We must continue working for peace but, while ensuring that Europe becomes more secure by investing further in security and defence, we must also persist in diplomatic efforts with all parties, PN leader Bernard Grech said Thursday.

We cannot ignore other issues affecting the people of the EU, including the Maltese people, such as the cost-of-living crisis, Grech said at the conclusion of the European People's Party (EPP) Summit held in Brussels.

During discussions with EPP leaders, Bernard Grech emphasised the importance of continuing to work towards peace in Europe. He insisted that, while maintaining dialogue and upholding European values, the Summit agreed that the EU must increase investment in security and defence. Among other priorities, the EU must continue to defend Ukraine, as we have an obligation - said the PN Leader - not to abandon our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, who are part of Europe.

At the same time, in these discussions, Bernard Grech also stressed the need for Europe to continue supporting its citizens who are facing other pressing challenges, particularly the serious cost-of-living crisis, which remains a major concern for European citizens. He spoke about the situation in Malta, where the rising cost of living is also putting significant pressure on the Maltese people. He insisted that European citizens, including the Maltese, expect greater investment in competitiveness to help curb continuously rising prices. "Every government must take responsibility and do more in this regard," said Bernard Grech.

The EPP Summit in Brussels, chaired by EPP President Manfred Weber, was attended by several key figures, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Germany's Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz, and Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, along with various Prime Ministers and other EPP leaders.

The PN Leader was accompanied by PN International Secretary Beppe Galea.