Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union will herald the beginning of a European “reunion” project, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said today in a New Year’s message to the nation. Dr Muscat said Malta has to “rise to the occasion” and ensure its presidency helps the EU overcome the serious challenges it faces. Malta’s “humble and honest” agenda for its six-month presidency period would prioritise improving the everyday lives of every EU citizen, he added.
Malta is one of Europe's most stable countries, with a population that is more optimistic about the future than that of any other EU state, according to the Prime Minister. Referencing the international political turmoil of 2016, he said the year’s “extraordinary” events had sent a clear message that people were no longer willing to settle. ”The lessons the year have imparted were also valid here in Malta. We want to end 2017 by saying that we ended the year better than we started it”
Malta will assume the helm of the EU's Council of Ministers at midnight, taking over from Slovakia. The presidency rotates between member states every six months.