Abela pushes cohesion funding and migration coordination at EU summit
Prime Minister tells European leaders cohesion must reflect member states’ realities as EU budget talks progress
At a European Council summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed the importance of cohesion policy and the need to achieve a balance that reflects the realities and challenges faced by each EU member state.
During the meeting, leaders discussed progress made under the Cypriot Presidency in negotiations on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, better known as the EU's long-term budget.
Abela highlighted the importance of the European Union continuing to view cohesion policy as a vehicle for progress and development, including in efforts to strengthen the bloc’s competitiveness.
He reiterated that fiscal sovereignty should remain the competence of member states and said the budget must reflect citizens’ aspirations while continuing to encourage credible and realistic reforms rooted in national interests.
The discussions also took place on the sidelines of the summit during a meeting of the 16-country group known as the "Friends of Cohesion".
Abela also emphasised that competitiveness remains crucial for Europe’s prosperity. He added that in terms of accessibility to the Sigle Market, European “cannot afford to become insular”, highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation with strategic partners.
“This is particularly important in the context of global challenges, where a balance must be struck between free trade and economic security,” Abela said.
Leaders also discussed the Middle East against the backdrop of evolving peace talks between the United States and Iran.
The prime minister described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “unacceptable” and stressed that access to humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians “remain fundamental principles of international law”.
On Ukraine, Abela said coordination and dialogue must continue to serve as the guiding principles leading towards an end to the war, while respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
While in Brussels, Abela also participated in a coordination meeting on migration alongside 14 other member states and the European Commission. Participants noted the substantial progress achieved through the group's coordination efforts, including important milestones at EU level, most recently the adoption of the revised Return Regulation, as well as broader progress within the Council of Europe through the Chișinău Declaration.
Abela stressed that this progress must now be backed by coordinated and accelerated implementation, greater cooperation in multilateral forums, and stronger relations with countries of origin and transit.