PM Robert Abela discusses Malta’s challenges & opportunities with EESC Employers’ Group

The subsidy of energy bills, EU tax policy and the green transition were among the topics of discussion for the Prime Minister Robert Abela and the European Economic and Social Committee’s (EESC) Employers’ Group, with common ground especially found on upholding environmental and social standards with competitors.

The Prime Minister met with a delegation from the EESC’s Employers’ Group at his office in Auberge de Castille. The delegation is visiting Malta to have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities the country faces.

The key thematic issues of mutual interest included energy, competitiveness, tax policy, and stability and growth.

On energy, the Dr.Abela reiterated the importance of protecting businesses and citizens from the impact of the ongoing crisis. He noted that the Government’s decision to subsidise energy bills as being one of the reasons why the Maltese economy keeps growing steadily.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister said the Government is prioritising a shift to cleaner energy with tools the Green Deal and the Fit for 55 Package provide, which present opportunities to improve the country’s energy independence, resilience, and competitiveness.

The Government also welcomes both the REPowerEU proposal and the more recent EU Commission proposal on accelerating the deployment of renewable energy. It was mentioned that there must be increased investment in infrastructure that allows all member states to tap into the hydrogen market as well as better electricity interconnectivity.

The Prime Minister and the EESC were aligned on the need to ensure EU competitors adhere to the highest environmental and social standards.

On competitiveness, the Dr.Abela said that Malta supports initiatives that ensure the single market and EU member states remain competitive internationally while stimulating innovation and growth. It was also highlighted that the EU’s open strategic autonomy should be bolstered.

On EU Tax Policy the Prime Minister said that Malta supports initiatives on tax transparency measures at EU level, but noted that fiscal policy is a competence of member states.