Maltese do not want to invest in defence, but want EU to defend island: Ian Borg
Foreign Affairs Minister answers questions by Mark Laurence Zammit on Il-Każin
The Maltese do not want Malta to invest in defence, but want the EU to protect Malta if the need arises, Ian Borg told a live debate hosted by Mark Laurence Zammit on Il-Każin.
And so far, Maltese governments have managed to safeguard Malta's neutrality while allowing the country to invest in humanitarian aid, the Foreign Affairs Minister added.
Borg, who is leading Malta’s foreign policy at a tricky time, faced questions from both Zammit and audience members.
The minister said surveys show "the Maltese do not want Malta to join the EU in investing in defence; however, they want the EU to continue investing in defence, and when we need to be defended, the EU helps defend".
He added: "It is our duty to deliver this wish as much as we can".
Pressed on whether he'd be able to convince the rest of Europe to defend Malta despite the country not investing in defence, Borg said he has seen different PN and PL administrations that have managed to "reach a balance between safeguarding our neutrality while we continue doing our part when it comes to humanitarian aid".
Il-Każin is held once a month in front of a live audience. Following a collaboration deal with Times of Malta, award-winning journalists Jon Mallia and Mark Laurence Zammit will alternate as hosts.