Director General Economic and European Affairs
Mr Joe Cole
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Palazzo Parisio,
Valletta - VLT 1171
Tel: (+356) 2204 2229
Fax: (+356) 21 237 063
Directorate General (European and Economic Affairs)
European matters have been the backbone of our actions. Our work has to a great extent concentrated on making a success of European Union membership and what this membership can give as added value to Malta and its citizens.
Since its accession to the European Union on the 1st May 2004, Malta has proactively participated in the formulation of EU legislation, policy and decisions. It is therefore important that Malta continues to ensure that important matters of national interest are raised high on the EU Agenda. This Ministry ensures that this is done in a timely manner, with clarity of thought and through the necessary convincing verbal and written skills both in Brussels and also in EU Member States. In doing so, this Directorate General foresees the adequate participation in the several Council formation meetings and supports the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the preparation of the necessary documentation for his participation in the monthly General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meetings.
Therefore the Ministry, through its Directorate General, is responsible for initiating, developing co-coordinating and executing policy with regard to European general affairs, relations with EU Member States, EFTAStates, EU Candidates States and States within the European perspective and relations with European multilateral organizations. The Directorate General seeks to promote Malta holistically with European economies, otherneighbouringeconomies as well as existing and emerging major economies through the optimization of the Ministry’s international network of embassies and consulates.
In specific terms the Ministry, through this Directorate General:
1. leads and co-ordinates the formulation of Malta policy options on European general affairs including the enlargement strategy, European treaty evolution and development, the future of Europe debate and other European institutional matters and consequently sets objectives for policy and prepares risk assessments of the recommended policy options with European Union Member States;
2. leads and co-ordinates the formulation of bilateral foreign policy options and consequently sets objectives for policy and prepares risk assessments of the recommended bilateral foreign policy options with European States under his/her responsibility;
3. leads and co-ordinates the formulation of foreign policy options in European multilateral organizations and consequently sets objectives for policy and prepares risk assessments of the recommended foreign policy options within European multilateral organizations;
4. monitors developments in the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and ensures that the Ministry’s positions within these fora are consonant with Malta’s interests and in line with EU policy;
5. leads and co-ordinates the formulation of a holistic promotion of Malta including investment, commercial and cultural promotion and consequently sets objectives for policy and for the optimization of the international network of embassies and consulates to contribute to the wider effort to bring multi-sectoralbenefits to Malta; and
6. facilitates in the creation of synergies with the relevant government agencies and constituted bodies to ensure a common focus on the immediate and long-term goals of attracting overseas investment into Malta, increasing the general Maltese commercial activity, promoting tourism, financial and maritime services and promoting Malta’s rich and varied cultural and historical heritage abroad.
Director European Affairs
Mr. Martin Valentino
B.A. (Hons.) Pub. Admin.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Palazzo Parisio,
Valletta - VLT 1171
Tel: (+356) 2204 2220
Fax: (+356) 21 237 063
Director European General Affairs and Economic Co-operation
Mr Patrick R Mifsud
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Palazzo Parisio,
Valletta - VLT 1171
Tel: (+356) 2204 2217
Fax: (+356) 2125 1520