A discussion of the Presidency work that will be commenced by Malta and continued by Estonia

30.11.2016

The Presidency work that will be commenced by Malta and continued by Estonia discussed

... Estonia has an important role to play in

the Baltic region and

thus communicating with

this country is in

everyone's interest.

Another meeting in a series of official talks that the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is currently having was held in Tallinn with Juri Ratas i, the new Prime Minister of Estonia, a country that is going to take over the EU i Presidency after Malta in the second part of next year.

Dr Muscat i said that Estonia has an important role to play, especially in the Baltic region and thus communicating with this country is in everyone’s interest. The Prime Minister said that while Malta is a Mediterranean country that is faced with a certain set of challenges and not others, there is no room for divisions between North and South or East and West.

“It's true that national interests exist, but there is also a common European interest. We believe that convergence should dominate,” said the Prime Minister. Malta’s main intention for the EU Presidency is that of giving a sense of direction, particularly on migration, where those who criticise the imposition of Europe on burden sharing, have to express themselves on other solutions.

The single market and the digitalisation of the economy for the creation of more employment, security in Europe, social inclusion and the maritime sector will also be priorities for Malta in first six months of next year. “This is an opportunity for Europe to establish itself as a free trade force. There are gaps which we can bridge. This should not be free for all and should protect the social aspect. Europe cannot keep taking a protectionist stance and needs to open up further and should have a broader view of the future,’ concluded the Prime Minister.

On the other hand, the Estonian Prime Minister, Juri Ratas said that the themes mentioned by Dr Muscat where also those that his country was working on. He argued that Malta and Estonia are two small states with similar situations, thus he was looking forward for both sides to work together for Estonia to further the Presidency work commenced by Malta during the subsequent six months.

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