PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS “Security in the Mediterranean is a foundation for Europe’s stability and prosperity”, Minister Chris Fearne

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne called for stronger European engagement in the Mediterranean, stressing that security and stability in Europe's southern neighbourhood have direct implications for the European Union's security and prosperity.

Minister Fearne was speaking during a working breakfast hosted by the Embassy of Ireland, bringing together Heads of Mission of EU Member States for an exchange on key challenges facing the European Union and its neighbourhood.

Focusing on Libya, Minister Fearne called for continued European engagement in support of the country's stability and security, underlining that developments in Libya have direct consequences for the wider Mediterranean and Europe. He reiterated Malta's commitment to dialogue and international efforts aimed at supporting a stable and unified Libya.

On Ukraine, Minister Fearne reaffirmed Malta's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that any just and lasting peace must be grounded in international law. He also reiterated Malta's support for the European Union's enlargement process, provided that candidate countries continue to meet the required standards on the rule of law, democratic governance and the Union's fundamental values.

Turning to the Middle East, Minister Fearne reiterated Malta's unequivocal support for a Two-State solution as the basis for lasting peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis, while stressing the need for continued diplomatic efforts, de-escalation and respect for international law. He also noted that Malta supports a political Council decision restricting trade from Israeli settlements.

The discussion also addressed Europe's competitiveness and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Minister Fearne stressed that Europe must not limit itself to regulating emerging technologies, but should also strengthen its capacity to develop and deploy them while ensuring that technological progress remains centred on people and the public interest.

On the next Multiannual Financial Framework, Minister Fearne underlined that cohesion must remain a cornerstone of the European Union's budget and stressed the importance of safeguarding Member States' ability to determine their national priorities.

Minister Fearne welcomed the exchange between European partners and reaffirmed Malta's commitment to working towards a stronger, more secure and competitive European Union.