Watch: Malta Raised Clear Concerns In EU Over Missile Promise To Ukraine, Robert Abela Confirms
Prime Minister Robert Abela has confirmed that Malta raised concerns during a recent European Council meeting about a proposed statement pledging “unwavering” military support – including the delivery of missiles and ammunition – to Ukraine.
“I gave a clear indication on Sunday but I will be more specific now,” Abela said this week when questioned by Lovin Malta about his frequent EU votes in favour of increased defence spending.
“Our position was clear that we had reservations on the language used in the text, because we don’t believe that the way to end a war is to create a bigger war. If you want to stop a war, you need to embrace peace and not create a bigger war and embrace weapons.”
“The reality is, and it saddens me to say this, that we have an EU that doesn’t emphasise enough on peace – both when discussing the Ukraine-Russia war and the Gaza war.”
The statement was originally meant to be published by the European Council, composed of EU member states, to mark the two-year anniversary since the Russian invasion. However, this move was blocked by Hungary, and the statement was eventually released in the names of European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Politico had earlier reported that a neutral EU country had doubts about the language used on defence, specifically the call for EU countries to deliver ammunition and missiles to Ukraine.
Abela has now confirmed media reports that this country was in fact Malta and argued that his stance shows that he and Metsola have different stances on how to tackle war.
Cover photo: Left: Prime Minister Robert Abela, Right: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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