Prime Minister Robert Abela is in Brussels for a two-day European Council summit, where European Union leaders are discussing a range of pressing issues affecting both citizens and businesses across the bloc.
The summit, which began on Thursday evening and continues on Friday, comes at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and economic challenges. Among the main topics on the agenda are the competitiveness of the European economy, the European Union's long-term budget, the war in Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East.
Discussions opened with a focus on strengthening Europe's economic competitiveness, as leaders consider measures aimed at attracting investment, promoting innovation and ensuring that the EU remains competitive in an increasingly challenging global environment.
Another key item is the Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028-2034. The long-term budget will determine how hundreds of billions of euros are allocated across major EU priorities, including cohesion policy, agriculture, security, defence, and the digital and green transitions.
The war in Ukraine is also expected to feature prominently during the summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to brief EU leaders on the latest developments in the conflict and on Ukraine's ongoing needs, as the bloc continues to provide political, financial and military support to Kyiv.
Leaders are also discussing developments in the Middle East, particularly the impact regional instability is having on European security, energy markets and international trade.
On Friday, talks will continue on migration, efforts to combat drug trafficking, and measures to strengthen European defence and security amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Abela said that despite the emergence of new priorities, Europe's objective remains unchanged: to keep the European Union strong, united and focused on the future.
The summit is expected to conclude on Friday with leaders seeking common positions on a number of strategic challenges facing the EU in the years ahead.