The Deputy Prime Minister, Louis Grech has told Philip Hammond, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs that Malta supports continued membership of the EU by the UK and is keen that the UK remains a key player in the European Union.

The Deputy Prime Minister met Mr Hammond at the Auberge d’Aragon, when the two ministers discussed a range of matters of common interest. There was a very fruitful discussion and exchange of views on bilateral and EU matters.

The current international situation, the credit arrangements with Greece, irregular immigration, and the events in Libya were also on the agenda.

Mr Grech and Mr Hammond exchanged views on the UK’s position regarding the future of the EU and the “balance of competences” between the EU and Member States in various policy areas and principles, including taxation, the Single Market, Social Policy, the EU Budget, and Immigration.

In reviewing the current debate in the UK about its future in the EU, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Malta sees the EU as a diminished place without the UK.

“Malta shares some common views on a number of proposals, such as a renewed focus on a competitive Europe and a strengthened Single Market, because only growth will take the EU out of austerity. Malta is also in favour of opening further free trade with the US and Asia,” Mr Grech said.

“Malta and the UK share the goal of creating a European Union which is more modest and effective, making sure that the growth we need is not stifled by unnecessary regulation that antagonises businesses and citizens. This can only be done if everyone embraces the principle that one size does not fit all.”

The Ministers agreed that the Member States need a Union that enables them to maintain the necessary latitude and flexibility in the use of various economic and fiscal policy instruments, while respecting the attribution of competencies established in the Treaties and the integrity of the single market.

Mr Grech reassured the Foreign Secretary that Malta is willing to work with the UK, partners and institutions on a number of these issues.

Malta’s Presidency of the EU was also discussed. Malta is working within the Trio to finalise a programme that would see the EU making inroads on different important fronts.

Both Ministers expressed their concerns at the rapidly deteriorating situation in Libya, where internal disagreements are being exacerbated by the emergence of ISIS. The EU should avoid a failed state on its doorstep that would provide a fertile basis for terrorism and trigger a humanitarian crisis with serious repercussions for the Union.

It was emphasised that all the parties in Libya should be encouraged to find a solution to their differences through a political dialogue, and to commit themselves to an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the chaotic situation in Libya is being exploited by extremists and by criminal gangs to impel more irregular immigration. Hundreds have already lost their lives in the first few months of the year and the EU cannot remain indifferent to the tragedy.

Mr Grech and Mr Hammond also discussed the challenge posed by international terrorism. They agreed to continue cooperating, together with the other Member States, in taking comprehensive measures both at EU and at international level, to counter the threat.

The question of Greece’s bail-out programme was also on the agenda. The Ministers noted some encouraging signs that emerged late this week and are looking forward to a positive outcome in this afternoon’s meeting of the Eurogroup.

In the course of the meeting, the two Ministers also noted the close ties that exist between Malta and the UK. This is reflected in cooperation on a number of issues in international fora, including the EU and the Commonwealth. They committed to continue working together to strengthen bilateral relations even further.

Parliamentary Secretary Dr Ian Borg also attended the meeting.

Photograph: DOI/Omar Camilleri

Permalink: Malta supports continued UK membership of the European Union