Accountability is not a brake on progress; it is its compass, stated the Speaker of the House of Representatives when this morning he addressed the leaders of the Supreme Audit Institutions of the European Union and candidate countries, along with the President and Members of the European Court of Auditors.

He was elivering a welcome address that placed integrity, transparency, and good governance at the heart of Europe's work to reinforce democratic resilience and competitiveness.

Farrugia highlighted that strong oversight is not an obstacle to progress but a necessary safeguard that ensures public resources serve the public good. He reaffirmed Malta's constitutional commitment to independent audit institutions, underscoring their essential role in maintaining the trust of citizens and supporting effective decision-making.

Addressing the realities facing Europe today, the Speaker noted the importance of energy security, workforce development, and the responsible use of digital technologies. He stressed that these challenges require honest evaluation, principled governance, and close cooperation among all audit institutions within the Union.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives also commended the joint efforts of the National Audit Office and the European Court of Auditors in bringing this year's meeting to Malta, noting that such collaboration reflects the shared values that underpin the EU's institutional framework.