The Permanent Representation of Malta plays a central role in representing Malta in negotiations that take place in the Council of the European Union and in relations with other institutions, in particular the European Parliament and the European Commission.

The experts working at the Permanent Representation attend meetings of the various groups that have been set up to carry out consultations between the Member States, the Commission and the other EU institutions. The preparation and discussions of EU laws also takes place in these working groups.

During negotiations, our representatives in the respective working groups put forward the position of the Maltese Government, and ensure that Maltese interests are promoted and safeguarded with the scope of reaching a compromise beneficial for both Malta, Member States and the European Union. The Permanent Representation plays a crucial role and supports the work of members of the Government at meetings of the Council of Ministers of the European Union as well as the Prime Minister at European Council meetings with other Heads of State and/or Government from other Member States.

The work of the Council is prepared by the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER), which meets every week. This committee also monitors and coordinates the work of the working groups composed of officials from the Member States who prepare the technical work on the files which are then submitted to COREPER and eventually to the Council, where final compromise is reached.