In January 2017, Malta took on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This comes at a time when the EU is facing very tough challenges as it reaches its 60th anniversary since the signing of the Treaty of Rome. Despite this, Malta stands confident and firmly committed to build upon the sterling work carried out this far by the Netherlands and Slovakia, our Trio Partners, in line with the Strategic Agenda agreed by the European Commission in June 2014. Malta’s approach to the Presidency is aimed to reflect Europe’s response to the particular challenges of our time.

The theme of the Malta Presidency is one of rUnion – a concept that encapsulates what Malta would like to achieve at this special moment in the context of its eventful history. In other words, Malta seeks to reconnect the EU citizens at individual, corporate and state levels with each other, with their governments, with the EU and with the international global community. In brief, the idea is to shift the focus of the EU away from the institutions and back on to the public.

Malta intends to encourage the EU leaders to listen harder to the legitimate concerns and expectations of all European citizens. A principle aim would be to examine what is driving some away from collaboration and opt towards nationalism.

To better accomplish these aims, Malta has identified six priorities to focus upon: Migration, the Single Market, Security, Social Inclusion, Europe’s Neighbourhood and the Maritime Sector. Of particular relevance to the North South Centre is the fourth priority encompassing Europe’s Neigbourhood and especially with regard to countries bordering the Southern Mediterranean. The serious challenges that some of these countries are currently facing, like Libya, are apt to produce a ripple effect of instability in the whole region. For this reason, attention will specifically, but not exclusively, be paid to encourage efforts by the Union to secure stabilization in Libya leading towards a peaceful transition. No less important is to continue efforts to ensure the democratic transition in Tunisia. The work undertaken by the North South Centre is this area of activity is worthy of note and the Maltese Presidency will continue to support the Centre as it has been doing in the past In fulfilling its programmes.

The task ahead is arduous but Malta will not be daunted but is confident of being able to rise to the occasion in meeting all the challenges. We want to measure our performance by our ability to deliver political solutions to meet as much as possible the legitimate expectations of European citizens. With everyone’s support and solidarity we aim to deliver tangible results. We look forward with optimism towards a successful outcome of the Malta EU 2017 Presidency.