Following recent developments in the investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017, a delegation of MEPs have visited Malta to take stock of the situation on the ground.

The MEPs said that they are “deeply concerned that the delayed resignation of Prime Minister Muscat poses a risk, real or perceived, to integrity of the murder investigation.”

They also “cautiously welcomed” police progress in the murder investigation, but said they are “concerned about lack of inquiry into money laundering and corruption connected cases, particularly on Schembri and Mizzi.”

The MEPs have urge the European Commission to immediately engage in a rule of law dialogue with Malta.

The delegation of MEPs, led by Sophie in ‘t Veld (Renew Europe, NL), met the Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat and other government members, the police, judicial authorities, the opposition, representatives of civil society and journalists, as well as members of the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia, among others.

The European Parliament said that this is the third time an EP delegation has visited Malta to inquire into the murder of Ms Caruana Galizia and the state of the rule of law.

MEPs said that the “remain unconvinced that Prime Minister Muscat has acted judiciously in the last few weeks, including in his decision to remain in office until mid-January.”

Throughout their meetings, especially with the Prime Minister, the MEPs said that they stressed that the “negative perceptions of the government’s actions, as well as the falling trust and credibility, were not being addressed.”

They underlined that it is of paramount importance that the investigations continue “without undue interference and that justice is served.”

In this regard, the delegation said that they stressed that the next 40 days will be crucial, also for trust in the integrity of the investigation.

MEPs also remain concerned that, with Prime Minister Muscat in place, “that integrity is at risk.”

Following a meeting with high-ranking police officials and investigators, MEPs acknowledged the progress in investigating the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, while recognising that the case is far from being closed.

They also expressed their worry that “the investigations into related money laundering and corruption cases have not advanced,” especially they said, “with regard to Keith Schembri, the former Chief of Staff of Prime Minister Muscat, and Konrad Mizzi, the former Tourism Minister.”

The delegation reiterated that Europol needs to be closely involved in all aspects of the investigation.

Finally, MEPs noted that a reform process is underway addressing among other things, the controversial constitutional role of the Attorney General and the current system of judicial appointments.

However, they underlined that “persistent threats to the rule of law in Malta cannot be precluded. In this regard, MEPs welcomed Commission Vice-President Jourová’s comments, stating that Malta’s failure to enact judicial reforms could serve as a basis for triggering an Article 7 procedure. ”

They called on the European Commission to start a dialogue with Malta in the rule of law framework immediately.

Speaking at the end of the delegation’s visit, Ms in ‘t Veld said:

“We came to Malta with deep concerns, and we leave not reassured. The rule of law under pressure, impunity for crimes, widespread corruption, journalists intimidated and harassed, the right of assembly thwarted and politics descended into toxic bipartisanism. Malta is a part of Europe; what affects Malta, affects Europe. Europe must monitor this situation closely, and press for far-reaching constitutional reforms. We stand by the people of Malta, who deserve clean government and officials with integrity.”

The delegation comprised of the following MEPs:

Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT) Birgit SIPPEL (S&D, DE) Sophie IN ‘T VELD (Renew, NL – delegation Chair) Lars Patrick BERG (ID, DE) Sven GIEGOLD (Greens/EFA, DE) Assita KANKO (ECR, BE) and Stelios KOULOGLOU (GUE/NGL, EL).

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