Alex Borg calls for concrete European action on Mediterranean threats and underscores neutrality

During the European People’s Party Summit held on Thursday in Brussels, Leader of the Opposition and of the PN Alex Borg emphasised the need for the European Union to take concrete and immediate action in the face of threats directly impacting the Mediterranean.

Borg stressed the importance of stronger EU action in relation to the Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz, which is posing environmental and security risks in the Mediterranean. He underlined that a small country like Malta cannot afford to remain passive in the face of such situations. He insisted on the need for more effective European coordination to safeguard our seas, the security of supplies, and the environment. 

In his comments at the end of the Summit, which discussed the latest international developments – particularly those concerning the Middle East and Iran -Borg stated that the Mediterranean lies at the heart of Malta’s and Europe’s strategic interests, and therefore any risks must be addressed with seriousness and joint action. 

During the Summit, European leaders also addressed the need to strengthen European solidarity in the field of defence. The final declaration emphasised that, in order to build credible deterrence, solidarity must also extend to defence, while respecting the principle of military neutrality of certain Member States. 

The PN Leader concluded by stating that Malta can be a credible voice at European level by promoting a balance between collective security and respect for its fundamental principles.

For the first time, this European People’s Party Summit – which also discussed Ukraine, as well as Europe’s economic growth and competitiveness – was attended by leaders of EPP-affiliated parties from outside the European Union, a step that further strengthens political cooperation at international level, a statement by the PN read.

“As customary, the EPP Summit was held ahead of the European Council meeting, which has on its agenda the military escalation in the Middle East and the situation in Iran, as well as the implications of these developments on the EU in terms of energy prices and security of supply. The EU Summit agenda also includes Europe’s competitiveness, the next EU budget, and migration.”

During the Summit, Borg held meetings, among others, with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, all of whom form part of the EPP, together with other leaders present, including Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, as well as Prime Ministers and Leaders of the Opposition from various other Member States.

On Wednesday Borg also attended the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the European People’s Party. This event brought together Prime Ministers, political leaders, and representatives from across Europe to celebrate fifty years of political cooperation within Europe’s largest political family, of which the PN is proud to form part. 

Before leaving Brussels to return to Malta, the PN Leader also paid a visit to Google’s headquarters in Brussels.

Throughout these two days Borg was accompanied by the Secretary General of the PN, Charles Bonello, and the International Secretary, Beppe Galea.

 

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