Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Pol : Minister Witold Waszczykowski met with EU ambassadors and European Commission representative on the occasion of Malta’s Presidency of the EU Council launched on January 1

The occasion for the gathering was the launch of Malta's Presidency of the EU Council on 1 January. Such events are organized at the beginning of each six-month presidency of the EU Council by the current Presidency's ambassador.

Minister Waszczykowski said during the luncheon that the coming six months will be filled with hard work. 'Malta is hosting the Presidency of the EU Council at a time when the EU is facing many challenges, such as preparations for the UK's EU exit, debate on EU reforms and future, the need to restore citizens' trust in the European project, the migration crisis and terrorism, the need to boost competitiveness of the EU economy. Valletta can count on Poland's constructive approach and its friendly support.'

The meeting also offered an occasion for Minister Waszczykowski to acquaint the audience with Poland's stance on Malta's top priorities such as the future of the EU, the key components of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and migration.

The Republic of Malta hosts the Presidency of the EU Council for the first time in its history as an EU member. Its presidency marks the end of The Netherlands - Slovakia - Malta Trio. The agenda of Malta's Presidency will be shaped by the agenda of the Presidency Trio, the priorities set out by the European Council, including the 2014 Strategic Agenda, and the European Commission Work Programme 2017, among others. The strategic priorities of the Maltese Presidency are the so-called 3 M's: Maritime, Mediterranean and Migration.

MFA Press Office