“Malta needs to have an enhanced presence in the European Defence Agency,” said Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Carmelo Abela, during a meeting with Mr Jorge Domecq, Chief Executive of the EDA which discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation on a European level.
Malta’s involvement in EDA projects and activities, the upcoming EU Global Strategy and preparations for next year’s Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union were discussed during this meeting.
EDA Chief Executive Jorge Domecq very much welcomed the Minister’s commitment and underlined the Agency’s flexible, à la carte, approach. Member States can choose areas of interest according to national defence priorities. Mr Domecq encouraged Minister Abela to actively consider participation in EDA’s projects according to Malta’s areas of interest and participation. He also assured Minister Abela of the Agency’s support in preparation of and during the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2017.
Minister Abela reiterated Malta’s commitment to actively contribute to European defence while taking into account its limited resources - Malta’s defence budget amounts to €53 million or 0.6% of the GDP. The Armed Forces of Malta will also continue strengthening their capabilities in both air and maritime surveillance to protect Malta and EU’s borders through EU funds.
The Minister for Home Affairs pointed out that the issue of the Mediterranean will be on top of the agenda during Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year. This will be in line with its established priorities, which include the migration and maritime aspects. He also expressed his hope for a functional unity government to be established in Libya, as this will have a direct impact on the stability of the whole region.
Minister Abela noted positively Mr Domecq’s remarks that for the EDA, all Member States have the same weight as stakeholders, irrespective of their size.
The meeting in Valletta was part of a series of visits by Mr Domecq to all EDA Member States, underlining the Agency’s commitment to work closely with and support all Member States.