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4 NEWS 4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 26 FEBRUARY 2025 DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ian Borg has said that former US President Donald Trump is fol- lowing through on his pre-elec- tion pledges, a fact that should not come as a surprise. "I'm surprised that so many people are surprised," Borg said. "This is exactly what President Trump was saying before the election. Maybe some thought he would campaign in one way and govern differently, but it's clear he is doing what he prom- ised. Domestically, he needs support for this policy, and now we need to see how we react. And yet again, we're seeing 27 different opinions." Speaking to TVM's Xtra just minutes before an EU Council meeting, Borg remarked on the ongoing uncertainty within the European Union regarding key foreign policy issues, particular- ly in relation to Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. Asked about Trump's stance on the war in Ukraine and his claims of being able to broker a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Borg was cau- tious but clear in his expecta- tions. "I still want to fully understand the American government's strategy," he said. "I believe the US has the same priorities as we do, that any agreement must re- flect international law, the UN Charter, and hold those respon- sible for this war to account." While acknowledging Trump's domestic political narrative, Borg stressed that any solution must go beyond short-term deals. Borg underscored the im- portance of a peace process that is not only swift but also just and sustainable. "We support all efforts to stop the fighting and achieve peace, but it must be a just peace, built on rights and international law," he stated. "Otherwise, we risk signing an agreement today only to find ourselves facing an- other conflict in Ukraine, Mol- dova, Georgia, or other vulnera- ble countries tomorrow." Borg acknowledged the EU's internal divisions, particularly in foreign policy. While there is broad agreement on Ukraine, he noted that when the discus- sion shifts to the Middle East, positions are deeply divided. "We take pride in having 27 sovereign states with their own foreign policies, but moving for- ward, we have to decide, do we want more Europe? If so, coun- tries will have to make certain concessions," he said. "I doubt Malta would be among those eager to set aside its national interests in favour of a broader European stance." While advocating for diplo- matic engagement, Borg made it clear that Malta maintains firm positions on key issues. "Malta has always offered itself as a safe space for discussion, even for those who don't see eye to eye," he said. "But we al- so have clear positions. Today, without a doubt, we will vote in favour of Ukraine, and those responsible for this war know what is expected of them." However, he stressed that this does not mean pursuing a rig- id approach at the expense of negotiations. "We cannot be hard-headed and discard op- portunities for agreements, un- like some colleagues who push strongly in that direction," he noted. Fenech Adami believes Europe must wake up to a changing global reality PN spokesperson Beppe Fenech Adami, in turn, warned that Europe is facing a stark new reality, both in its own backyard and in its relationship with the United States under Donald Trump. He highlighted how the war in Ukraine shattered long held beliefs about European security. "Today marks three years since the war in Ukraine began, a war at the heart of Europe," he said. "We used to think that af- ter the Cold War, one country invading another in Europe was unthinkable. But it happened." He stressed that unless Eu- rope remains vigilant, history could repeat itself. "If Europe isn't careful, what happened in Ukraine could happen again," he cautioned, adding that the recent comments by Germany's new chancellor reflected these exact harsh realities on the ground. Fenech Adami acknowledged that Trump's return to power would bring major shifts, in- cluding in America's stance to- ward Europe. "The reality is that we are en- tering a new phase of global politics, and Europe must rec- ognise this," he said. "Trump is making decisions that per- haps were not expected when it comes to Europe." While he stopped short of crit- icising Trump's foreign policy, Fenech Adami emphasised that the EU must take its own desti- ny into its hands. "Europe must ensure that what happened three years ago in Ukraine comes to an end and never hap- pens again," he said. Asked whether Europe risks losing influence by trying to stay in the middle ground, Fenech Adami stressed the im- portance of recognising both the EU's power and America's indispensable role. "It would be foolish for Eu- ropeans to think that America isn't the playmaker in global af- fairs," he said. "But it would also be a mistake for the American people to believe that Europe doesn't have an important role in the region and globally." He argued that rather than focusing on divisions, Europe should work to strengthen what unites it with the United States. "The European bloc is a po- litical power in its own right, part of a world where many re- gions depend on its economy," he said. "We must live together and seek what brings us togeth- er, not what divides us." Ian Borg on Trump's foreign policy: 'He's doing exactly what he promised' Ian Borg says Trump is following through on his pledges, while Beppe Fenech Adami warns that Europe must adapt to shifting global realities MARIANNA CALLEJA mcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt "I'm surprised that so many people are surprised. This is exactly what President Trump was saying before the election. Maybe some thought he would campaign in one way and govern differently, but it's clear he is doing what he promised.