Oppisition Leader Alex Borg said that the European Union must take greater responsibility on defence, but added that diplomacy must come first.

Replying in Parliament to the Prime Minister's statement on last week's EU council, Borg started his speech by quoting from a statement issued by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa: "In this context, I want to be very clear: the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland have the full support of the European Union. Only the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," Borg quoted Costa as saying.

"This is a reflection of our firm commitment to the principles of international law, territorial integrity and national sovereignty, which are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole. These principles will continue to guide our action," he continued quoting Costa.

Borg said that the PN's motion on Greenland filed in the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs - a motion which was voted down by the government - was in conformity with Costa's statement. Robert Abela does one thing in Europe, and another thing in Malta.

The PN leader said that in a crucial international moment as now, the motion was designed to bring alignment between the government and opposition so that they can come together and he suggested that an agreement was close but suddenly an order came "from above" for the government MPs to block the motion.

Borg noted that Abela then went to the European Council and agreed with a statement essentially saying the same thing.  "Abroad you do one thing, here you do another," Borg said.

The Nationalist Party leader said that the European Union is not just an economy project, but also a union built upon the respect of international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity which is why the declarations which put Greenland's sovereignty at risk shake the very basis of these international principles.  

Borg said that the PN's position is clear: the future of Greenland must be chosen by its own people in full conformity with its constitutional framework and its rules which regulate its relationship with Denmark, a process which should be done democratically within the parameters of the rule of law.

He said that it is small states which pay the price first, and so the EU and international community must remain strong and continue to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity

Borg said that the relationship with the United States was always built on reciprocal respect and resulted in prosperity for the continent and the world, which is why transatlantic cooperation must be strengthened not weakened.  "But this can only be strengthened with reciprocal respect, and respect to international law in respectful dialogue," Borg said.

Speaking on security, Borg said that the PN agrees that the EU needs to take greater responsibility for its defence and strategic autonomy, but said that this must be done while respecting the constitutional framework of countries including Malta.  He said that this cannot exclude the importance of diplomacy, noting that the prevention of conflict is what must come first and foremost.

Borg made a direct appeal to the Prime Minister: "In every decision taken for our country, you must protect and safeguard Malta's long-term interests."

He said that the European Council meeting happened in a moment where the world is going through significant uncertainty and it is crucial that "Malta is on the right side of history as it always was."

"Ambiguity, wordplay is the last thing that the people are expecting from its government.  On an international level, the PN is ready to fulfil its role constructively and in the national interest.  We expect the government to do the same," Borg said.