Speech by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament - Hoofdinhoud
Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella addresses the AFET committee on the Maltese Presidency Priorities.
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Mr Chairman,
Distinguished Members of the Committee,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honoured to be here today to outline the priorities of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In the first part of my speech, I will be speaking in my native tongue, Maltese, and then I will continue in English.
Matul l-aħħar sittin sena, l-Ewropa kienet meqjusa bħala xempju ta’ tama, prosperità, żvilupp u paċi. Din il-kisba kbira kienet riżultat tal-viżjoni tal-pijunieri tal-proġett Ewropew, fi żmien meta ħafna oħrajn kienu xettiċi dwar kemm nistgħu nirnexxu u jekk nistgħux naħdmu flimkien.
Fis-sittin sena mit-twaqqif tal-proġett Ewropew, imiss lilna, Malta, l-iżgħar Stat Membru, il-privileġġ u l-opportunità li nippresjedu l-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea.
Dan huwa ż-żmien fejn fih irridu, flimkien, nieħdu kont tal-aħħar sittin sena. Ilkoll għandna dmir li nħarsu dak li ksibna sal-lum, u ngħaddu l-benefiċċji ta’ dan il-proġett liċ-ċittadini tagħna. Benefiċċji li xi kultant jintesew.
Din hija wkoll opportunità tajba biex inħarsu ‘l quddiem.
L-Ewropa għandha bżonn imbuttatura ġdida, u żviluppi riċenti madwar l-Unjoni urew b’mod ċar il-bżonn li l-Unjoni Ewropea tkun aktar viċin il-popli tagħha, u li tikkomunika b’mod effettiv il-miżuri importanti li qed tieħu biex tipprovdi opportunitajiet aħjar għaċ-ċittadini tagħha li jagħtuhom iċ-ċans jilħqu l-aspirazzjonijiet tagħhom u jirnexxu fihom.
Il-ġrajjiet politiċi li għaddejna minnhom s-sena l-oħra ħallew marka fuqna lkoll. Il-bżonn ta’ riforma qatt ma kien daqshekk urġenti u l-għajta biex inkunu viċin in-nies qatt ma kienet daqshekk ċara. Il-ġrajjiet tas-sena l-oħra ċaqilqu l-pedamenti tal-proġett Ewropew, kif nafuh.
Malta hija determinata li tagħti l-kontribut validu tagħha għall-proġett Ewropew. Naspiraw li matul il-Presidenza, permezz tal-ħidma tagħna fil-Kunsill, u tal-ħidma magħkom fil-Parlament Ewropew, l-Unjoni Ewropea toħroġ aktar b’saħħitha.
Nafu li sitt xhur huwa perjodu qasir ħafna. Filwaqt li ninsabu ambizzjużi li nikkontribwixxu biex immexxu l-proġett ‘il quddiem u nagħmluh aktar kredibbli, qegħdin inkunu realistiċi. Nafu x’inhuma l-limitazzjonijiet tagħna. Iżda nafu nafu wkoll x’inhi s-saħħa tagħna.
Qegħdin immorru quddiem id-delegazzjonijiet l-oħra fil-Kunsill bħala interlokutur onest, mingħajr aġenda moħbija u mingħajr pretenzjonijiet. Bl-istess mod, se nkunu naħdmu mal-Parlament Ewropew fi spirtu ta’ kollaborazzjoni u onestà.
Il-fatt li għandna l-Prim Ministru, id-Deputat Prim Ministru, il-Ministru tal-Finanzi, kif ukoll il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni, li kollha servew bħala Membri tal-Parlament Ewropew, li jien għamilt aktar minn sena membru osservatur fil-Parlament Ewropew qabel sirna membri, u tlett xhur bħala membru tal-Parlament Ewropew, wara li sseħibna, iwassal biex żgur nifhmu l-importanza li għandu l-Parlament Ewropew u intkom ir-rappreżentant dirett taċ-Ċittadini Ewropej biex tilleġislaw fl-interess tagħhom lkoll.
Ninsabu kburin li qed nassumu l-Presidenza tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea proprju f’dan il-mument.
Il-prinċipju ewlieni li se jiggwida l-Presidenza tagħna huwa li nġibu momentum frisk u ġdid fix-xogħol li jġib liċ-ċittadini Ewropej iktar viċin xulxin, bħala konsumaturi, bħala nies li joħolqu l-ġid, bħala stake holders.
Huwa proprju għalhekk li identifikajna s-sitt prijoritajiet tal-Immigrazzjoni; is-Sigurtà; is-Suq Uniku; il-Politika tal-Viċinat; l-Inklużjoni Soċjali; u l-Affarijiet Marittimi, għaliex ġenwinament nemmnu li l-popli tagħna għandhom tħassib leġittimu li jrid jinstema.
Ma nħossx li għandi nidħol f’kull prijorità b’mod individwali. Għaldaqstant, bil-permess tiegħek Sur Chairman, ħa nitkellem fuq il-programm ta’ ħidma fl-oqsma li l-kumitat tagħkom jiddiskuti u jaħdem daqstant fuqhom.
Let me start, at the outset by underlining the importance that Malta Presidency attaches to the transformative power, that the EU Enlargement process and Stabilisation and Association Process in the Western Balkan region and Turkey hold.
Enlargement is a key contributor in shaping the Union.
Particularly at a time when the EU is faced with increasing internal and external challenges, a weakening belief in the perspective of enlargement risks reducing the European leverage - a negative development which could harm the stability of our whole neighbourhood. It is in our interest to recognise that there are competitors to the EU influence, here too.
Common challenges, such as the migration crises and terrorism underline the need for collaboration in order to find durable and sustainable solutions.
Against such a backdrop, it is imperative to ascertain pragmatically and realistically that candidate countries are making successful inroads in reforming their domestic structures based on the EU acquis in respect to the core European values and ideals.
Sustained EU engagement and an upbeat yet constructive momentum of EU Enlargement process are seminal for the successful accession of candidate countries. At the same time, we should seek a comprehensive and adequate modernisation process that maximises tangible benefits for potential member states, for the voice of European citizens is the cornerstone of EU Enlargement.
Mr. Chairman,
We understand that several reform aspects are still underway both in candidate and potential candidate countries. This will, however, not dishearten us. EU Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Processes are but transition phases in which the countries in question are given ample time, tools and assistance to embrace EU principles and values.
We reiterate our call for the consistent application of the concept of strict and fair conditionality as well as the own merits principle, securing more convergence with EU policy.
We note with satisfaction the lead assumed by Montenegro in preparations for EU membership. We also note the opening of Chapters 23 and 24 by Serbia. We also embrace the profound and encouraging developments in Albania, FYROM, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Whilst commending our Slovak counterparts in maintaining the enlargement high on the EU’s agenda, we are resolute to support these processes and uphold the vigour of similar initiatives to deliver on EU Enlargement.
Let me now comment briefly on individual countries:
As an active supporter of the EUs enlargement process and the powerful reformative effect it has, Malta sees Turkey not solely as a candidate country but also a key partner for the European Union.
In supporting the continued active rapprochement of Turkey with the EU, Malta strongly advocates parallelism between the shared interests of the two partners and the due diligence given to progress in the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms in the negotiation of the prospected Turkish accession in the EU.
I have taken very good note of the points of concern referred to in the November 24 Resolution on Turkey. The same worrying developments were also discussed by the Council on 13 December 2016. The great majority of Member States, reaffirmed the crucial importance of maintaining an open dialogue and close relations, including the continuation of the accession process. The EU should remain the anchor for Turkey's reforms, and the accession negotiations remain our best tool.
It would be counterproductive to contravene the channels and instruments devised to heighten the interaction with the EU. The EU stood on the side of Turkey’s democracy, institutions and people during this difficult year. The Turkish authorities have a legitimate right to hold the perpetrators of the coup to account. At the same time, we uphold that the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is the strongest antidote to extremism and terrorism.
Our own views on Turkey were well reflected in the Slovak Presidency Conclusions adopted on 13 December 2016. As you know, this was not a unanimous view, and also the reason why no Council Conclusions could be adopted.
As my Prime Minister recalled last week before the Plenary Session in Strasbourg, the successful implementation of the EU-Turkey joint Action Plan for refugees and migration management, and of the 18 March 2016 Statement continues, to be in the interest of both parties. So far, this cooperation has led to a drastic decrease in deaths at sea and to a substantial reduction of irregular arrivals from Turkey. Work also continues with regard to the issue of visa liberalisation, which of course continues to be conditional upon Turkey's fulfilment of all the requirements of the roadmap, including the remaining benchmarks of the Visa Liberalisation Roadmap.
The effort that Turkey did so far in implementing the extensive criteria within this Roadmap, is encouraging. Clearly these positive impulses set stage to more collaboration on these negotiations.
On the modernisation and upgrade of Customs Union, the Maltese Presidency will be working to ensure that this dossier is given due importance as this is but one example of how we can engage further with each other.
With regard to the recent Geneva talks on Cypriot reunification, we positively note that Turkey as one of the guarantors participated in the talks. We call on Turkey to normalise its relations with Cyprus and fully implement the provisions of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement.
The Maltese Presidency welcomes the formation of the new Montenegrin government. I am confident that Montenegro’s commitment to the continuation of the country’s accession to the EU will live on. We hope for the re-engagement of all political parties in a constructive dialogue, notably within the Parliament. Shortcomings reported by international election observers need to be addressed and alleged irregularities investigated in a timely manner.
Major institutional and legislative advances were made in Montenegro. We hope that these prospects in addition to the development reached in the context of the last Accession Conference held in Brussels on 13 December where chapters 11 (Agriculture and rural development) and 19 (Social policy and employment) at the Accession Conference on 13 December 2016 were opened, continue to inspire and motivate a sense of ownership on the part of the Montenegrins. Effectively, this will bolster and stimulate the country’s effort on its EU path.
We also look forward to continue our close cooperation in the area of foreign policy. Let me therefore use this opportunity to strongly commend Montenegro for its continuous full alignment as well as to welcome its positive role in regional cooperation.
2016 has been a crucial year for Serbia with the opening of four key chapters; opening of Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights), Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security), chapter 5 (Public procurement) and the opening and provisional closure of chapter 25 (Science and research) that will have a pronounced effect on society. In deepening the foundation of relations between the EU and Serbia, our focus will remain on bringing national populations closer to the core precepts and practices of the EU.
I am also pleased to inform you of our plans to organise an informal COELA trip to Belgrade in February. We hope to present EU membership as an untapped source and practical answer to further economic growth and democratic practices.
It is encouraging that the Council has reached agreement to enable the opening and provisional closure of Chapter 26 (Education and culture).
The Council will continue to pay particular attention to progress under the rule of law chapters, guided by the respective Action Plans and interim benchmarks, and to developments in the normalisation of relations with Kosovo. The recent progress on Freedom of Movement and Telecoms has been encouraging in this regard and should be taken forward. The latest incidents between the two sides are unfortunate yet we are encouraged by the fact that a High Level Dialogue between the two parties is taking place today.
Serbia is constructively engaged in regional cooperation and should continue strengthening good neighbourly relations. In addition, Serbia needs to progressively align with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.
We positively note that elections took place and we look forward to collaborating with a government committed to put FYROM back on its EU path. At the same time, we encourage the country’s leaders to overcome the current political impasse.
It will equally be important to implement reforms and to address systemic rule of law issues, also through the Urgent Reform Priorities. Government and opposition need to continue implementing previous political agreements in full, including supporting the work of the Special Prosecutor’s Office. Albania has made steady improvement in its European vocation following the attainment of candidate status in June 2014. Malta steadily acknowledges Albania’s upbeat momentum in aligning its judicial system with core EU precepts. In commending the goodwill and resolute efforts of Albania we are determined and ambitious to support additional reforms in other remits.
We took positive note of the Commission's conditional recommendation from November last year to open accession negotiations with Albania and we now look forward to a sustained, comprehensive and inclusive implementation of all five key priorities. We stand ready to deliver on Albania’s aspiration to open accession negotiations on our part, provided that conditions are met.
I have faith that the Bosnian authorities will continue working together to achieve their goal in becoming candidate countries of the EU and we also commend the signing of the Adaptation Protocol to the SAA. We appeal to the Bosnian authorities to work closely with EU institutions in answering the questionnaire efficiently and diligently.
On a similar note we commend and encourage progress in BIH’s reform agenda.
We welcome the recent Stabilisation and Association Council and its push towards the qualitative deepening of EU-Kosovo relations. It is also commendable that Kosovo signed the Framework Agreement on its participation in Union programmes. Let me also underline Malta’s recognition of the recent commitments towards judicial reform.
On Visa Liberalisation, the process is proceeding smoothly. We commend Kosovo for maintaining its commitment to meeting its remaining benchmarks as well as the ratification of the border agreement with Montenegro. The Presidency anticipates that this will also determine Kosovo’s commitment to its EU perspective and its ability to uphold a solid performance in the fight against corruption and organised crime. Once these are fulfilled, Council will move to the next phase in considering granting visa free travel to Kosovo.
The normalisation of relations between Pristina and Belgrade is an essential principle of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and underpins the development of relations and cooperation between the EU and Kosovo. The Presidency encourages greater efforts to develop a constructive political dialogue necessary to further progress on the European path.
Mr Chairman,
Last year, the EU experienced a dramatic increase in the flow of irregular migrants, particularly along the Central Mediterranean route, with a significant increase of more than 25,000 individual crossings when compared to 2015.
The Central Mediterranean route is the most dangerous migrant crossing in the world.
The Valletta Summit on Migration, held in November 2015, brought together countries of origin, transit and destination in a spirit of joint partnership to jointly address this common challenge. The EU and its Member States have worked hard over the past year to move forward in the implementation of the Joint Valletta Action Plan. The Joint Valletta Action Plan: Senior Officials Meeting, which will take place in Malta on 8-9 February 2017, is expected to bring to light the positive results of this joint cooperation, highlight any gaps in implementation and to also identify the next steps in this important process.
Mr. Chairman,
Clearly, the roadmap I just presented elicits that an intensive year lays ahead of us. Notwithstanding the external and internal challenges, which the Union currently faces, we are determined to strongly counteract any factors that might act as a stumbling block to the EU Enlargement process and Stabilisation and Association Process in the Western Balkan region and Turkey.
Even as a firm supporter of Enlargement, Malta cannot rule out that the impacts of evolving regional crises and the Brexit discourse will not have a bearing on the Enlargement dossier. However, the Maltese Presidency is adamant not to allow these issues, to overshow the work that is being done across all spheres including Enlargement.
Let me make this clear, Malta is keen to ensure that the EU remains active in this region and will continue to promote EU Enlargement and the Stabilisation and Association Process, to ensure that the momentum in the negotiations with all the Western Balkan countries and Turkey is maintained.
Strengthening Europe’s resilience in the face of external threats and internal disagreements require a tangible effort in boosting our collaborative capabilities and response mechanism to various challenges.
In this spirit, we believe that investing in partners’ commitment to their European vocation, will contribute greatly in reinventing the European project.
This drive will remain at the heart of the Maltese Presidency in the coming months.
Thank you.