MEPs discuss the investigation into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, the journalist and writer killed in 2017, and the political turmoil in Malta, during the plenary session (16-19 December 2019) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Statements by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President, Values and Transparency.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

JOUROVÁ, Věra (EC)

freedom of press and media (T)

EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (T)

EU - Malta (T)

Rule of law in Malta, after the recent revelations around the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia: extracts from the opening statement

SOUNDBITE (English), V&#277;ra JOUROV&#193;, Vice-President, Values and Transparency, The recent visit of the European Parliament's delegation in Malta and today's debate are of great importance. As President von der Leyen made clear, she is concerned by recent developments in Malta. The commission has been following the developments in Malta very closely. The commission condemns the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Her murder was an attack on the free media and is a grave concern off to Europe as a whole.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vĕra JOUROV&Aacute;, Vice-President, Values and Transparency, Europol is in Malta and has supported the investigations in Malta as a top priority case, with experts on the spot and from Europol headquarters. The support activities are ongoing and will continue.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vĕra JOUROV&Aacute;, Vice-President, Values and Transparency, The people of Malta and first and foremost, the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia demand truth and justice, and we stand with them.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vĕra JOUROV&Aacute;, Vice-President, Values and Transparency, One of the top priorities for Malta is to strengthen the independence of the judiciary. In particular, the safeguards for judicial appointments and dismissals and to establish a separate and fully independent prosecution service. There is also a need to strengthen efforts to detect and prosecute corruption and the enforcement of the anti money laundering framework. I am aware that the Maltese authorities have at several occasions expressed their intention to proceed with the necessary reforms in the areas of concern I have mentioned. But there is still a lack of significant progress.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vĕra JOUROV&Aacute;, Vice-President, Values and Transparency, As regards the prosecution services. Malta adopted the State Advocate Act in July 2019 and appointed its first state advocate. However, concerns remain as regards, among others, the lack of checks and balances in the appointment procedure of the attorney general, which in practice is still under the power of the Prime Minister. The commission expects the Maltese authorities to implement in full the recommendations of the Venice Commission and to follow up on the findings and recommendations of the European Commission.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vĕra JOUROV&Aacute;, Vice-President, Values and Transparency, We will soon put in place a new rule of law mechanism covering all member states, including Malta, to improve prevention, dialogue and monitoring. This will cover judicial independence, as well as anti-corruption and aspects of media pluralism relevant to the rule of law.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vĕra JOUROV&Aacute;, Vice-President, Values and Transparency, I can assure you that the commission will not hesitate to take measures as necessary.