Opposition leader Simon Busuttil this evening expressed concern that there was in Europe a surge in support for political parties and politicians who were opposed or sceptical of the European Union.

Addressing the Congress of the European Popular Party in Dublin, Dr Busuttil said it would be sad and ironic for the European Parliament, the symbol of European unity, to have those who opposed European unity as a dominant force within it.

“But for too long, we have allowed these parties to make the case against Europe without reacting and without realising that their populism, their myths and falsehoods, resonate with people in the streets.

“So we need to reconnect with the people and we need to make, once again, the truthful, convincing and passionate argument for Europe. We need to stand up to be counted. Because if we don't, others will fill the space we have left empty,” he said.

Dr Busuttil said Europe was a cause worth fighting for - it brought together five hundred million people living together in peace, freedom, equality and prosperity. And in the past five years, Europe faced and weathered the economic, social and environmental storm.

Dr Busuttil expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who, he said, had given Europe a lesson.

“It is the lesson that Europe is a cause worth fighting for,” he said.