Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542534
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 JANUARY 2026 NEWS foreign policy choices deciphered world order and has put the EU in a bind (Photo: White House) after Russia objected to Estonia taking over the presidency. "If we set out to condemn everyone and everything, we will lose the trust needed to take on such roles," the source said, giv- ing a glimpse of the soft strate- gy guiding Malta's foreign poli- cy choices. "We may be a small country in a world where might increasingly makes right, but it is better to achieve results at an ant's pace than to squander our chance to serve as a bridge for dialogue." A question of pragmatism But prudence is also accompa- nied by pragmatism, which may not always sit well with princi- ple and ideology. On Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Malta has taken sides, making it clear that invading a sovereign country is a red line not to be crossed with- out consequences. But the same source notes that Malta has been more pragmatic than some oth- er EU member states, which are "now stuck in their own rhetoric like a hamster in a wheel". The official warned against raising rhetorical expectations beyond what the EU can actually achieve or deliver. Malta's pragmatism saw it join an ad hoc alliance with coun- tries like Italy, Bulgaria, and Belgium in opposing the use of Russian frozen assets to fund Ukraine. But still, while Malta publicly condemned Russia for invading Ukraine, it fell short of condemning the US attack on Venezuela and Trump's declara- tion that he intends running the country and controlling its oil reserves, in flagrant disregard of international law. "We cannot condemn every episode happening in the world, because then you would have to be consistent and condemn every other country doing the same. In doing so, one ends up chasing the wind," the source said. However, they did acknowl- edge discomfort with US actions in Venezuela. Nonetheless, the source said that by calling for re- spect to the principles of interna- tional law, Malta is applying the same yardstick for everyone. Trump's Greenland threat And then there is Malta's com- plete silence in the face of Don- ald Trump's renewed threats to take over Greenland from Den- mark, even hinting at military action. The foreign ministry official invoked consistency: "If you speak out about Greenland, you have to express yourself on similar threats made by the US against Mexico, Cuba, and Co- lombia." But Denmark is part of the EU and any act of war against it will unwillingly drag Malta into the equation. Silence may not be a judicious option. But the source insisted that Malta's voice will be heard where it matters—within EU structures, which are expect- ed to come up with a strong and common position. However, the source cautioned that it remains to be seen wheth- er the EU will show the same unity and solidarity toward Greenland and Denmark as it did with Ukraine, especially in the face of Trump's attempts to sow divisions in Europe, possibly by using the threat of differenti- ated tariffs. "We have to listen to Denmark rather than simply express our opinions," the source added, pointing out that one major dy- namic is the impact of this dis- pute on NATO, of which Malta is not a member. Denmark has shown willingness to talk with the US, while insisting on sover- eignty. This does not mean Malta is unconcerned by the dawn of a new world order based on the doctrine that might is right; or by the risk of the world divided between great powers calling the shots in their respective spheres of influence. The concern in these danger- ous times, however, demands "prudence and caution" rather than excessive "protagonism", the source insisted, underscoring that respect for international law remains a fundamental principle. Foreign Minister Ian Borg chairing the Security Council during Malta's membership of the UN's highest decision-making body This does not mean Malta is unconcerned by the dawn of a new world order based on the doctrine that might is right; or by the risk of the world divided between great powers calling the shots in their respective spheres of influence