Speech: Remarks by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at the Opening Ceremony of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU
Ghaziz Prim Ministru,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure indeed to be with you here in Valletta today to mark the launch of the first Maltese Presidency of the Council.
The beautiful and historic venue for this evening's concert is symbolic of this historic occasion. I am told that for centuries the buildings hosted one of Europe's finest hospitals. Under the Knights of Saint John it assisted pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land and provided treatment on a non-discriminatory basis to both Maltese and foreign patients. It was 'Obamacare' before recent events.
Later it became a military hospital, used first by the French and then by the British. During World War I it hosted many of the tens of thousands of soldiers that received treatment here in Malta. And in World War II, the fascists' bombs which pounded Valletta destroyed much of the building. The rich past of this conference centre is a striking testimony to the role that Malta has played in Europe's cultural and political history.
I am pleased that in 2018 Valletta will be declared as the European Capital of Culture which will provide further opportunities to celebrate Malta's rich heritage. And I am informing the Prime Minister, that normally the President of the Commission is invited if a city is declared European Capital of Culture. So I am pre-alerting you that I will be back in 2018.
But first Malta will take on a pivotal role in Europe's political development by assuming the Council's Presidency during this historic time for the European Union. Malta may be a small country, but it is a country with great ambitions. Coming from Luxemburg, I am a specialist of smaller entities. And I know by experience that the Presidencies of smaller countries are by far more successful than those of bigger States in the European Union, and this will be proven once again this year.
Malta is prepared in the best possible way for the Council Presidency. More than ever we need to show unity and a sense of purpose. We must forge ahead with the priorities we have set. The Valletta Summit on 3 February and the meetings in Rome on 25 March to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties will provide a valuable opportunity not only to recall the achievements of the past, but first and foremost to send a message of hope and a message of unity to Europe.
Malta can be proud on the excellent preparations that it has undertaken for the challenge of the Presidency. Now, as you seek to deliver on the positive agenda that you have defined the Commission will be with you every step of the way to assist.
Turning now to tonight's performance, I was impressed to hear that the composition we will enjoy was commissioned specifically for the Maltese Presidency and takes inspiration from the issue of migration. I find this an excellent example of Malta's dynamism and its commitment to mobilise all the country's strength, including its artists, in the name of a successful Presidency.
Viva Malta. Viva l-Ewropa. Nawguralkom ghas-sitt xhur li gejjin. For those who are less fluent in Maltese than I, I was just saying: Long live Malta. Long live Europe. Good luck and best wishes for the next six months.
Thank you.
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