For most families, security begins with knowing that the month's income will cover the essentials. It means being able to seek treatment when someone falls ill and watching children grow with reasonable confidence in their future. These ordinary expectations deserve a central place in Europe's discussion about its security.
The concern expressed in demonstrations in France this October should encourage careful reflection. Peaceful protest allows people to make their difficulties heard. Violence and destruction require a lawful response, but they should not prevent us from listening to those expressing their concerns peacefully. Behind a demand about wages or public services may be a household struggling to manage expenses that once seemed manageable.
Even Europe's largest economies face difficult choices. The European Commission's May 2026 forecasts described a weak recovery in Germany, a substantial public deficit in France and continuing debt pressures in Italy. Their circumstances differ. The shared question is how to sustain public finances while helping people withstand uncertainty.
Malta has long understood the importance of making the most of what we have. Our small size and limited mineral wealth have led us to place particular reliance on the abilities of our people. Education and enterprise have helped our country develop. We have good reason to regard investment in people's wellbeing as an investment in Malta's future.
The Maltese Government's efforts to protect households and businesses against energy price increases deserve recognition. Keeping retail energy prices stable has provided protection against international pressures, as the Commission's May assessment acknowledged. The introduction of Stabbiltà in 2024 also showed how cooperation with importers and retailers could be directed towards the everyday concern of essential food prices.
Accessible healthcare is another achievement we should value. Malta's 2025 Country Health Profile reported substantially lower unmet medical needs than the EU average in 2024. For a person needing care, access has an immediate and deeply personal meaning. We should acknowledge the public commitment behind that provision and the dedication of those who deliver it.
These achievements are sustained by the contribution of the community. Workers and businesses help finance public services, while those entrusted with administering them carry considerable responsibilities. Recognising the Government's work and the public contribution supporting it allows us to take shared pride in what our country achieves.
Europe's Anti-Poverty Strategy offers an opportunity to bring that same concern for people into closer cooperation between countries. Governments must fulfil their security responsibilities. I believe that protecting essential care and helping families withstand hardship should receive greater priority alongside them. Diplomacy and the prevention of conflict also deserve sustained commitment.
A practical step would be to accompany major economic decisions with a clear explanation of what they are expected to mean for household expenses and essential services. Where additional pressures are anticipated, arrangements to protect vulnerable people should be considered from the outset. Regular discussion with employers, trade unions and organisations working with families can help, with young people given a meaningful opportunity to contribute.
Malta can bring its experience to that discussion with confidence and an openness to learn. Our responsibility is to build on what serves people well, recognising achievements and preparing carefully for the years ahead. The strongest expression of progress is surely that people can face their own future with greater confidence.
Dr Anglu Farrugia is Former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta