Carmel Cacopardo

On Tuesday 31st March Malta commemorates a significant event in its historical development: the closure of the British military base on the island. Over the years this event has not been given its due significance, for partisan reasons. It was treated similarly to Independence Day, glorified by some, rejected by others.

We should be proud of all the achievements of our country. The closure of the British military base is without doubt one of these achievements. Its relevance is embedded in article 1 of the Maltese Constitution, which, in addition to proclaiming Malta’s neutrality clearly defines it in terms of a prohibition in hosting of military bases on the Maltese islands as well as not participating in any military alliance.

The issues are clearly interlinked as the closure of the military base is an important practical manifestation of Malta’s neutrality. It can also be described as a celebration of our dignity as an independent state. It clearly defines and determines our present, thus, also contributing to our future as well as that of our Mediterranean neighbourhood.

This is of considerable significance when considering the present-day geopolitical situation. It came to mind when in the past days I read the statement made by Ian Borg, Malta’s Foreign Minister, in solidarity with the Gulf States, which had been subject to missile attacks from Iran. While it was appropriate for Ian Borg to issue his statement, one needs to point out that the Iranian missiles were a direct result of the threatening nature of the American military bases in these Gulf States. Some days earlier, the British military base in Cyprus was similarly targeted! Clearly those states which accept military bases on their territory have to face the music.

Reflecting on the significance of Freedom Day inevitably questions decisions which Malta takes on issues of national security and foreign policy.

Does it make any sense for Malta to participate in NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly as an associate member? It is a decision taken by Parliament 30 months ago after a Parliamentary debate taking up just 69 seconds of Parliament’s time. A decision which was definitely ill-advised and without any doubt in clear contrast to both the letter and the spirit of article 1 of Malta’s Constitution. A debate on Malta’s possible links to NATO requires much more than 69 seconds to be tackled seriously. It is after all a participation in a military alliance, even though this participation is of a limited nature.

In these columns, two years ago [TMIS: Parliament: 69 seconds for NATO decision, 9 June 2024] I had emphasised that, in seeking a space so close to NATO, Malta is sending the wrong signal.

The European Union which Malta joined was founded as a peace project. However, since the adoption of the Maastricht Treaty and the progressive development of an EU common foreign and security policy, the peace project is slowly mutating, seeking to transform the EU from a civilian power to a military power. Warmongering and an increased militarism risk changing the EU in an unacceptable manner. Having an EU Defence Commissioner since 2024 is not a good sign. The choice of former Estonia Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, a Russophobe, as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was never a good choice. It is however a reflection of NATO’s philosophy which as a result of its expansion up to Russia’s borders has without doubt been a contributor to the current state of turmoil of Eastern Europe.

Within the EU itself there are contrasting views as to whether the EU should take up defense as an EU responsibility. The expansion of NATO eastwards incorporating practically all former Warsaw Pact countries has not made matters any easier. With the exception of Malta, Austria, Ireland and Cyprus, all EU member states are also NATO members. As a result, the distinction between the EU and NATO is slowly disappearing. This is problematic as Malta joined the European Union: it did not join NATO. Malta’s neutrality is not compatible with the warmongering environment, currently prevalent in the EU.

Faced with all these developments, Malta will face tough choices in the foreseeable future. The sooner we start a serious debate on national security and defence the better.

Carmel Cacopardo is ADPD-The Green Party’s Deputy Chairperson

First published in The Malta Independent on Sunday: 29 March 2026