debate, she claimed.

"I am Maltese and I want justice to be served, however justice needs to be effective by letting the process take its due course," Cutajar said.

The Labour MEP said that this might also risk stirring more anger between people in Malta, especially partisans.

"It risks opening up further divisions within our Maltese society when the country is seeking a certain sense of reconciliation. What sense is there in triggering such a debate in Malta?" she questioned.

"Today's debate is truly insensitive, as it is neither conciliatory and nor of any use. Since then we have enhanced our rigour."