Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533084
2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 MARCH 2025 ANALYSIS Abela's rhetorical divide: Neutrality ON Thursday, all EU leaders present in Brussels signed a declaration advocat- ing for stronger investment in Europe's defence. A second document in support of Ukraine was signed by all leaders, ex- cept Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The Ukraine document endorsed also by Prime Minister Robert Abela com- mits to "peace through strength" in re- sponse to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's in- creasing hostility towards Ukraine. The defence declaration states that Europe "must become more sovereign, more responsible for its own defence and better equipped to act and deal au- tonomously with immediate and future challenges." It emphasises that "the de- fence of all EU land, air, and maritime borders contributes to the security of Europe as a whole." It also calls for the activation of the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact to facilitate military spending and proposes defence funding through EU- backed loans of up to €150 billion. Moreover, it specifically mentions "priority areas" for action at the EU level, including "air and missile de- fence; artillery systems and deep preci- sion strike capabilities." Meanwhile, the Ukraine declaration is also clear in setting red lines for ne- gotiations with Ukraine. "There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine," the statement reads, assert- ing that any discussions on European security must involve Europe. It further states that any truce or ceasefire must come with credible security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future aggression. It also insists on "Ukraine's independ- ence, sovereignty, and territorial integ- rity," and asserts that achieving "peace through strength" requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position, with robust military capabilities be- fore, during, and after negotiations. What Abela said before the summit In contrast, Abela's statements in the days leading up to the summit were somewhat different. On Sunday, he argued that the war in Ukraine could not end without "compromises" and warned against EU funds being used to purchase weapons. "I hope the EU's position next week won't be one of foot-stamping and in- sisting the only way for the war to end is for Ukraine to win it," Abela said. "Let's be realistic. I don't think this can There is dissonance between Robert Abela's neutralist and pacifist rhetoric aimed at a local audience and his willingness to sign a declaration committing the EU to rearmament. James Debono tries to understand the reasons for this disconnect. Robert Abela telling journalists, Malta is against increased military spending just before entering the special EU leaders' meeting in Brussels only to go ahead and endorse the summit conclusions. (Photo: EU) European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (left) and European Council President António Costa meet ahead of the special summit of EU leaders on defence and Ukraine. (Photo: EU)