Updated 11.30am

Malta should reconsider how it traditionally interpreted its neutrality, Robert Abela said on Monday, suggesting that the country should look to increase its spending on defence to meet “today’s realities”.

Although Abela was quick to rule out a change to Malta’s constitutional neutrality, his comments mark a break from those of previous Labour prime ministers, many of whom viewed Malta’s neutrality as untouchable.

Abela was speaking from Brussels, where he was attending a meeting on defence with other European leaders.

He hinted that Malta frequently interpreted its neutrality too rigidly in the past, sometimes erring on the side of caution.

As things stand, Abela said, Malta contributes to several peace initiatives but draws the line when it comes to contributing towards financing lethal weaponry.

“But we cannot adopt a position, as maybe we frequently have, that our country is cut off and completely protected from the realities around us.”

Bolder approach to neutrality

Abela said that Malta needs to adopt a “balanced approach”, weighing the push of many EU member states to strongly increase defence spending against Malta’s specific defence policy.

“I’m not saying we should make any changes to our constitution,” Abela said, acknowledging that there is “strong public support” for Malta’s neutrality clause to remain in place.

But the Maltese public understands the realities of today’s world, Abela added,  suggesting that Malta could be bolder in how it negotiates its constitutional obligations.

“Malta’s constitution allows us to adopt positions that safeguard our long-term security while still respecting its clauses,” Abela said.

Robert Abela greets European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Monday. Photo: DOI

Malta should increase its defence spending 

Foremost amongst this is to increase Malta’s spending on its army and defence, he suggested.

“Should we invest more in our defence? I think we should.”

Malta spent almost €90 million on defence in 2023, equivalent to 1.2% of total government spending.

“When it comes to defence, we’re not well-equipped to handle things that could arise,” he said, adding that he was not interested in seeing Malta “fight anybody’s wars”.

But it is time for Malta to start a national discussion to examine its approach to neutrality, Abela said, particularly with the emergence of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East in recent years.

The discussion needs to ask whether Malta’s constitution “serves the needs of our defence policy in light of today’s realities”.

In response to recent conflicts, particularly Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European countries have significantly increased their defence investments. Collectively, defence spending by EU member states rose by more than 30% between 2021 and 2024.

During Monday's meeting Abela insisted that any decision taken concerning security and defence should be done in full respect of EU treaties and member states' policies, including Malta's constitution. 

A Department of Information statement on Tuesday said Abela told the meeting that "in the face of geopolitical challenges we should aim for peace and diplomatic solutions to conflicts."

"Malta will continue to offer its assistance in humanitarian tragedies," he said.

The prime minister added the EU should not focus on military spend rather on seeking solutions around the table that offer stability to people around the world. "The only methods to stop war should be discussions," he said, adding that the US had an important role to play in this matter.

Discussions at the meeting also touched upon the tariffs being imposed by the US on Mexico, Canada and China. Abela said that a healthy relationship between the US and the EU is crucial to ensure trade and commerce between the two blocs remain open and for the stability of global security.

“As a small country, Malta remains in favour of free markets that do not negatively impact the consumer."

Abela also met with UK prime minister Keir Starmer where they discussed further collaboration in various sectors including pharmaceuticals and health.