Maltese Delegation Participates in the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on EU Foreign and Security Policy

A Maltese parliamentary delegation, composed of Carmelo Abela and Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, took part in the Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy (IPC CFSP/CSDP), held in Copenhagen from 26 to 28 August 2025.

The Conference formed part of the parliamentary dimension of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and brought together representatives of national parliaments from EU Member States, alongside Members of the European Parliament. The sessions were organised in cooperation with the European Parliament.

Over the course of several sessions, the Conference examined the European Union’s foreign policy priorities, emerging security challenges, and the strategic implications of enlargement. Contributions were delivered by senior political figures including David McAllister, Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee; Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss from the EEAS; and the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko.

During debates on the EU’s strategic positioning including responses to external hybrid threats, the war in Ukraine, and developments in the Middle East and Africa the Maltese delegation emphasised the importance of a unified and principled EU foreign policy.

Speaking on developments in the Middle East, Carmelo Abela underlined that the EU’s reaction to ongoing turbulence in the region constitutes a test of Europe’s credibility and relevance. He stressed that the Middle East remains of strategic importance to the EU, particularly with regard to energy, migration, and regional stability. Abela argued that the crises unfolding in the region demand a principled, united, and proactive European approach. While the EU possesses both the capacity and the means to act, he noted that political will is essential. He concluded that, despite internal divisions, the EU has the potential to forge a common way forward on the Middle East.

On the subject of migration, Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici highlighted the progress achieved over the past fifteen years in addressing the challenges posed by migration. He pointed out that the EU now benefits from the expertise of the European Union Agency for Asylum and Frontex, which have equipped Member States with the capacity to plan for and manage mixed migration flows. He stressed that these tools enable Member States to respond to difficulties whilst remaining anchored in democratic values.

The Conference concluded with a strong appeal for coordinated, value-based action among EU Member States to safeguard Europe’s security, sovereignty, and democratic principles in an increasingly complex global environment.

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