Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has said that it is crucial that Europe continues working for a free global market.
On the second and final day of the European People's Party Congress in Valencia, Nationalist Party Leader Bernard Grech met with the three PN MEPs: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, David Casa, and Peter Agius, and discussed various topics, including the PN MEPs' work within the European Parliament's Committees.
"Following the first day of the Congress, where discussions focused on strengthening defence, democracy, and Europe's future, competitiveness and economic growth, job creation, and demographic change - all issues which also affect Malta, Wednesday's session centred on the EPP's internal and organisational work."
The EPP Congress also included key elections for this largest political party within the European Union. "Manfred Weber was confirmed as President, while 10 Vice Presidents were elected. Dolors Montserrat was elected as Secretary General of the European People's Party, and François-Xavier Bellamy was also confirmed as Treasurer."
These elections are expected to strengthen the position of both the European People's Party and the European Union, the PN said.
"The Maltese delegation voted for these important leadership positions within the European People's Party, as well as on changes to the EPP's statute and several important resolutions, including on the rule of law, climate change, and immigration."
"During the two-day Congress in Spain, Bernard Grech held various meetings with other EPP leaders and officials, including the new Secretary General of the EPP Dolors Montserrat, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, Spanish Opposition Leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, Cypriot Opposition Leader Annita Demetriou, and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski, where discussions continued on how EU Member States must work together for a Europe that delivers results for its citizens, a Europe that upholds the dignity and quality of life of its people."
"Yesterday, the PN Leader addressed the Congress alongside other leaders and, in the evening, also took part in a working dinner hosted by Spain's Partido Popular for Heads of State and Government, Opposition Leaders, and Presidents of parties that are members of the EPP. Throughout the two days in Spain, at the same discussion table with the PN Leader were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several other EU Commissioners who form part of the EPP family, Germany's Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz, and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko," the PN said.
"Late last night, upon confirmation of the election result, Grech met with Manfred Weber and congratulated him on his confirmation as President of the European People's Party. He said that Weber's work at the helm of the EU's largest political party, in pursuit of Europe's future, is an inspiration to us all. Bernard Grech stated that he is confident that under Weber's leadership, the EPP will continue to be a strong voice for a Europe that cherishes family, rights, and the values that unite us.
The PN also extended its best wishes to Manfred Weber for success in his work toward a stronger and more united Europe.
At the close of the Congress, in comments to the media, Bernard Grech emphasised the importance of dialogue over the past two days and how crucial it is that Europe continues working for a free global market, especially in light of the tariffs imposed by the American Government, which are threatening disruption in foreign markets. The PN Leader reiterated that under the leadership of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, with the support of Manfred Weber, the European Union will be able to continue building on the successes it has achieved for its peoples.
The PN Leader was accompanied in Valencia by PN Secretary General Charles Bonello, International Secretary Beppe Galea, and Shadow Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Beppe Fenech Adami.