Malta's application for membership

Mrs MALONE(PSE, IRL) emphasised the advantages of Malta’s accession: it would enhance the Union’s strategy on the South and it did not present any economic obstacles. The Maltese Government was prepared to accept the provisions of the Treaty on European Union; it should therefore be kept informed of the progress of the IGC so that the negotiations could begin, as envisaged, six months after the end of the Conference. Mr MAMERE (Greens, F), speaking as Chairman of the EU-Malta Joint Parliamentary Committee, felt that Malta was ready for accession but the Union was not. Politically speaking, the question of the island’s neutral status had yet to be settled. Malta, like Cyprus, should also participate in the IGC as an observer. Mr VAN DEN BROEK shared the EP’s desire to revitalise relations between the Union and Malta. One of the most important elements in the report was participation by Cyprus and Malta in the IGC. In his view, all of the associated countries should be kept informed of the progress of European integration. In July, an IGC reflection group would meet with the representatives of all of the associated countries.