Special Feature : First Anniversary of Malta’s Accession to the EU
Contribution by Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker
A year already! Twelve months ago, Malta finally joined the European Union. As president of the European Council during the first six months of 2005, I can testify that Malta has taken full ownership of its seat at the table and uses its newly gained voice in the European concert to good effect, as it had during the accession negotiations. Observing the self-confidence of the Maltese representatives in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg, I’d be tempted to correct myself and say: Is it really only one year since May 1st 2004?
Luxembourg never let there be any doubt about its support for the accession of Malta to the EU. One could say we championed Malta’s EU membership even before the Maltese themselves were entirely convinced by the idea. Luxembourg, the smallest founding Member State, and Malta, the new southern tip of the EU, can learn a lot from each other, both by our similarities but also because we complement each other.
As the current holder of the EU presidency, Luxembourg enjoys at the moment even closer links than usual with Malta. We are grateful for the support by the Maltese authorities in the sometimes difficult debates and appreciate the new Mediterranean dimension brought to the EU by Malta.
I’d especially like to thank Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. Being like myself both Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, he is after all the European leader I spend the most time with. His role was especially helpful in the challenging discussions on reforming the Stability and Growth Pact. I am grateful for his unfading support at both the Ecofin and the European Council. I am confident that before long, we will also meet at the Eurogroup.
The most inspiring aspect of my experience with the Maltese over the last months is probably the enthusiasm with which they embrace the Lisbon reform strategy. Malta, with its long established university, serves as an example to Luxembourg, whose university is still in its founding stages. I know that these are nevertheless challenging times for Malta. I’m all the more impressed by the extraordinary optimism of the Maltese people.
I am confident that Malta will continue to discover the benefits of its newfound openness to Europe, as does Luxembourg. A year ago, I pledged to do everything possible to make Malta feel welcome and at ease in the European Union. A year on, the Luxembourg Presidency of the European Union has no reason to renege on this promise.
Jean-Claude Juncker