Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Malta stated that the Children affected by war will be Its greatest focus during its Presidency of the European Council.
Malta has determined its three priorities which it will be boosting during the Presidency of the European Council, with children, especially those impacted by war, placed at the top of its agenda. This was reported by the Deputy PM and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg.
What are Malta’s top priorities for the EU presidency?
Malta’s preferences during its Presidency between May and November will be children’s rights, domestic violence among young people and democracy. Deputy PM Ian Borg placed particular focus on children affected by war. He said
“We cannot ignore the fact that we have the war around us, and you can’t assume the Presidency and ignore these wars, but even there we have a choice. We do not choose ammunition because that will not bring everyone around the table to come to a consensus. We are choosing the children because we believe that everyone agrees about children, now those who do not agree when it comes to children, are showing you their true colours.”
Moreover, he indicated that the Maltese Presidency will also be negotiating with the lack of participation by youth in the democratic process. The Presidency of the European Council switches every 6 months, in alphabetical order. The Presidency is planned to guide the discussion and make recommendations which go to a vote and it then announces its decisions.
Further Deputy PM Ian Borg said:
“We are decided, there is no ongoing discussion and we have no intention for Malta to enter NATO, and it should not even be discussed. And I believe that this is the same policy of the Opposition.”
Dr Borg also stated that criticism against him because Malta is a member of the Partnership for Peace is unfair and he suggested that this membership has been regularly restored since the 90s. He added that in the Defence Directorate, there are bilateral agreements with NATO, dating back to 2008.
