Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532146
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 FEBRUARY 2025 NEWS NICOLE MEILAK nmeilak@mediatoday.com.mt MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Robert Abela says EU must maintain strong relationship with US PN accuses Abela of U-turn on Malta's neutrality and defence policy PRIME Minister Robert Abela has called for the retention of a strong relationship between the EU and the US in light of Donald Trump's second term and the threat of tariffs. Abela was speaking during an informal summit of EU lead- ers in Brussels, where Trump's presidency was a number of fo- cal points of the discussion. He noted that the Transatlan- tic relationship is essential for maintaining commerce as well as global security, adding that Malta is closely monitoring the tariff situation. "He stated that Malta, as a small state, remains in favour of unshackled markets that don't negatively impact consumers," an OPM statement said. On defence, Abela stressed that any decision on the matter must respect EU Treaties and member states' policies. On Monday, Abela said he would like a serious discussion on the country's constitutional posi- tion on neutrality and wheth- er it reflects Malta's defence needs. On Tuesday, Abela stated that the EU should advocate for peace and diplomatic solu- tions, adding that Malta re- mains committed to aiding vic- tims of humanitarian tragedies. The Prime Minister told EU leaders that the bloc shouldn't focus on military expenditure, but on solutions that ensure stability for different peoples, and that the only way to end conflicts is through discussions. Abela also met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where he noted that the relationship between Malta and the UK should be further strengthened, namely through the health and pharmaceutical sectors. Prime Minister Robert Abela says the European Union must maintain a strong relationship with the United States during an informal summit in Brussels where Donald Trump's presidency was one of the main topics discussed Prime Minister Robert Abela (left) and United States President Donald Trump (right) THE Nationalist Party has ac- cused Prime Minister Robert Abela of reversing his stance on Malta's neutrality and defence policy, less than a year after at- tacking the Opposition over the same issue. In a statement, the PN claimed that Abela is now echoing its po- sition on the need to modernise Malta's defence strategy and inter- pret neutrality in light of current geopolitical realities. This comes after the Prime Minister recently questioned whether neutrality is limiting the country's defence ca- pabilities. The PN recalled that, during the European Parliament elec- tion campaign, Abela had strongly criticised the party for advocating investment in defence and a more flexible interpretation of neutrali- ty. According to the Opposition, the Prime Minister had falsely portrayed the PN as being in fa- vour of war. "Now, ironically, Robert Abela is saying exactly what the PN has always maintained," the statement read, accusing him of making a political U-turn. The PN said that, unlike Abela, it has remained consistent in its stance, arguing that Malta needs strong leadership rather than a prime minister who changes his position based on political con- venience. 'Neutrality will remain fundamental' - PL Replying to the PN, the Labour Party said that the latter's state- ment shows the path of populism taken by the party at all times. "The Opposition can not engage in a responsible and mature dis- cussion on European and global issues that also affect our country. But this debate can take place with the Maltese and Gozitan people," the PL said. The PL clarified that Malta's po- sition at the summit is that neu- trality will remain fundamental and that Abela was categorical that there would be no changes to the constitution. The governing party referenced ongoing wars not far from Mal- ta, adding, "we must respond to them." "Surely not by taking sides in a war as others did just a few months ago, but by ensuring that the interpretation of the consti- tution allows us to look at the security of our country as we are already doing and how we want to strengthen it according to today's realities." The PL concluded by saying that the PN is playing partisan games. The Nationalist Party says Robert Abela is 'saying exactly what the PN has always maintained'