Malta takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU

Prime Minister Muscat calls for a united EU front to deal with Brexit

The College of Commissioners has travelled to Valletta to attend the official opening ceremony of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, held by Malta in the first semester of 2017. The ceremony was hosted by the President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

President Juncker and the College Members have engaged in discussions with the Maltese socialdemocratic Cabinet headed by Joseph Muscat, its Prime Minister, on the challenges for the EU and the priorities of the Maltese Presidency in the upcoming six months, with particular emphasis on migration, security, the Single Market, social inclusion, Europe's neighbourhood and the maritime sector. The Commission also met with Members of the House of Representatives – the Maltese Parliament.

"I am convinced that 2017 Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU will be a huge success. Migration is a European problem that needs a European answer built around the principle of solidarity. I have full confidence in the ability of the Maltese Presidency to bring this issue near to a definite answer. We have to strengthen the European presence in the Mediterranean, better cooperate with North African countries, and revisit the common European Asylum System in the next coming months." President Juncker said.

Malta believes that in light of the current migration situation, a compromise between EU Member States is required, in order to pave the way forward. "It is clear that the first step is securing borders, including maritime ones. Therefore, one of the priorities should be that the agreement with Turkey, which despite all of its problems was the only step that had any impact, is replicated in the centre of the Mediterranean whilst keeping in mind the realities of this zone. This then needs to be accompanied by effective sharing of responsibility between Member States." Prime Minister Muscat stated.

Malta holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time, as a part of the current Presidency trio together with the Netherlands (January-June 2016) and Slovakia (July-December 2016). The next trio, as from July 2017, will be made up of the Presidencies of Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria. Muscat is the Prime Minister of Malta since 2013. The next general elections in the smallest country of the European Union are due in 2018.

The Maltese Presidency is aware of the potential impact that Article 50's triggering by the British government could have on the future of the EU, and is preparing for a start of negotiations on a British exit which additionally will leave Malta and Cyprus as the only EU Members of the Commonwealth. According to Muscat, Malta wishes a fair deal for the UK but that deal has to be inferior to membership and Malta will not engage in negotiations with the British government before an EU deal struck. Even more, he considers that all EU Member States should adopt the same position calling for a united EU front to deal with this matter in a fair manner.

As well, it will have to deal with Trump´s victory in the US elections, the current political scenario with elections to be held in France, Germany, maybe Italy, and make progress on important affairs such as the revised telecoms package, the new copyright initiative, enforcing consumer rights, geoblocking, parcel delivery and Wi-Fi for all.

Last but not least, it should end the roaming charges by June 2017, so that citizens can finally stay in touch when traveling across Europe without incurring any additional costs.

Official opening ceremony of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union