TA’ QALI, 24 May 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg, together with Malta’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, participated in the Public Service Expo Village 25. The event served as a platform to engage directly with citizens and raise awareness about Malta’s Presidency of the Council of Europe.
In his remarks, Minister Borg emphasised that Malta’s small geographic size should never define its ambition. He reflected on Malta’s experience in the international scene and the guiding principles that have always accompanied the country’s foreign policy. “With determination and vision,” he said, “Malta continues to prove that it can lead, shape policy, and drive meaningful dialogue on the European stage.” Furthermore, he reiterated Malta’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and the pursuit of lasting peace, while never being indifferent in the face of injustice.
Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger elaborated on the reasoning behind Malta’s planned priorities as well as the significance behind Malta’s role as Chair of the Committee of Ministers, particularly considering current global challenges. To advance these priorities, she noted that in the span of a six-month period, over 40 events will be hosted in Malta and in Strasbourg, including three Ministerial Conferences in Malta. Furthermore, the Permanent Representative highlighted the country’s focus on youth empowerment, adding that Malta will soon host a strategic meeting aimed at developing a shared roadmap to strengthen youth participation across Europe. This initiative will support practical programmes that help young people thrive, lead, and engage meaningfully in society.
Hon. Naomi Cachia, Head of Malta’s Parliamentary Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), shared insights into the country’s active participation in this key forum. She expressed pride in Malta’s representation at the Assembly and welcomed the introduction of ‘Youth Rapporteurs’, a new mechanism to strengthen the voice of young people. She also reflected on her personal experience in PACE as one of the most formative of her political career. “It opens your eyes to different realities and reminds you of the value of diplomacy and dialogue,” she said. Recent youth-focused initiatives, including a roundtable with Maltese youth and PACE policymakers, reaffirm Malta’s commitment to placing young people at the centre of the Council’s agenda.
Director General Mr Neville Aquilina expressed gratitude to all ministries and government departments contributing to the Presidency’s success. He underlined that their technical expertise in areas such as child protection, youth participation, combating violence and discrimination, and upholding LGBTIQ+ rights is essential to delivering a Presidency rooted in tangible impact and long-term values. Mr Aquilina concluded by reaffirming Malta’s resolve to continue strengthening its positive reputation through active and principled multilateral engagement.
During a panel discussion alongside technical experts, Mr Sean Buhagiar, Artistic Director of Malta’s Cultural Programme, highlighted the vibrant calendar of events to be held in Strasbourg. He explained that this programme aims not only to celebrate Malta’s rich artistic heritage but also to create space for intercultural dialogue and shared European identity. Through music, theatre, literature, and visual art, the programme will serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity—showcasing Malta’s voice while inviting collaboration and connection across borders.
Mr Joel Attard, Deputy to the Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe, outlined the core priorities shaping Malta’s Presidency. He underscored the importance of meaningful youth engagement as a cornerstone for building a sustainable and inclusive future. “From the outset,” he noted, “young people were at the heart of this Presidency—beginning with their contribution to the design of the official logo.” Mr Attard also provided an overview of the Presidency’s broad political vision, rooted in the Council of Europe’s founding values: democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
