MEP and former Prime Minister Alfred Sant told the European Parliament that Malta should opt out from any comprehensive European defence and security policy since it is a neutral country.

Neutral countries within the EU might decide not to participate fully or partly in the proposed EU Common Security and Defence Policy, Dr Sant said before voting against a resolution which sets the framework for EU political and military structures. 

This proposal would reinforce the superior military importance of the larger member states over small EU member states.

Dr Sant said it might sound tempting to promote a common EU security and defence policy, but the likelihood is that it will be counterproductive. Such an initiative would not help to reignite enthusiasm for closer union as much as heighten divergences between member states.

"It is preferable for the EU to concentrate on coordinating security measures within EU territory regarding terrorism, immigration and surveillance. Here the benefits could be reaped in the short to medium term, would be politically popular and easy to communicate."

When elected prime minister in 1996, one of Dr Sant's first moves was to withdraw Malta from the Partnership for Peace programme.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.