Prime Minister meets new European Commission President

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this afternoon met with the new President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker during which Malta expressed its approval to the political direction to be adopted by Juncker.

However, the Maltese government said one still had to wait to see what this political direction will translate into.

Muscat and Juncker also discussed the potential role which Labour MP Karmenu Vella could be given in the College of Commissioners.

The government said there was a general agreement between Juncker and Muscat on the portfolio that could be given to Malta.

“There are no final decisions and more discussions will be held in view of the new structure of the Commission,” it said.

The government also said it was “natural” that there will be points where Malta would disagree with the European Commission’s political direction.

The Prime Minister also met with European Parliament President Martin Schulz. The political agenda of the EP was also discussed.