The EPP Group said Monday the S&D group at the European Parliament did not object to the holding of a debate on the rule of law in Malta.

In a statement, the EPP noted "with disappointment" the email screenshot circulated on social media regarding this week's debate in the European Parliament on the occasion of the 8th year anniversary of the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and taking stock of the rule of law and the state of justice in Malta.

Labour Party deputy leader Alex Agius Saliba earlier said that the S&D Group did not give its support to the debate. But, according to the EPP, it did not object either.

"This annual debate is held in solidarity with the people of Malta, not against them," the EPP said. "It is an opportunity for the European Parliament to reaffirm its commitment to justice, democracy and the protection of fundamental rights.

"We thank the S&D Group for not objecting to the holding of this debate at the last COP meeting," EPP vice-chair Tomas Tobé said.

"It is therefore regrettable that there are claims circulating based on fiction, clearly intended to help members of Malta's Labour delegation dig themselves out of a hole of their own making.

"The EPP Group remains fully committed to standing by the people of Malta and to ensuring that the values of justice and accountability are upheld," Tobé added.