Prime Minister Robert Abela has warned that rising tensions over Greenland could escalate rapidly if handled irresponsibly, while sharply criticising the Opposition for what he described as populist attacks during a highly sensitive moment in European and transatlantic relations.
Addressing Parliament in a ministerial statement, Abela said that he had been convened, together with other European Union leaders, to an informal European Council meeting called by Council President Antonio Costa to discuss issues “requiring immediate attention in light of developments in transatlantic relations and their implications for the European Union.”
He said the meeting was driven primarily by developments related to Greenland, growing tensions with the United States, and the establishment of a Peace Board by US President Donald Trump, developments which continued to add to geopolitical uncertainty.
Abela said that in recent months, transatlantic diplomatic tensions have increased after President Trump began asserting that the United States strategically needed to acquire Greenland to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
He said it was even more concerning that the discussion escalated to the point where the United States indicated it was prepared to take any necessary action, including the use of force, a prospect that was received very negatively by the international community, particularly NATO countries, given that Greenland forms part of Denmark.
Abela said that had force been used, it would have meant two NATO allies entering into conflict with significant implications for the alliance itself and direct repercussions on EU-US relations.
In response, he said Denmark, supported by Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the UK, began preparing for “a larger and more sustained NATO presence in Greenland” to ensure Arctic security.
He said this prompted President Trump to announce he was prepared to impose a 10% tariff on EU and NATO countries opposing his plans.
As a result, Abela said the need arose for the European Union to assess its position and also consider a collective trade response, including possible counter-measures and activation of the Anti-Coercion Instrument.
However, Abela said the scenario shifted when Trump announced that the tariffs would not be imposed following talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the formation of a framework for a future agreement on Greenland and the Arctic region.
While this was important news that helped reduce tensions, Abela said that it certainly did not mean that everything was resolved.
“In today’s geopolitical reality and the new norm in which we are living, nothing is permanent and the situation can change within a matter of hours,” Abela said.
Malta’s position: dialogue and sovereignty
Abela said his message to EU leaders was clear, and spoke of his concern about the escalation witnessed over recent weeks and about the aggressive tone that has begun to dominate.
“In times of uncertainty and global tensions, our country continues to believe that there must be full respect for the principles of territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” he said, adding that the future of Greenland must be determined by the people of Greenland and Denmark.
While welcoming the de-escalation announcement by President Trump, Abela said the way forward must remain dialogue.
He said Malta’s preference was “that every possible effort be made” to intensify engagement with the United States before moving towards measures that would further increase tensions, while acknowledging the EU must be prepared for every eventuality.
Abela defended his cautious approach, saying it was not due to a lack of solidarity with Denmark or Greenland, “but because responsibility demands it.”
“Today we live in a world where words spread faster than fire,” he said, warning that “dangerous statements” can attract negativity and disproportionate reactions.
He described diplomacy as an extremely important tool, an art that is becoming scarce, and said sensitive negotiations should not be conducted through confrontational rhetoric.
Abela said the same responsibility applies locally.
“Let me be clear: this side of the House is focused and will not fall into the trap of populism and rhetoric being pushed by the Opposition,” he said.
Abela said he was “deeply disappointed” that on the eve of such a sensitive European Council meeting, and while discussions were taking place in with President Trump, Opposition members used the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs to attack the government for being measured and responsible.
He also condemned what he described as “deplorable conduct” towards a civil servant who appeared before the committee and was placed under pressure by Opposition members focused solely on pushing their misleading narrative.
“Is this the national interest?” Abela asked, accusing the Opposition of being desperate for a few political points.
Abela also said that he completely disagreed with the vigil being held by “Opposition exponents,” referring to NGO Repubblika, outside the US Embassy in Ta Qali, over US immigration policies.
He said the government would continue to act responsibly, support international law, and pursue a strong transatlantic relationship built on dialogue and cooperation, warning that turbulent times do not justify “inflaming rhetoric indiscriminately.”
Another point discussed during the European Council was the establishment of Trump’s Peace Board, a 20-point plan to end Israel’s war on Gaza said that “Gaza will be administered under temporary transitional governance by a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee… under the supervision and oversight of a new transitional international body, the ‘Peace Board,’ led and chaired by President Donald Trump, together with other members and state leaders.”
Abela said that the plan also details that this body will establish the framework and manage funding for the reconstruction of Gaza until the Palestinian Authority completes its reform programme and is able to safely and effectively retake control of Gaza.
Abela continued that over recent weeks, President Trump invited a number of countries to join this Peace Board.
“The European Union, as well as a number of Member States, were invited to join the Peace Board. However, so far only two Member States have joined, namely Hungary and Bulgaria,” Abela said.
He said that the core of the discussion focused on the steps the European Union must take and the decision regarding membership.
“It is clear that the majority has not yet formed a final opinion, particularly as analysis is required on a number of elements, including governance, the objectives of the Board, and compatibility with the United Nations Charter,” Abela said.
Nevertheless, he added that there is general agreement that the European Union should work with the United States on the implementation of the peace plan for Gaza.
Abela said his message was once again in favour of remaining open to dialogue and cooperation with the United States.
“I believe this Board should not necessarily be viewed as something that the European Union and all Member States must immediately join, but rather as an opportunity, and instead of being a point of divergence, it should be used as a point of convergence with the United States,” Abela said.
He said he believed that every initiative and effort that advances peace and dialogue should be supported, regardless of where it originates.
“If we want to ensure progress on the peace agenda, we must approach this initiative with pragmatism and participate in constructive discussion,” Abela said.
Abela said he looked forward to continuing discussions in the coming weeks, and to concretely analysing what Malta’s contribution could be, as well as that of the European Union, in this regard.