Abela calls for stronger EU single market to shield small economies

Prime Minister Robert Abela has called for a coordinated European response to fast-changing global economic pressures during an informal meeting of EU leaders in Belgium focused on competitiveness and the single market.

The meeting, held at the historic Alden Biesen castle at the invitation of European Council President Antonio Costa, brought together European leaders to discuss how the EU can strengthen its internal market and economic resilience.

Abela warned that rapid geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts are already affecting businesses and competitiveness, particularly in small open economies like Malta. He argued that the EU must remain open to trade relations with multiple countries and regions while strengthening its resilience and effectiveness both internally and globally.

The prime minister stressed that diversifying trade partnerships is key to reducing strategic dependencies, especially in essential sectors such as energy and raw materials. At the same time, he said the EU must protect and reinforce strategic industries and technologies from unfair competition and economic pressure, while avoiding measures that could undermine competitiveness or investment.

On climate policy, Abela said the EU should continue promoting global climate action but in a way that is responsible and aligned with economic competitiveness across member states.

He described the EU single market as one of the bloc’s greatest assets, saying Malta’s resilience depends heavily on a strong internal market backed by policies that support businesses and deliver tangible benefits to citizens. A stronger single market, he added, would translate into more opportunities, investment, exports and jobs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to innovate and expand.

Abela reiterated that Malta would continue to push for policies focused on incentives and sustainable growth rather than austerity. He also underlined the importance of improving European connectivity in energy, transport and digital networks, describing them as essential infrastructure for the effective functioning of the single market.

The prime minister said the EU must strengthen its business ecosystem, with special attention to SMEs, to enable companies to invest, innovate and grow.

Former Italian prime ministers Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta contributed perspectives during the discussions, which serve as preparation for next month’s European Council meeting in Brussels.