Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Bernard Grech on Wednesday concluded a two-day visit to the European People’s Party (EPP) Congress in Valencia, Spain, where he met with the PN’s three MEPs – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, David Casa, and Peter Agius – and held discussions on the Party’s work within EU parliamentary committees.
The EPP Congress, the largest political gathering in the EU, focused on key issues including European defence, democracy, competitiveness, job creation, and demographic change – topics that Grech noted are highly relevant to Malta. The second day shifted focus to internal EPP matters, culminating in pivotal elections that saw Manfred Weber reconfirmed as EPP President, with Dolors Montserrat elected Secretary General and François-Xavier Bellamy confirmed as Treasurer.
The Maltese delegation participated in votes on leadership roles, amendments to the Party statute, and major resolutions addressing the rule of law, climate change, and migration. Manfred Weber was re-elected as President of the EPP.
Throughout the summit, Grech engaged in bilateral meetings with influential EPP leaders, including Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, Spanish Opposition Leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, Cypriot Opposition Leader Annita Demetriou, and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski. Discussions focused on fostering cooperation among EU states to deliver concrete results and uphold citizens’ dignity and quality of life.
Grech also participated in a working dinner hosted by Spain’s Partido Popular, where he shared the table with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz, and former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
Following Manfred Weber’s re-election, Grech offered his congratulations, stating that Weber’s leadership represents a beacon of unity and shared values for Europe. He expressed confidence in the EPP’s continued role in promoting family, rights, and unity across the continent.
In closing remarks to the media, Grech underlined the importance of transatlantic dialogue and the need to protect global market stability amidst growing economic pressures such as U.S. tariffs. He reaffirmed the PN’s belief in the EU’s capacity to build on its achievements under the leadership of von der Leyen, Metsola, and Weber.
Grech was accompanied by PN Secretary General Charles Bonello, International Secretary Beppe Galea, and Shadow Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Beppe Fenech Adami.
News Editor
Journalist and Newscaster
Leave a Reply