The European Commission and the European Parliament yesterday welcomed the "double confirmation" of Malta's choice to join the EU.
Messages of congratulation started pouring in after the Nationalist Party won 51.7 per cent of the vote on Saturday, thereby sealing Malta's yes to EU membership.
"Your success conveys a clear message by the Maltese people. It is confirmation of the willingness of Malta to join the enlarging EU, already expressed in the accession referendum held on March 8," European Commission president Romano Prodi told Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami in a letter.
"On behalf of the Commission, I wish to congratulate you most sincerely for the results of the general election held in Malta."
Mr Prodi said that last Saturday's result was the last step in a long process started by Malta in 1990, which will culminate in the signature of the accession treaty in Athens tomorrow.
"I look forward to our future collaboration and to the successful participation of Malta in the EU's institutions and policies," Mr Prodi said.
Contacted at his office in Brussels, European Parliament president Pat Cox said he looked forward to Malta signing the treaty in Athens tomorrow.
British foreign secretary Jack Straw echoed British prime minister Tony Blair's message of congratulations sent on Monday.
"I am delighted that the general election has confirmed Malta's destiny as a member of the EU, to her own benefit and that of Europe as a whole," Mr Straw wrote.
"I look forward to forging a partnership of common interest with you in the EU, pursuing the historic friendship between Malta and the UK."
He said the UK would continue to share with Malta its experiences of working within the EU, including the UK/ Malta Europe Action Plan.
Mr Straw said that Britain's minister for Europe Denis MacShane looked forward to making his first visit to Malta later this year.
British High Commissioner Vincent Fean also relayed his message of congratulation.
Finnish foreign trade and European affairs minister Jari Vilen told Foreign Minister Joe Borg he was "delighted" to hear about the election result in Malta.
"Knowing how your opposition would have treated the negotiated accession treaty had they won, it is truly a particular pleasure for me that Malta is included among the signing countries," Mr Vilen wrote.
"I am well aware how hard your party had to work in order to secure this victory. As the northernmost country of the EU, we are very pleased to have Malta, a new southernmost country, entering the Union next year."
In another statement, the European Commission hailed the overwhelming 83 per cent yes vote in the Hungarian referendum.
"The Hungarian referendum result, following so closely on the resounding yes votes in Malta and Slovenia, is a momentous occasion for rejoicing.
"By coming out overwhelmingly in favour of EU membership today, the Hungarian voters have signalled their clear choice to build their future within a strong, united Europe," the Commission said.