PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Maltese Parliamentary delegation participated in the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of the Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) in Warsaw

Edward Zammit Lewis and Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici participated in the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of the Parliaments of the European Union hosted by the Polish Parliament. The main topics discussed, focused on key elements of the future of the European Union in light of the challenges it faces.

The first session dealt with the implementation of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The topic was introduced by Adam Szlapka, Minister for the EU of Poland. During the debate which followed the initial address, Zammit Lewis stated that it is important for the EU to focus its strategic security approach also on the Mediterranean. Zammit Lewis mentioned the catastrophic situation in the Middle East, in particular Gaza and emphasised that particular attention should be given also to what is happening in Libya where the situation is also very volatile.

Another session focused on the future multi-annual budget of the EU which will cover the period from 2028 to 2034. During a brief intervention, Zammit Lewis emphasised that simplification of procedures is welcome. He stated that Malta’s economy is largely based on SMEs and the process to access funds should be simpler and less bureaucratic. Zammit Lewis focused on four main points which the next EU budget should take into consideration. He stressed, there should be one size fits all approach and measures should pay attention to specificities to realities of small economies. Moreover, the next budget should be flexible in order to be able to respond to any sudden challenges that might crop up. Zammit Lewis also mentioned that the next budget should be a balanced budget giving important to different sectors. Finally, he emphasised that the EU should take particular attention and be sensitive on how to structure its revenue, including the repayment of the recovery and resilience fund which the EU needs to start implement as from 2028.

During another session which focused on EU enlargement, Zammit Lewis stated that enlargement is a geo-strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. However, he continued, it is crucial that the EU adopts a more structured approach, a procedure that is predictable, a process that is merit based and particular attention should be given to the security of European citizens. While Zammit Lewis noted the discussion on a structure review on decision making is required, it is important that the EU gives specific attention to the role of small countries like Malta. He emphasised that a revision on decision making should not margin the voice of small states in the EU.

Other sessions focused on the strategic agenda of the EU and on how to strengthen the EU’s collective effort to improve cyber resilience and tackle disinformation. In conclusion, delegates adopted a political text by consensus which reflects the discussions and topics covered by this conference.

COSAC, the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union, established in Madrid in 1989, is a forum for cooperation, exchange of information and best practice between parliaments of the European Union, in particular with regard to the practical aspects of parliamentary scrutiny of Union affairs. It is the only forum for interparliamentary cooperation in the EU regulated by the Treaties.