Malta’s engagement with EU security and defence is characterised by a delicate balancing act between neutrality and cooperation. Rooted in a constitutional commitment to non-alignment and neutrality, Maltese defence policy prioritises national sovereignty and regional security, while maintaining selective engagement with European partners. Within the EU, Malta occupies a peripheral yet symbolically relevant position. Its non-participation in key initiatives such as PESCO, EDF and SAFE underscores the limits of cooperation, while its support for EU policies – particularly in response to the Ukraine war – demonstrates a willingness to align politically with European objectives. However, Malta remains a very modest defence actor, focused on niche capabilities and interoperability rather than high-end military power. The Ukraine war has reinforced existing trends towards resilience and cooperation, without fundamentally altering the country’s strategic orientation.
European Defence & Security Law and Policy Quarterly, Vol. 1, No. 2 (2026)
Daniel Fiott 