Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg. Photo: Facebook

The UK’s in-out referendum risks eclipsing the priorities the Maltese presidency of the EU Council is planning to put forth in 2017, according to Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg.

Malta’s priorities for the 2017 presidency include the Mediterranean region, instability in North Africa, migration and blue growth.

British Prime Minister David Cameron told European Union leaders on Thursday he needed a new deal so his country would remain an EU member.

So far, he has not elaborated on what he would be negotiating but his priorities include restrictions to welfare entitlements for migrants from other EU states, greater powers for national parliaments and an opt-out from the principle of an “ever closer union”.

Dr Borg denied rumours that Malta’s 2017 presidency would extend beyond the established six months since the UK is scheduled to take over the rotating presidency after Malta.

Member states holding the presidency work closely together in groups of three called “trios”. Malta will follow Slovakia and Holland.

“The UK presidency will kick off with a new trio. So although countries might be have to step into the UK’s shoes, it won’t be Malta, although no one is talking about such an eventuality because everyone is hoping it won’t get to that stage.”

Member states were still awaiting concrete proposals from Mr Cameron, Dr Borg said. Malta, together with other countries, has stressed that changes to the EU treaty were unacceptable and has warned against an EU à la carte.

“We haven’t even yet digested the results of the Lisbon Treaty because we’re still in the process of implementing parts of it, so it’s not opportune to discuss changes to yet another treaty.

“We need to examine whether the legal framework permits a mechanism enabling the EU and the UK to reach an agreement,” he said.

There were mechanisms in place, which were put into action in the past, such as the case of Denmark, back in the 1990s, which obtained exemption clauses or “opt-outs” from common EU policies.

“But there are themes being mentioned over which agreement is highly unlikely. When you start changing certain principles, then the ensuing discussion will surely be a heated one,” Dr Borg said.

In view of Malta’s presidency, Dr Borg said the workforce at Dar Malta in Brussels was being increased from the present 50 to between 150 and 200.

A public call had already been issued and 90 per cent of the new workforce would be in place by the end of the year.

A public call has also been issued inviting private companies to work with the government in securing the logistics.

These include accommodation, catering, electronic services, communications, transport and traditional gifts.

Malta’s 2017 EU presidency in figures

Malta will be chairing 1,500 meetings, of which 180 informal meetings will be held locally. Between 150 and 200 employees will be working at Dar Malta in Brussels.