Abela Pushes for More EU Funding & Migration Coordination
Abela’s EU Push: Cohesion Funding and Migration Coordination on the Table
Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela touched down in Brussels this week, not just for the usual EU summit chit-chat, but with a clear agenda. He’s got his sights set on two big-ticket items: securing more cohesion funding for Malta and beefing up migration coordination across the bloc.
Cohesion Funding: Malta’s Share of the EU Pie
Malta’s been making waves in Brussels, pushing for a fairer share of the EU’s cohesion funding. With Brexit leaving a €75 billion hole in the next seven-year budget, Abela’s timing couldn’t be better. He’s arguing that as one of the EU’s smallest member states, Malta deserves a bigger slice of the pie.
Consider this: Malta contributes around €160 million to the EU budget each year, but receives around €300 million back in funding. That’s a net gain of €140 million. But Abela wants more. He’s been vocal about the unique challenges Malta faces, from its small size to its strategic location, and he’s making a case for increased funding to tackle these issues.
Migration: A Coordinated EU Response
Malta’s also been at the forefront of the EU’s migration debate. With its Mediterranean location, Malta’s often the first port of call for migrants crossing the sea. Abela’s been pushing for a more coordinated EU response to migration, one that shares the burden more fairly among member states.
He’s not just talking the talk, either. Malta’s been actively involved in EU migration initiatives, like the Mediterranean Sea operation IRINI. But Abela’s not satisfied with the status quo. He’s calling for a more comprehensive approach, one that addresses the root causes of migration and supports countries like Libya and Tunisia, where many migrants set off from.
Abela’s not alone in his push for more cohesion funding and migration coordination. Other EU leaders, like France’s Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s Mario Draghi, have been making similar noises. But with Malta’s unique perspective and challenges, Abela’s voice carries weight in these discussions.
So, what’s next? Abela’s EU summit push is just the start. Expect to see more debate and negotiation in the coming months, as EU leaders hash out the bloc’s next seven-year budget and migration strategy. And with Malta’s strategic location and unique challenges, our little island nation will be right at the heart of these discussions.
