Robert Abela In Brussels Pushes For Action On Inflation In Energy Sector

Prime Minister Robert Abela has called on the European Union to take timely and coordinated action to address inflation, with particular focus on the energy sector, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking during discussions with European leaders, he stressed that rising energy costs continue to pose significant challenges across Member States, especially in the current global context.

Abela underlined the importance of ensuring that the Single Market delivers tangible benefits for citizens and businesses in all EU countries, including smaller and geographically peripheral states such as Malta.

He noted that for Malta, energy price fluctuations have a wider economic impact due to the added costs associated with transport and logistics, which are inherent to island economies.

He emphasised the need for policies that support households and businesses while maintaining economic stability.

According to the Prime Minister, European leaders face a clear policy choice between passing on increased costs, which risks adding pressure and fragmentation, or absorbing such pressures to safeguard competitiveness and stability.

He reiterated Malta’s commitment to continuing to provide stability to families and businesses, as has been the case since the onset of the energy crisis in 2022.

The Prime Minister also highlighted concerns regarding maritime security and environmental risks linked to the sanctioned Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz, referencing a joint letter sent with leaders of Italy, Spain, Greece and Cyprus to the European Commission.

While Maltese authorities are monitoring the situation and have contingency measures in place, he stressed the need for a coordinated European response to such challenges.

Discussions at the summit also covered developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. Abela called for stronger diplomatic efforts by the European Union to promote de-escalation and dialogue. He also reiterated the importance of multilateral cooperation, with the United Nations playing a central role in maintaining international stability.

At the Euro Summit, leaders focused on inflation and its uneven impact on open, import-dependent economies like Malta.

Abela supported a balanced approach combining short-term economic support with long-term structural reforms and investment in green and digital transitions, alongside discussions on the upcoming financial framework for 2028 to 2034.

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