Prime Minister Robert Abela has emphasised the importance of strengthening Europe's digital and infrastructure resilience during a meeting with Executive Vice President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen, highlighting key national priorities within the European Union framework.

The meeting, held at Auberge de Castille, focused on ensuring that the European Single Market delivers equitable benefits for all member states, including smaller nations such as Malta. Abela underscored the need for a robust "digital core" that supports inclusivity and competitiveness across the bloc.

He also stressed that European connectivity remains essential, particularly in light of ongoing international challenges in the energy sector. According to the Prime Minister, such connectivity is closely linked to the protection of critical infrastructure, an area he described as increasingly vital for both economic stability and security.

During discussions with Commissioner Virkkunen, who is responsible for technological sovereignty, security and democracy, Abela reiterated Malta's call for greater solidarity and a unified European approach in strategic sectors, including maritime affairs. This was raised in the context of recent developments in the Mediterranean involving the tanker Arctic Metagaz.

The meeting was attended by several senior Maltese officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.

Also present were Colonel Mark Mallia, Head of the Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister, and Leandro Borg.