It was disappointing to note the lack of support for Malta from the majority of European Union countries which had been invited by Jacques Barrot, the EU Commissioner for Justice, to share, on a voluntary basis, Malta's illegal immigration problem. The EU has long mouthed protestations of support for so-called burden-sharing to ease Malta's unique circumstances. Yet, when push comes to shove, only France, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia were prepared to provide tangible help. It is possible others might come forward in due course.

Of the "big" countries of Europe - Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France - only France has offered to help, at least, so far.

Germany, which has previously offered assistance, has been locked in an election campaign. It may, therefore, be excused for its lack of action and the hope remains that it might recant once the new government is installed.

The UK, for reasons of domestic politics, in which immigration plays an unhealthy part, has long resisted giving help. It is unlikely to change its position.

Spain and Italy might well argue that, despite their size, they too face disproportionate pressures as "front line" states in the battle with illegal immigration. By comparison with Malta's, however, their problems are relatively not that significant and they might still be expected to make a gesture of solidarity with Malta.

Of the medium-sized countries, Greece, also a front line state, should equally be expected to be called upon to show some measure of support.

The Netherlands has previously offered help and it is surprising that they have not proposed any this time.

Ireland, locked in the throes of the Lisbon Treaty re-run and probably enduring the worst economic crisis in Europe, may perhaps be excused.

There is no apparent excuse though why Sweden, which holds the EU Presidency, and the other Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, Poland, the Czech Republic and the rest of Europe, should fail so signally to come forward in solidarity to help ease Malta's problems.

Mr Barrot's proposal - even if it were successful - does not relieve Malta of all its immigration problems though. Nor is Malta seeking this. It realises that, as an EU country, it should play its part in sharing the burden. The fundamental argument is that it now carries a disproportionate share and this should be eased. At this moment in time six countries have come forward. Twenty others have not. This speaks volumes about the EU's inability to overcome individual countries' narrow interests and to work in a spirit of real mutual support.

Mr Barrot's request to EU countries is modest. The numbers to be shared are in reality not high. France is taking about 100. The other "big" countries should be expected to take about the same. If the rest of Europe were to accept only 30 each, the pressures on Malta's resources and confidence about its future social cohesion would be immeasurably helped.

What should happen next? There must be a major diplomatic push by Malta among those nations that have not yet coughed up support. It is perhaps not unsurprising that the country that has a most active diplomatic mission in Malta - France - has been most successful in garnering support for this country. Other Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Malta, and governments abroad, must be placed under pressure by the government to come up with similar demonstrations of support.