Mediterranean challenges discussed in Corfu

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg has taken part in an informal OSCE Foreign Ministers meeting on the future of European security in Corfu

Foreign Ministers from the 56 OSCE participating states held a wide-ranging debate on security challenges in the region and agreed to launch a European security dialogue within the OSCE.

Dr Borg emphasised the risks and challenges facing the Mediterranean and their implications for European security.

He noted that many changes had taken place since or as a result of the end of the Cold War and that the European security dialogue that would unfold would need to take this into account.

He acknowledged that the international community faced a combination of old as well as previously inexperienced challenges including organised crime, migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings and in arms, terrorism, energy security, security risks from environmental degradation and cyber security.

Malta also expressed support for the security dialogue to be held within the OSCE since it was the most inclusive pan-European security organisation with all states operating on an equal footing; and in view of its comprehensive approach to security.