Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized that the upcoming European Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 must directly address the permanent and real challenges faced by geographically constrained member states.
Speaking at the MED9 summit in Split, Croatia, he stressed that reliable connectivity, affordable energy, and resilient infrastructure are core economic necessities for a country like Malta.
The high-level gathering served as a vital preparatory platform ahead of the upcoming European Council meeting in Brussels. Dr Abela urged the European Union to position the Mediterranean as a core regional priority, pointing out that the region sits at the intersection of security, trade, energy, and climate resilience, meaning that decisions impacting the Mediterranean ultimately influence the whole of Europe.
Addressing the broader European budget discussions, the Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of balancing new priorities with traditional policies like cohesion, agriculture, and fisheries. While reiterating Malta's constructive approach toward identifying fresh financial resources, he firmly maintained the government's opposition to EU-level taxes, asserting that fiscal competence must remain strictly within the hands of national governments and parliaments.
On geopolitics and migration, Abela called for renewed and substantive engagement with the African continent and the southern neighborhood. He stressed that while Eastern European developments remain vital, the EU must deepen its active cooperation with key partners like Libya across multiple fronts, including energy, climate change, security, and investment.
The Prime Minister also voiced concerns regarding the impacts of Middle Eastern instability on energy prices. He asserted that European energy policies must avoid placing citizens and businesses at structural disadvantages, highlighting Malta's ongoing commitment to stabilizing energy and fuel costs. Furthermore, while affirming full support for the green transition and decarbonization through mechanisms like the Emissions Trading Scheme, Abela cautioned that such environmental targets must not undermine industrial competitiveness or critical island connectivity routes.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration among the participating leaders, consolidating Mediterranean priorities ahead of crucial European-level decisions. The MED9 group comprises Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain, alongside participation from high-ranking European officials and international guests.