There must be a push in favour of peace and diplomatic solutions to stop conflicts, Prime Minister Robert Abela said while discussing geopolitical challenges during an informal summit of European leaders in Brussels on Monday.

The Office of the Prime Minister stated that during the summit, discussions focused on European security and defence. It continued that Malta emphasises the necessity that every decision in this regard must continue to be made with full respect to the treaties of the European Union and the policies of the member states, including that of Malta. The OPM added that the EU's relationship with the United States of America was also discussed, in the context of the new administration of President Donald Trump.

The OPM stated that when the themes of security and European defence were being discussed, Abela said that this must be done with respect to the Constitution of Malta. He continued that Malta remains committed to providing aid where there are human tragedies, and spoke of the aid given to Ukraine within the limits of the Constitution, as well as the humanitarian aid in the Middle East.

Abela remarked that the EU should not focus on military expenditure, but rather on solutions around the table which provide stability to people around the world. He commented that the only way to stop the fighting should be through negotiations, and spoke of how the USA has an important role in this regard.

The OPM stated that the European leaders also discussed the new administration of President Trump in the USA, as well as the latest developments regarding import tariffs imposed on certain countries by the USA. The OPM continued that Prime Minister Abela spoke of how the strong relationship between the EU and the USA is essential to remain open to trade and investment between them as well as in favour of global security stability. He said that Malta is looking at the situation with particular attention on imposed tariffs, and added that the trans-Atlantic growth which provides economic stability should remain strong.

Abela commented that as a small country, Malta remains in favour of markets that are not disrupted and that do not negatively impact consumers.

The OPM added that during discussions with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, Abela remarked that the already strong relations between the UK and the EU should continue to be strengthened, and continued that Malta looks forward to more collaboration with the UK in fields such as security, defence, and health