President George Vella received the re-elected and newly-elected MEPs at The Palace, Valletta, except for Dr Metsola Tedesco Triccas and Mr Casa who could not be present.

​Whilst congratulating those present on being elected as Members of the European Parliament, the President noted how they are now the official voice of the country in European institutions and other fora. President Vella encouraged them to keep the interests of the country always at the forefront of their endeavours, keeping in mind that legislation which would be in the interests of much larger countries and economies would not necessarily be beneficial to Malta.