Labour MEP John Attard Montalto has complained that no Maltese have been selected to serve as the EU's ambassadors, saying that it appeared that the selection process was not based on competence.

In a statement, Dr Attard Montalto said that a meeting of the social democrat members of the foreign affairs committee of the European Parliament, he had suggested that a number of appointments be reserved for each member state.

Dr Attard noted that only four citizens from the new Member States were selected to take up EU ambassadorial posts, and the rest went to the big or long-time members of the EU. For example, there were five Spaniards and two from Luxembourg.

While it had been claimed that selections were made on merit, this did not always appear to be the case. For example, a well respected Portuguese diplomat was not selected to serve in the EU Representation in Brazil and the post remained vacant.

Dr Attard Montalto said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton had been quoted as saying that Maltese applicants would be given a good chance in the coming months.

While this could be true, the first round of appointments were the most important, Dr Attard Montalto said.