The document summarizes discussions that have occurred at the Home Affairs Council and upcoming discussions at the General Affairs Council regarding the situation in Malta and proceedings under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union. It notes infringement proceedings against Malta for insufficient transposition of anti-money laundering directives and an upcoming meeting of experts on golden passports. The Commission will evaluate measures taken by Malta in response to recommendations in February 2020.

1. PV(2019) 2317 final
(4 December 2019)
PV(2019) 2317 final
- English language version of the French text which is authentic - EN
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Mr REYNDERS referred to the discussions that had been held on the
situation in Malta at the Home Affairs Council on 3 December and those that
would take place at the General Affairs Council on 10 December, which
would examine the proceedings under way under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on
European Union. He reminded the meeting of the infringement proceedings
against Malta, in particular for insufficient transposition of the
Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive. On the issue of golden passports, a
meeting of experts would be held in a few days’ time. He concluded by
pointing out that the measures taken by Malta in response to the
recommendations issued by the Commission in June 2019 would be evaluated
in February 2020.
In the course of the ensuing brief discussion, the Commission reaffirmed the
absolute need to refrain from any political interference in the investigation
under way in Malta; made the point clearly that the concerns it expressed with
regard to respect for the rule of law in a particular Member State had nothing
to do with the political affiliation of governments; noted the unique expertise
that Europol provided to the Member States; and, lastly, pointed out that the
European Parliament retained control of its decisions to trigger, where
appropriate, the procedure under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European
Union, independently of the Commission’s positions.
The Commission took note of this information.
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The meeting closed at 12.05.