Prime Minister Robert Abela has called for greater unity across Europe in the interest of stability and prosperity for all its citizens, during the European Union-Western Balkans Summit held in Brussels.

Addressing the annual summit, Abela reaffirmed Malta's commitment to strengthening partnership and cooperation with the Western Balkans, stressing the importance of unity at a time of shared challenges facing the continent. He highlighted the need for solidarity to bolster Europe's resilience and noted the positive progress and recent efforts bringing the region closer to the European Union.

The Prime Minister underlined the crucial role of consistency in implementing initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to citizens across Europe, while supporting economic development that translates into improved well-being for families.

Among the successes cited, Abela pointed to the "roam like at home" agreement in the Western Balkans as a concrete example of how strategic cooperation can lead to meaningful outcomes felt directly by citizens. He said such achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished through sustained dialogue and a shared vision.

During the discussions, the Prime Minister also praised ongoing collaboration aimed at strengthening collective resilience against cyber and hybrid threats, noting that these challenges transcend national borders and require a coordinated European response.

Abela further emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts to resolve bilateral disputes and promote regional reconciliation, as a means of building a stable future founded on mutual respect and good neighbourly relations.

Reaffirming Malta's full support for the European Union's enlargement process, the Prime Minister described it as a key geopolitical imperative for Europe's security and prosperity. He said enlargement must be firmly grounded in European values, including democracy, the protection of fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

Concluding his intervention, Dr Abela reiterated Malta's commitment to supporting the accession journey of the Western Balkans countries and said Malta looks forward to enhanced cooperation and further progress in the year ahead.