Speaker urges greater EU cooperation on migration in talks with Metsola

Speaker of the House Carmelo Abela called for greater burden-sharing among EU member states on migration during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Tuesday.

Metsola paid her first official visit to Abela at the Maltese parliament, where discussions centred on EU security, economic competitiveness, relations with Africa, and the war in Ukraine.

Abela focused on the need to uphold rule of law, democracy in the bloc, and safeguarding its citizens’ security and prosperity. Here, he underlined that EU enlargement should remain contingent upon tangible reforms and adherence to European values.

Regarding Africa, Abela highlighted the importance of fostering a partnership founded on sustainable investment, employment generation, and cooperation on migration.

Abela also stressed the need for equitable burden-sharing and collective responsibility among EU member states.

The speaker reiterated Malta’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and parliamentary diplomacy, while underscoring the European Parliament’s pivotal role in promoting democratic accountability and ensuring EU policies remain responsive to European citizens’ needs and concerns.

He also briefed Metsola on the work being carried out in parliament, along with recent bilateral meetings he attended.

Metsola concluded the meeting by inviting Abela to visit the EP, reaffirming the importance of continued dialogue and closer cooperation between the two institutions.