EUROPE’SNEIGHBOURHOOD

The Maltese Presidency will focus on stabilising our neighbourhood in light of the many challenges it is facing. The EU Global Strategy will be a crucial reference guide for future endeavours.

The Presidency’s work will cover both the Southern and Eastern neighbourhood. The EU’s contribution for a peaceful transition in Libya and maintaining Tunisia’s democractic transition and trade negotiations is important for the stabilisation of the Southern Neighbourhood. The Presidency will also contribute to EU and international efforts to address the Syrian conflict, get the Middle East Peace Process back on track and will seek to strengthen the relationship with the League of Arab States. In addition, the Presidency will maintain engagement with the Eastern Neighbourhood, notably through support for Ukraine and continuing cooperation with Russia on issues of regional and global concern.

MIGRATION

A fair distribution of migrants among the Member States is important. The Presidency aims to strengthen the Common European Asylum System, revise the Dublin Regulation and transform EASO into a fully-fledged European agency. Better implementation must be ensured as the two-year period to relocate 160,000 migrants gets closer. As agreed at the Valletta Summit on Migration, we will promote sustainable investment in Africa and the Neighbourhood and tackle the root causes of migration.

SINGLE MARKET

Further development of the Single Market will bring tangible benefits to economies, businesses and families. The EFSI remains a priority file to boost growth and jobs in Europe. The Capital Markets Union will help SMEs address funding challenges. Completing the Internal Energy Market will ensure energy efficiency and security of supply. Progress on the Digital Single Market will lead to an end to roaming charges and geoblocking in Europe. The Presidency will work to ensure that EU consumers enjoy access to their ‘home’ services in the other Member States, and benefit from 5G and free Wi-Fi across Europe.

SECURITY

We must protect our citizens from terrorism and organised crime. Better management of the Union’s external border and internal security is needed. This will be done by better organising the information used by the national law and border management authorities. Improved cross-border cooperation on criminal justice is a goal of the Presidency. We will also take the necessary steps to broaden the consensus on the creation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and bolster the fight against money laundering

SOCIAL INCLUSION

We have much to contribute towards social inclusion across Europe. This sector will be furthered through close consultation with social partners, civil society and citizens, thereby giving a stronger voice to vulnerable groups and minorities.

This approach will help to increase labour market participation of women, improve gender-balance in the workplace and tackle LGBTIQ issues. The Presidency will also seek to improve preventive and responsive measures to gender-based violence.

MARITIME

As an island nation, Malta recognises the importance of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy. Within the framework of the EU’s Blue Growth Initiative, the maritime sector is a priority for the Presidency as it provides innovative research and commercial activities which add value towards increased growth and competitiveness.

The Maltese Presidency will work to ensure political endorsement for a more effective EU policy to improve the International Ocean Governance and the sustainability of our oceans. The launch of Western Mediterranean Sea Basin Initiative is expected to lead to better maritime governance and sustainability within the context of the Blue Economy.