Prime Minister Robert Abela said that Malta does not believe in a European economy which is dependent on strengthening the arms and weapons industry, adding that the country is built on the value of peace.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Abela was asked about the U-turn EU increased defence vote, where Malta backed a European Council plan to bolster the EU's defence systems and expenditures within the context of rising threats and security challenges.

This came after Abela had spent weeks criticising European Parliament President Roberta Metsola for calling for the budget increase, accusing her of fomenting conflict and wanting to escalate the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Abela said that "there is no controversy," as the country had managed to negotiate the inclusion of two clauses into the agreement, which protected Malta's neutrality.

He said that the two specific safeguards were followed by a long consultation process, and were accepted by the European Council, thus implemented into the agreement.

"The two negotiated clauses respect the constitution, and that is the sole reason why I was in a position not to object to the other conclusions," Abela said, adding that this was in contrast to previous PN administrations with regards to other matters such as trapping.

Abela said that the clauses ensure that Malta's neutrality and non-alignment position is respected.

He said that high PN exponents have not taken a clear standing on the matter as government did, that greater investment in the weapons industry is not needed.

Abela said that he was pleased and proud to have intervened in the European Council in the presence of the European Parliament President.  "I made it clear, and it was understood, and implemented," Abela said, adding that this was double-implemented into the agreement, with regards to Ukraine in the first part, as well as in the security and defence chapter, to ensure that Malta's position is safeguarded.

With regards to discussions surrounding Malta's next President, He was asked, after articles read that Myriam Spiteri Debono is the frontrunner for the post, whether she will be the next President. Abela said that it would be disrespectful towards the "cordial discussion process with the Opposition Leader for one to announce a name, or names, before the right time."

He said that he is content that there was a dialogue process between the two parties which e believes is a credit to both parties, "especially when we are speaking about a subject of national importance like the appointment of the next President of the Republic. This augurs well for the future when in the coming months we will start discussing regarding the appointment of the Chief Justice, which also needs a 2/3rds agreement in Parliament and regarding which there is no anti-deadlock mechanism." He said he believes that the choice of President "which I believe we can arrive at by 4 April would be one that respects the principles I spoke of over the past months. What I am most content with is the constructive dialogue process we had between us."