Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi spoke on the government's vision of Malta as an oil hub in the Mediterranean when he participated in the EU Energy Ministers Council Neeting   in Lithuania.

The neeting focused on the external dimension of the EU's energy policy.

Dr Mizzi emphasized that the external dimension of EU energy policy should be strengthened to address certain gaps with particular emphasis on expansion southwards towards the Mediterranean. He stressed that enhancing cooperation with Mediterranean countries was critical and this required strategic connections in Europe to enable energy flows.

"The Government’s vision for Malta is to become an energy hub that enables flows of energy from North Africa to Europe. This is both beneficial to the EU and to Malta's industry," he said.

The European Commission’s position is fully committed to leverage the Mediterranean as a source of energy flows and structured dialogue will take place on the matter, the Energy Ministry said. Malta has been working hard on this dimension and will be working closely with the European Commission, and other Mediterranean European states within the Energy council.

Other aspects of external dimension to EU policy such as the Eastern European flows and innovative developments in energy efficiency from Chinese energy corporations were also discussed.