Non-executive presidents of EU member states will be meeting in Malta next year to discuss developments within the bloc, particularly ways to improve solidarity and social inclusion.

The presidents form the Arraiolos Group, which has just held this year's meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who attended, said that the people of Europe need to feel more connected to their political institutions. 

"I believe that the European Union must reform its politics in a manner that it becomes more synonymous with the politics of solidarity, inclusion and effective participation.

"The politics that was intrinsically the basis of our forefathers’ vision, to achieve unity, peace and prosperity in an ailing Europe then."

She said Europeans cannot feel connected, secure and enjoy a sense of wellbeing, if one in four  lives in poverty and feels excluded. 

The president underlined the need for greater solidarity. 

"We must prioritise strategies of social inclusion, and welcome the participation of all individuals and communities who share a common commitment to the liberal ideals of our democracies."

"I look forward to welcoming my dear colleagues and their delegations to the Maltese Islands in 2017 for our next Arraiolos meeting, where we shall explore these topics in more detail."