Home Affairs Minister in Lithunaia for Defence Council meeting

Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia today attended a defence council meeting in Lithuania discussing the state of play of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and reviewing the European Commission's proposals regarding measures to support the research and technological base of the European Defence Industry.

Mallia also met High Representative for Security Policy Catherine Ashton, Lithuanian Minister Juozas Olekas Italian Minister Mario Mauro and Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, Philip Hammond.  

Ministers also discussed the situation in Syria and reviewed EU peace-keeping efforts in Mali, Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa. The meeting emphasised the urgent political necessity to retain and develop the necessary capabilities for sustaining and enhancing the EU's the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

At the meeting, the Maltese Minister welcomed Catherine Ashton's initiative on the CSDP interim report, in particular the emphasis on on the need for the EU to be able to act decisively within its neighbourhood, including in the Southern Mediterranean sub-region in response to the recurring crises. Mallia also emphasised the importance of developing further the EU's comprehensive approach.

The minister also referred to the Armed Forces of Malta participation in the EU's training mission to Somalia. The AFM is currently participating in EUNAVFOR Atalanta in order to contribute to stability and security in the region and to safeguard the UN's World Food Programme shipments to Somalia.