Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez landed in Malta last night and was greeted with a hug before entering Castille with Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela.

The visit comes ahead of Spain assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July, where key topics like access to medicine and transport within the EU will be on the agenda.

During the meeting, Abela stressed it’s crucial that all EU member states have access to medicines in the pharmaceutical sector, including countries like Malta, and that this be prioritised over the interests of large corporations.

 

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“It cannot be that fifteen years after the internal market was established, certain countries still remain disadvantaged. We stand ready and willing to actively contribute to this discussion.”

Abela also emphasised the need for citizens in peripheral EU countries to have equal access to products in the single market as those living in the heart of Europe, noting that this also applies to the transport sector, where countries without geographical advantage should not be punished.

On the issue of energy, Abela highlighted the importance of continuing to help people, but also noted the need for important reforms to address climate goals, where the operation of our economies becomes cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

“People are not numbers. People deserve a good quality of life,” he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that during the Spanish Presidency, important legislation, which European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli is also working on, would receive a boost. He highlighted the common value of equality between Malta and Spain and the importance of making a difference for the better in the lives of different people.