Malta and the European Union: Looking Towards the Future

Dr Joe Borg

The first part of the talk provides a brief outline of Malta’s path to EU membership and its achievements over the twenty years since accession.  The second part will focus on the future of the European Union, addressing key questions and challenges.  The third part explores areas identified by the European Council and the European Commission for further development, specific targets, or necessary reforms.  Particular emphasis will be placed on threats to democracy and European values, strengthening the rule of law, addressing defence and security challenges, and the broader question of EU reform.  The final part examines Malta’s position on these sensitive issues as it navigates its future within an evolving European Union.

Dr Joe Borg graduated as Doctor of Laws in Malta in 1975 and earned a Master of Laws in Wales in 1988.  A former academic specialising in Company Law and Industrial Law at the University of Malta, he authored Malta’s Companies Act in 1995 and served on the Central Bank of Malta’s Board of Directors.  Between 1999 and 2004, as Malta’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, he led the EU accession negotiations.  In 2004, he became Malta’s first European Commissioner, responsible for fisheries and maritime affairs, serving until 2010.  Afterward, he resumed lecturing, chaired the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (2010-2017), and led the Malta Maritime Forum (2015-2021).  He was awarded a D.Litt Honoris Causa by the University of Malta in 2016 for his role in Malta’s EU accession and contributions as European Commissioner.

Admission is free, but seat reservations are recommended by emailing events@heartofgozo.org.mt.