Migration, which was the biggest challenge for European countries in the Mediterranean, was again raising its head, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said today.

He was speaking following his participation at the Mediterranean Countries’ Summit in Athens.

Dr Muscat said that the countries  taking part agreed on a number of points to raise in Bratislava when EU leaders meet there soon.

Dr Muscat said the summit was one of countries which had proposals and opportunities for Europe, especially since they came from the side of the continent which neighboured Africa - the most global market.

Taking part in the summit are Greece, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta.

This was the first meeting bringing together Mediterranean countries which are part of the European Union to discuss issues of common interest. Their positions were not necessarily common but discussion encouraged more thought on what is happening in the EU.

Topics discussed included  migration, economic growth and the need for opportunities for young people.

Dr Muscat said he felt proud to be representing Malta, the country which had the biggest economic growth, the lowest unemployment and the one creating the most jobs.

The only countries that were acting on migration, with the exceptions of some others, were the Mediterranean ones so they agreed on a number of points to raise in Bratislava when the EU leaders will meet there.