Mitsotakis in Malta for EU-MED9 Summit; focus on migration and climate change

Migration – with an emphasis on guarding the borders and supporting frontline countries, but also its external dimension regarding coordination and cooperation with third countries – as well as the consequences of climate change, which are already being experienced with unprecedented extreme weather phenomena and natural disasters the Mediterranean countries are, along with the discussion at EU level on enlargement, the main topics on the agenda of the EU-MED9 Summit taking place on Friday in Valletta, Malta.

It should be pointed out that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, following the meeting he had in Strasbourg with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding Greece’s aid package for the effects of natural disasters, addressed a relevant letter on September 15 to the leaders of MED9 (France , Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus) requesting the coordination of the countries of the South in view of the next European Councils to claim a comprehensive strategy for adapting to the climate crisis, which requires more resources.

The countries of the European South are more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, the prime minister noted, calling on the other leaders to coordinate action to strengthen the relevant resources, with an emphasis on the solidarity fund and the agricultural reserve, but also on the need to act outside from the usual frameworks and for flexibility, as discussions on the revision of the multiannual financial framework and economic governance rules are ongoing.

Migration is a key issue on the agenda of the MED9 Summit, as the negotiation for the new Pact on Migration and Asylum is ongoing. Kyriakos Mitsotakis has repeatedly emphasized that the key element of a coherent migration policy is the guarding of the borders, which is now an EU acquis. Guarding the borders is the government’s first concern, the prime minister is expected to underline, reiterating the need to support frontline countries, particularly at a time when flows are increasing.

In addition, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will have a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the MED9 Summit. During the meeting, they are expected to discuss bilateral relations, regional issues, as well as all issues of the European agenda in view of the two upcoming European Councils.