EU defence policy and Malta's neutrality
If the EU decides on a common defence policy, does that mean the end of Malta's neutrality? Not at all. The Constitution of the EU makes it clear that if the Prime Ministers of the of the EU member states decide to adopt a common defence policy, they...
If the EU decides on a common defence policy, does that mean the end of Malta's neutrality?
Not at all. The Constitution of the EU makes it clear that if the Prime Ministers of the of the EU member states decide to adopt a common defence policy, they must do so with an unanimous vote. Besides, if there is such a policy adopted, the EU "shall in that case recommend (as against ordering) to the member states the adoption of such a decision in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements". This means that Malta's neutrality as enshrined in the Maltese Constitution will be respected.