Malta, who chairs the European Union for the first 6 months of 2017 published its program priorities. In a document of 48 pages, the presidency is clearly committed to the continuation of the enlargement policy of the Union with the Balkan countries and Turkey.
"Maltese presidency will continue to support the accession process of the Western Balkans and Turkey. EU's commitment to maintain the momentum provides for key reforms. The transformational power of the enlargement process can not be underestimated. We believe it is mutually beneficial, "it is stated in the document.
The aim of the Maltese Presidency is to highlight the importance of the rule of law and public administration reform thet can play in advancing economic development in candidate countries and potential candidates. Malta considers these elements as key to the successful membership.The smallest member state of the EU notes that at the 60th anniversary of the creation, the organization faces tough challenges. The future of the EU is expected to be discussed in detail during the meeting of heads of state and government in Rome in March, when the Commission presents its proposal on this issue. Located just 300 km from the Tunisian coast, Malta will focus on migration and asylum, including threats from terrorism and radicalism. Will focus on the internal energy market, the removal of digital barriers, on gender issues and environmental policies, particularly for the development of nautical tourism.