Opinion: The European Union Must Speak with One Voice—But Our Government Blocks It
Edward Zammit Lewis is right: “the European Union must act faster, be more effective, and speak with one voice on foreign policy”. Yet, what he fails to mention is that his own government has consistently worked to maintain the status quo.
The Maltese government has repeatedly instructed its representatives to vote against any measure that would enable the EU to take a more decisive and united stance on the global stage.
At the heart of this intransigence is the insistence on unanimity. In crucial foreign policy decisions, every Member State holds a veto. This approach has led to paralysis at critical moments, notably in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
While most Member States were keen to have a coordinated approach speaking in one voice and acting fast and efficiently, Hungary’s repeated blockades effectively held the entire Union hostage. Such a system is neither sustainable nor conducive to an effective foreign policy.
While I’m no admirer of Ursula von der Leyen or her conservative party’s stances on environmental protection, nature restoration, social policy, or civil liberties, pointing the finger at her, the European Commission, or EU institutions for Europe’s missteps in Ukraine is misguided and seems to fan the flames of populism.
Europe’s voice has been hushed by the European Council, where one Member State in particular has chosen to mute the European Union; others, like Malta, seem to favour maintaining the status quo in Council decision-making.
We cannot allow the actions of a single nation to dictate the pace and direction of our Union on the global stage. The current system forces the EU to settle for the lowest common denominator, resulting in policies that are watered down and, ultimately, ineffective.
This situation is exploited by far-right factions who benefit from a weak EU that bolsters nationalist agendas. At the same time, they tell citizens that the EU does not function. It is this very inaction that leaves European citizens feeling increasingly disenfranchised and sceptical about the benefits of membership.
The Maltese government, in particular, often cloaks its opposition in the rhetoric of neutrality. However, even Prime Minister Robert Abela has recently questioned the practicality of Malta’s claimed neutrality. In reality, Malta’s reluctance to support reforms—especially those aimed at removing unanimity in foreign policy—is driven by a deeper fear.
There is a concern that the same logic used to force a collective foreign policy might later be applied to issues such as taxation. Malta has long resisted efforts towards tax harmonisation within the EU – acting as a hub for other European companies to settle in Malta to pay less tax, while Maltese nationals and companies are asked to pay full tax. Using such concerns as a shield to justify inaction on foreign policy only compounds the Union’s challenges.
It is evident that the current European Union leaves much to be desired. Without reform, the Union will continue to be seen as weak—incapable of timely or robust action and increasingly out of touch with its citizens.
The blame lies not with the EU as an institution, but with Member States that consistently vote against meaningful change. In the European Parliament, I consistently aligned with the imperative for decisive reform—a commitment to supporting measures that remove the unanimity requirement and empower the EU to act when global challenges demand a united response.
Now, with Donald Trump having assumed the American presidency, the urgency for a stronger, more unified EU has never been greater. Trump has already signalled that European security is no longer a priority for the United States, leaving the Union more exposed than ever. Europe can no longer afford to rely solely on American support as its security guarantor. It must be able to act independently in global affairs.
The time for reform is now. EU governments and legislators must recognise the gravity of the situation and take bold, forward-thinking action. Malta, alongside a few other member states still clinging to outdated positions, must reconsider its stance before the EU becomes irretrievably weakened in the eyes of its citizens and the world. I’m glad a Member of Parliament from Labour’s side believes so too. It’s time to convince the rest and change Malta’s insular position on the matter.
Cyrus Engerer is a former Labour MEP and part of the new upcoming Il-Progressivi party