The PN Head of Delegation in the European Parliament MEP David Casa warned the Maltese Government that its intentions to protect civil servants from liability for wrongdoing, risked being incompatible with upcoming rules tightening anti-corruption laws.

Casa, the EPP's negotiator on the combatting corruption directive, spoke ahead of the first inter-institutional meeting between the European Parliament and the Council, with the Polish presidency representing the 27 governments.

The Directive is the EU's flagship effort to bolster national laws on corruption related offences, introducing among others a minimum content of offences with new rules on sentencing and prescription periods, an EPP statement read.

Casa lambasted the situation in certain member states where corrupt politicians systematically weakened the law to protect criminals for the sake of political expediency, the statement read.

"The European Parliament is well aware what the situation is in member states. With his pro-corruption rhetoric, Robert Abela is in the dubious company of other leaders that are weakening the rule of law in their countries."

"The Parliament has a strong starting position and my priority will be to fight for the highest standards possible to improve what the European Union can do to stifle the corrupt and protect citizens," Casa said. "Ultimately, Robert Abela will have no choice but to transpose the law. Until we get there, we will remain extremely vigilant over all his attempts that worsen impunity in Malta."