EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker heaped praise on Malta today for its preparations to assume the EU presidency on January 1.
“Malta is prepared in the best way possible to take over the presidency. Malta is a serious country, down to earth, a small country with great ambitions,” he said during a Brussels press conference.
The press conference was held after the Maltese Cabinet met the EU College of Commissioners to map out the presidency agenda.
“I am quite convinced we will have six good months because Malta is not putting domestic concerns but European concerns on the agenda, and so I view the Maltese presidency with the expectation that will make European progress. This is one of the best presidencies,” he said.
Dr Muscat said Malta has no delusions of grandeur but it was determined to get things done and Europe could progress on the things that matter.
He said Malta was aiming at a number of achievements such as the digital economy within the single market, and the European social pillar.
“The next six months for us will not be just about Brexit or migration, there is a lot of other work to be done to improve the livelihood of our people.”
The biggest lesson one could draw from current global trends, he said, was that greater energy must be put not only to listen to the people but to act on their concerns.
Before the meeting between the commissioners and the ministers, Dr Muscat met European Parliament president Martin Schulz, Council president Donald Tusk and Mr Juncker.
Malta’s priorities for the presidency were also presented this morning by Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg at a breakfast briefing hosted by the European Policy Centre in Brussels.
He said that Malta wants to encourage vigorous debate among European leaders on issues that are challenging the very existence of the European Union.
"The low level of support for the EU among member states, according to the Eurobarometer survey, clearly indicates that the benefits of the EU are not so evident in many member states. Malta’s ultimate aim is to bring the European Union closer to the people," he said.
Amongst its priorities, Malta aims to foster a progressive approach on social inclusion and address the issues that are of particular concern to citizens such as gender equality in the labour market.
Other issues will include migration and security.
“Europe offers the dispossessed hope for the future when, the places they are leaving often do not, Dr Borg said. He stressed, however, that responsibility has to be shared fairly among all member states. Additionally, Europe should strengthen its borders to address the issue of security.
Dr Borg also spoke on the EU single market, saying it is the lifeblood of the EU, providing numerous opportunities to people in terms of business and wealth. "There needs to be a sharper focus on EU legislation that better addresses the challenges faced by SMEs and consumers," he said.
The presidency will also place a focus on issues in the maritime sector.