To mark the start of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2017, EUROPE is publishing a dossier detailing the political priorities of the Maltese government. These priorities are also outlined by the Secretary of State for European funds and the Maltese Presidency, Ian Borg. Finally, the dossier includes a calendar of the main institutional events to take place in Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg and Valetta over the next six months. (Dossier by Camille-Cerise Gessant)
I. INTRODUCTION
The island of Malta, the smallest country of the European Union, whose 430,000 inhabitants represent 0.08% of the EU population, took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU for six months on 1 January. This is the first time that the country, a member state of the EU since 2004 and of the Eurozone since 2008, has held the Presidency. But even so, it is unlikely to get an inferiority complex, as Valetta is planning an ambitious Presidency, with the support of the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, who describes the country as "serious, pragmatic" and determined.
The theme of the Maltese Presidency is rEUnion, more specifically "reconnecting the citizens of the EU at individual, corporate and state levels – with each other, with their governments, with the EU and with the world", the Presidency's programme explains. This approach will apply not only to the legislative programme of work, but also to a philosophy and a way of working. "It means listening to and working for the people, sharing the burdens and benefits of membership of the EU fairly between people and states, restoring a sense of cooperation and neighbourliness", the programme stresses.
And so, whilst increasing numbers of Europeans are having doubts about the benefits of the European Union, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in March, the Maltese Presidency, like the previous Presidencies, is putting the citizens at the heart of its programme. "Our objective and our priority are to ensure the long-term sustainability of the EU and to restore belief in the European project", said the Maltese parliamentary secretary with responsibility for the Presidency of the EU 2017 and the European funds, Ian Borg. "The citizens are the real actors of the EU. The EU has not always succeeded in convincing its citizens that it truly represents their best interests", he explained, adding that the uncertainties, fears and inequalities experienced by European citizens must be addressed head-on. Borg said that it is important to improve communication on what the EU does for the European citizens, beyond the "Brussels bubble" to reach the whole of Europe.
Malta is one of the most pro-European countries in the EU. According to a Eurostat survey carried out in November 2016, 52% of its citizens trust the European institutions, compared to a European average of 36%. Borg feels that the crises Europe is experiencing should not block the continuation of the European project, but should provide the opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive and more social Europe.
The Maltese Presidency will be based around six priorities: migration, the single market (particularly the digital single market), security, social inclusion, the Mediterranean neighbourhood and maritime policy.
In addition to the stated priorities of its Presidency, Malta will have to deal with the triggering of article 50 by the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, which is expected to happen before the end of March, and the start of the negotiations on the United Kingdom's withdrawal. "We must continue to move forwards and must not allow its resources to be excessively taken up in managing the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU. Managing this withdrawal is important, but it should not be done to the detriment of achieving long-term objectives or at the expense of the principles" of the EU, warns Borg, who does not plan to allow the EU to become paralysed as a result of these negotiations. The country's Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, said that the negotiations must not lead to a situation in which the UK has a more favourable status than if it had remained a member of the EU (see EUROPE 11701). Furthermore, as one of its former members, he wants the European Parliament to be fully involved in the negotiations (a position entirely opposed to that held by many of his counterparts) and as early as possible, in order to avoid rejection when Parliament is called upon to take position on the agreement between the EU and the UK as a third country.
Additionally, important elections will be held in France and the Netherlands in the first half of 2016 and these could have fallout for the European agenda.
II. MIGRATION
A Mediterranean island, Malta has been in the frontline of migration flows for many years. It is therefore quite natural that migration should be one of its priorities. Valetta is calling for this issue to remain on top of the political agenda. "Citizens are demanding action and we cannot afford to have a complacent Union that fails to treat this subject with the urgency and importance it deserves", the Presidency programme explains.
Malta wants an overall approach, with simultaneous efforts on the fronts of asylum, the management of the external borders, the external dimension of migration and legal migration.
The country therefore intends to reinforce and streamline the common European asylum system so that the migration burden is shared out more fairly between the member states. The revision of the Dublin Regulation, which lays down the responsibilities of the member states in processing asylum applications, is a Maltese priority. It aims to make the Regulation into a robust system that is able to resist pressure, whilst properly incorporating solidarity and shared responsibility. The Minister for home affairs and national security, Carmelo Abela, is hoping for an agreement on the common asylum policy in the six months of the Maltese Presidency. The fact that Malta will be the last Mediterranean country to hold the Presidency of the Council until Croatia in January 2020 increases the urgent need for this agreement, he points out.
In line with this reform of the common European asylum system, Malta wants to make the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), which is based on the island, into a full European agency.
Valetta will also lay emphasis on a holistic approach to migration, both internally and externally. With this in mind, the Presidency will continue cooperation with the countries of origin and transit, with particular reference to the measures adopted at the Valetta Summit on migration of 2015. A high-level follow-up meeting will be held in Malta on 8 and 9 February. The Maltese Presidency will also press ahead with work on the European external investment plan, in order to support investment in Africa and the countries of the EU's neighbourhood. Muscat is also calling for an agreement on migration with Libya, whilst his foreign minister, George Vella, is making the case for an agreement with Egypt.
Malta will also continue the work of the Council on legal migration and visas, in particular on the 'Blue Card' directive for highly qualified third-country nationals.
Above all, Valetta also hopes to see the swift implementation by common accord of the measures already agreed upon, arguing that the EU's credibility is at stake. One of the key measures that needs to be put into place by 2018 is the relocation of 160,000 people, as decided upon in September 2015. As of 8 December, 8,162 individuals have been relocated in the rest of the EU from Greece and Italy. Malta is the furthest ahead of any EU country in achieving its relocation objectives (61%).
III. MAKING THE DIGITAL SINGLE MARKET A REALITY
The Maltese Presidency wishes to further deepen the single market, stressing that this is Europe's greatest asset.
In particular, Malta intends to tackle the digital sector. Its priorities will therefore concentrate on doing away with roaming charges, which will be an enormous victory for European consumers, and progress to put an end to online or physical geo-blocking for the purchase of goods, content or services.
Whilst growth and jobs will always be a vital priority, extending the duration and financial firepower of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) – the financial arm of the 'Juncker' plan – and of EIB's external loan mandate will be key dossiers.
The Presidency intends to pay the capital market the attention it deserves. Specifically, this will mean actions in favour of SMEs, for instance to promote the development of a range of sources of financing throughout the EU, amongst other things.
Malta is also aiming to make progress on the controversial dossier of posted workers, under the banner of the policy of the same salary for the same work.
The Energy Union is also important to Malta, which plans to work on the recent package of proposals on energy efficiency and to reinforce the security of energy supply for all citizens.
IV. SECURITY
In the wake of the many terrorist attacks Europe has suffered in recent years, the Maltese Presidency intends to push forward the dossier on the security of the citizens, both in the EU and internationally. Its watchword will be striking a balance between a solid system of security and protecting the principles stemming from the notion of the rule of law.
At internal EU level, Malta will continue the fight against terrorism and the fight against organised crime. In particular, it plans to work on implementing the revised internal security strategy and the roadmap to improve the exchange of information in this area. Continuing the work to fight the financing of terrorism by means of various legislative dossiers, including a political agreement on the fourth anti-money laundering directive, is also on the agenda.
Malta hopes to make "significant" progress on the initiatives to improve the management of the external borders of the EU. It will therefore work on smart borders, the EU Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Schengen Information System, with the aim of finding middle ground between security and smooth border crossings.
Although the European Public Prosecutor's Office dossier is likely to be complicated, Valetta plans to press ahead with the realisation of this office, which will examine and institute proceedings against individuals and companies which act against the financial interests of the EU. According to Justice Minister Owen Bonnici, the work in favour of enhanced cooperation in this office may be able to start under the Maltese Presidency. The Presidency intends to move this enhanced cooperation forward as quickly as possible, even though Malta will not be participating. Valetta also wishes to improve the governance of Eurojust, to ensure a more coordinated approach beyond matters pertaining to the borders and criminal judicial cooperation.
Internationally, the Maltese Presidency will feed into concrete proposals to tackle regional and global issues, in full respect of the values underpinning the very existence of the EU. This will be achieved through effective diplomatic efforts. The Presidency has pledged to work closely with the European External Action Service in the framework of the EU's global strategy, in order to manage the complex challenges of migration, terrorism and hybrid threats.
V. SOCIAL INCLUSION
Although the EU has limited competencies in the field of social policy, Malta takes the view that the EU needs a social dimension in order to be credible in the eyes of the citizens. The country hopes that its partners will be able to benefit from its experience, even though the situation in the country contains a number of contradictions. Divorce was only authorised five years ago, and abortion is still banned, but Malta is ahead of the curve when it comes to the rights of the LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer) community.
Valetta intends to approach this field in close cooperation with the social partners, civil society and the citizens, to promote gender equality and the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups.
A ministerial conference on LGBTIQ will be held, with the aim of a more in-depth examination of the Commission's roadmap in this area, which was presented under the Dutch Presidency.
Malta wants to get more women into the workforce and will aim for progress in the balance between men and women, including on the boards of directors of listed companies. Youth and, in particular, the fight against youth unemployment, will be on the Presidency's agenda.
The EU country with the highest levels of obesity (28.1% of adult males and 23.9% of adult females, compared to a European average of 15.9%), Malta also plans to work on this dossier. The question of accessibility in the broader sense for people living with a disability is also included in its programme.
VI. NEIGHBOURHOOD
The Maltese Presidency, which is "aware of the potential ripple effects of instability beyond Europe's borders", will focus EU engagement towards the stabilisation of its neighbourhood. "We will focus our efforts on reinforcing democracy and security", Ian Borg said.
Malta will also work on a number of foreign policy issues, to support the actions of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.
As a Mediterranean island, Malta will, quite logically, be highlighting the southern neighbourhood of the EU, particularly as there will not be another Mediterranean country in the Presidency seat until Croatia in 2020. "The countries of the ‘MENA’ region are dealing with serious crises, from socio-economic problems to violent conflicts, youth unemployment, radicalisation, damage to the environment and migration", explained Maltese Foreign Minister George Vella. A meeting is expected to be held under the Maltese Presidency bringing together the European foreign ministers and their opposite numbers from ten countries of the southern neighbourhood, including Morocco, the Gulf Cooperation states, Palestine and Israel. According to Vella, the meeting will provide a forum for a debate on issues common to both shores of the Mediterranean, such as youth, inter-religious dialogue and culture.
Stabilising Libya is a Presidency priority, alongside supporting European and international efforts for the resumption of the peace process in the Middle East or regarding the conflict in Syria. The Presidency also intends to support the democratic transition in Tunisia and maintain the head of steam in the continuation of trade talks. Building up the relationship between the EU and the Arab League and breathing new life into relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council are among the ambitions of the Maltese Presidency.
Yet Valetta does not intend to side-line the eastern neighbourhood, explaining that cooperation with the countries of this area will remain important, particularly with a view to supporting Ukraine and ensuring cooperation with Russia on issues of global or regional interest.
Under the heading of enlargement, relations between the EU and Turkey will be a focus for Malta. Borg explained that Turkey continues to be an important strategic partner in controlling illegal migration and protecting the external borders of the EU. "However, we must stand firm on our values and the need for Turkey to respect its commitments as a candidate country and under the European Convention on Human Rights", he stressed. Valetta will also make every effort to ensure that the Balkan states are paid the attention they deserve, Vella explained.
VII. MARITIME
As an island, Malta aims to work on the continuous development of the maritime sector, in the framework of the integrated maritime policy EU, arguing that the EU will become increasingly dependent on the seas and oceans. In the view of the current Presidency of the Council, the maritime sector holds a wide range of innovative commercial and research activities that could be transformed into employment opportunities with considerable added value, in line with the 'blue growth' initiative on growth and competitiveness.
The international governance of the oceans will be on the Presidency's agenda, with the objective of securing political approval of the general direction to be taken by a more consistent, exhaustive and efficient EU policy seeking to improve the international governance and viability of the oceans. Furthermore, the specific initiative for the Western Mediterranean basin is to be launched early in 2017. It will target an area of specific geographical interest to the member states and its neighbours. The Maltese Presidency also intends to take advantage of the fact that the European Commission has decided to focus this year on maritime issues within the field of transport.