Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today welcomed the outcome of the European Council summit and praised EU member states for approaching the discussion with balance.
"Many thought there would be a big divide between austerity and more spending but there was a sense of convergence towards common sense," he told the Maltese press.
He said austerity alone could not achieve economic growth but spending must be targeted to stimulate economies and create jobs.
Dr Muscat also welcomed the fact that the summit's conclusions were "in line" with Labour's electoral manifesto, including the Youth Guarantee, which has been unanimously welcomed, and the focus on fighting bureaucracy.
The Council commissioned a review of bureaucratic processes as would also be done in Malta through the appointment of a Commissioner for the simplification of rules, he said, adding that Malta aimed to introduce the Youth Guarantee by the end of the year or the beginning of next year.
The Prime Minister said he contributed to the discussion and ensured certain amendments to the conclusions. He was also impressed that EU leaders were "well-briefed" about the way the situation evolved in Malta.
Dr Muscat said he was asked to send his regards to former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and did so immediately via telephone.
Regarding energy, Dr Muscat said he had already met minister Konrad Mizzi to discuss the timetable of the Government's ambitious gas project and things would move in constant transparency.
He acknowledged that Malta had to be part of the EU energy grid and that Mr Mizzi would be seeking clarifications from the Italian Government about the time frames regarding the interconnecter since Standard & Poor's had said it would be completed in 2015 not 2014.
Dr Muscat praised Dr Gonzi for ensuring in 2011 that Malta would not be left out of the European grid and reiterated that the electricity interconnecter with Italy and a possible gas pipeline were part of the energy mix that a Labour Government would provide.
"I'm not worried... If anything I'm pleased that the EU is emphasising that no country should be left out. The more options available, the more advantageous and favourable for Malta," he said, when asked whether the this conclusion went contrary to his plans.
Dr Muscat also welcomed the fact that there would be a summit specifically about energy in May.
He also had meetings with European Commission president José Manuel Barroso and Health Commissioner Tonio Borg.
Cabinet tasks and size
Dr Muscat also took questions about his Cabinet formation. He clarified that Air Malta would fall under the Tourism Ministry and that the issue of immigration was split, with the Home Affairs Ministry focused on the security aspect while Helena Dalli's ministry would be responsible for integration and civil rights, besides social dialogue.
Speaking about the size and cost of the Cabinet, he said this was an issue of "value for money" and he believed his Cabinet was "the right size" to achieve the necessary results.
Dr Muscat also said he did not like how the role of Parliamentary Assistants was used in the last legislature. Instead of linking backbenchers to the ministries, Dr Muscat said he would hand out specific tasks and would also be willing to assign certain "executive" roles to members of the Opposition.
He said the talents of those permanent secretaries who resigned would be utilised in other areas and he would not leave anyone in a room without any work but treat everyone with dignity.