In his statement before the media, accompanied by Lawrence Gonzi, Mr. Rodríguez Zapatero listed the main objectives of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union.

The first objective, he said, is “without doubt” overcoming the current economic crisis and achieving economic recovery that could eventually result in a recovery of employment.

The second objective is to strengthen the role of the EU in the field of international relations with the USA, Russia, Latin America and the Mediterranean.

Regarding the Mediterranean, he reiterated before the Prime Minister of Malta, another Mediterranean country, that during the Spanish Presidency, the first Mediterranean Union Summit is to be held. Among other issues, it will address security matters.

The third objective, the President stated, “is that of the EU’s internal order” and he referred to illegal immigration. The effort made in the European Union in recent months must translate into a strengthening of Frontex, and a task within the Union itself to ensure that a sense of “solidarity” prevails.

This challenge affects the twenty-seven Member States, and Spain and Malta suffer from it particularly, added Rodríguez Zapatero, turning to Lawrence Gonzi.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta, highlighted that the Spanish Presidency of the EU will mark a “milestone” in which we hope to see economic recovery.

He also declared that there will be a new President of the Union, a new High Representative for EU Foreign Policy and a new Commission.

Furthermore, he agreed with the Spanish President on the importance of reviewing the Lisbon Strategy during this period.

The leaders spoke about these topics during the meeting they had following the press conference.

via La Moncloa. The President of the Government meets with the Prime Minister of Malta at Moncloa Palace.