In Brussels, Prime Minister Robert Abela attended a two-day European Council summit during which European leaders discussed the European Union's long-term budget for the 2028-2034 period, European competitiveness-including energy prices-the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, migration, and EU enlargement, a government statement said.

Abela began his summit engagements by joining a meeting with 17 member states that consider cohesion policy a primary priority. During this session, the participating nations agreed to emphasise within the Council the necessity of an ambitious, balanced, and fair EU budget that safeguards the interests of all citizens.

At the Council table, Abela stressed that the funding package dedicated to cohesion policy must remain robust. He argued that a strong cohesion framework enables every member state, regardless of its geographic size or distinct local realities, to make continued forward progress. He reaffirmed that cohesion policy serves as a fundamental mechanism driving the overall global competitiveness of the European Union.

Furthermore, Abela declared that Malta firmly opposes the introduction of new EU-wide taxes. Addressing agricultural matters, he highlighted the urgent need for concrete, practical solutions tailored to reflect the sector's distinct operational realities.

"The budget of the European Union must continue to protect the interests of our citizens so that further wealth continues to be generated," Abela said.

Turning to energy and economic competitiveness, the Prime Minister highlighted Malta's unique circumstances as an island nation. On top of volatile international energy costs, Malta faces challenges due to a lack of direct gas interconnections and an unavoidable reliance on regular external supply. He underlined that while Malta remains fully committed to meeting overarching climate targets, it requires functional flexibility to shield local families and businesses.

He called for the removal of remaining Single Market barriers, the reduction of unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses-particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs)-and sustained effort to elevate European industrial competitiveness globally, the statement said.

Regarding developments in the Middle East, Prime Minister Abela underscored the necessity for the EU to collaborate closely with international partners to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access, insist on full respect for international law, and push forward a two-state solution while working actively to de-escalate regional tensions.

Abela also identified maritime security as vital to the broader European economy and supply connectivity, pointing out its direct influence on energy prices, international supply chains, and food security. He urged enhanced cooperation with regional partners to safeguard critical maritime trade routes, thereby shielding consumers and preserving European economic competitiveness.

Expressing grave concern over Russia's persistent strikes against civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, the Prime Minister strongly condemned recent attacks targeting merchant ships flying the Maltese flag, particularly in the Black Sea. He made clear that commercial vessels and civilian crews must never be targeted under any circumstances in conflict zones, the statement added.

On the topic of migration, Abela called for the swift and effective execution of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum. He welcomed proposals aimed at introducing a European Emergency Response Framework designed to account for maritime border realities and called for assertive action to dismantle human trafficking and smuggling operations. Additionally, Abela stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with third countries to accelerate effective returns and curb irregular arrivals. On the second morning of the summit, the Prime Minister participated in a coordination session alongside the European Commission focusing on shared migration challenges.

EU leaders evaluated progress regarding EU enlargement and prospective member candidates. Abela reiterated Malta's stance that the accession process must remain merit-based, ensuring that candidate countries advance through negotiations strictly on their individual track records. The Council welcomed ongoing technical efforts to draft the Accession Treaty for Montenegro and noted the necessary internal preparatory work required to ensure the European Union is fully equipped for future enlargement.