At least the following national economies in the European Union can be classed as robust: Austria, Britain, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden and Malta.

They are characterised by conservative and secure banking systems, low unemployment, fair economic growth, low national debt and very low inflation.

This is the formula that will lead to growth, together with high productivity and a stable and fair social system, fair taxation and low levels of corruption.

Other less fortunate economies within Europe do not share these characteristics and suffer accordingly.

In Malta, through meticulous and strict accounting under the 268-year reign of the normally wealthy Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St John and a 200-year British system of strict accountability, we have a stable economy, which is growing at a fair and more than acceptable rate.

This is hugely to our national advantage.