EU needs to engage with USA, but cannot stay silent when principles are involved – PM Joseph Muscat
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the EU needs to engage with the USA, but it cannot stay silent when there are principles involved.
Addressing a press conference together with President of the EU Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker, Dr Muscat said that there was no sense of anti-Americanism during the Summit. He said that the EU leaders agree that they have to speak out when principles are trampled upon.
Dr Muscat said he was very glad for the conclusions reached with regards to migration. “This was the first time in five months that all Member States agreed on something concrete on such a sensitive issue. We sent a message that migration can be tackled on an EU level as well. The EU has a global role to play.”
He said that there are sensible ways in which Europe can move ahead while reiterating that the EU will be supporting Italy’s bilateral agreement with Libya. Dr Muscat said that the agreement between Italy and Libya also provides for the assistance in camps where migrants are being held.
Donald Tusk, President of the Council of the European Union said that leaders agreed to train and support the Libyan coast guards, assisting local communities in Libya. “We will also work with the International Organisation for Migration to step up voluntary returns. There will also be additional funds for migration and further cooperation with organisations such as UNHCR.” Mr Tusk praised the promising atmosphere during the debates.
Jean Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, now in his seventh visit to Malta, said he was impressed by the way the Maltese authorities are organising the EU Presidency. He said that the Commission has supported the recommendations on the southern Mediterranean routes.
Replying to questions by journalists, Prime Minister Muscat said that the biggest threat is neither Trump nor Putin, but our lack of awareness on what is happening around the world. Dr Muscat said that the EU should provide safe corridors for migrants.