Malta unveils EU presidency priorities

Maltese authorities on Monday unveiled their main priorities of the Maltese presidency of the Council of the EU, which will start in a few weeks.

Malta, together with Slovakia and the Netherlands agreed on a strategic agenda aimed towards economic growth, sustainability and work opportunities. The program of work incorporates priorities such as immigration, internal market and security, authorities said.

In relation to immigration, Malta will aim to strengthen and simplify the common European System for Asylum that serves for a fairer distribution amongst member states.

With regards to the single market, especially the single digital market, non-justified blocking based on geography will be addressed and roaming charges across Europe will be removed.

With regards to security, Malta said significant progress has been deemed imperative around the better management of the European Union's external frontiers, including the establishment across member states of non-European citizens entering and exiting the EU.

In light of the instability on the rise over the European frontiers, Malta's presidency of the Council of the EU will focus on the fostering of democracy and security in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on the stability and unification of Libya.

Regarding the maritime sector, the focus will be on better governance, particularly south of the Mediterranean Basin. Endit