Abela calls on EU cohesion funds to reflect every member state’s realities at Brussels summit

Prime Minister Robert Abela has reaffirmed Malta’s strong commitment to the European Union’s cohesion policy during discussions on the bloc’s next long-term budget at the European Council Summit in Brussels, the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.Addressing fellow EU leaders, Abela stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that reflects the realities and challenges faced by all Member States as negotiations continue on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, commonly referred to as the EU’s long-term budget.Abela underlined that cohesion policy remains a key driver of progress and development across the European Union, including efforts to strengthen the bloc’s competitiveness. He argued that fiscal sovereignty should remain the responsibility of individual Member States and said the future budget must reflect citizens’ aspirations while supporting credible and realistic reforms aligned with national interests.The issue was also discussed during a meeting of the “Friends of Cohesion” group, which brings together sixteen countries advocating for a strong cohesion policy within the EU.Competitiveness featured prominently on the European Council’s agenda, with Abela describing it as essential for Europe’s future prosperity. He highlighted the need to improve accessibility within the Single Market and warned against Europe becoming inward-looking. Abela called for stronger cooperation with strategic partners, particularly at a time of growing global challenges, and emphasised the need to strike a balance between free trade and economic security.EU leaders also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. During the discussion, Abela described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as unacceptable, reiterating the importance of humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in line with international law.On Ukraine, the Abela said coordination and dialogue must remain central to efforts aimed at ending the war, while safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.Separately, Abela participated in a migration coordination meeting involving fourteen other EU Member States and the European Commission. Participants noted significant progress achieved through the group’s cooperation, including key developments at EU level such as the adoption of the revised Return Regulation and broader advances within the Council of Europe, including the Chișinău Declaration.Abela said the progress achieved must now be backed by coordinated and accelerated implementation. He also called for deeper cooperation in multilateral forums and stronger partnerships with countries of origin and transit to address migration challenges more effectively.