Malta

Malta’s diplomacy has evolved significantly over the years, positioning the island nation as an influential player on various international fronts despite its small size. Its diplomacy is marked by strategic engagement in multilateral platforms, active participation in the European Union (EU), and strong advocacy for peace, security, and climate action.

Key Aspects of Malta’s diplomacy

Since joining the EU in 2004, Malta has become deeply integrated into its political, economic, and diplomatic structures. Malta played a key role in shaping EU policies on migration, given its geographical position at the centre of the Mediterranean. It advocates for collective European solutions to migration challenges and has called for greater solidarity among EU member states.

Malta has been a proactive member of the UN, often championing issues related to international peace, security, and environmental sustainability. In particular, Malta has advocated for ocean governance and climate change mitigation. In 2023, for the second time, Malta began serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2023-2024, which is a significant diplomatic milestone for the country.

Malta places great importance on environmental diplomacy. As a vulnerable island state, it has led international initiatives related to ocean preservation, climate action, and sustainability. It was one of the first countries to raise the issue of climate change at the UN General Assembly in the late 1980s, signaling its long-standing commitment to environmental issues.

Geographically, Malta sits at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It uses this strategic position to act as a bridge between different regions, often facilitating dialogues on peace and cooperation in the Mediterranean. Malta is a member of the Union for the Mediterranean and actively promotes stability and economic cooperation in the region.

Malta has historically pursued a foreign policy of neutrality, enshrined in its constitution since 1987. This policy allows Malta to engage in diplomacy that promotes peace and conflict resolution, often positioning itself as a mediator in regional conflicts and as a promoter of disarmament.

As a former British colony and member of the Commonwealth of Nations, Malta maintains strong ties with fellow Commonwealth members. It has hosted key Commonwealth meetings, such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and works closely with Commonwealth states on issues like development cooperation and education.

In recent years, Malta has invested in building its digital diplomacy capacity, leveraging technology to enhance its diplomatic efforts. This involves using digital platforms for diplomatic outreach, engaging in cyber diplomacy, and positioning itself as a hub for digital innovation and blockchain regulation within international frameworks.

Malta diplomatic footprint

Malta diplomacy is conducted through a network of diplomatic representation consisting of 25 embassies, 22 non-residential embassies, 4 permanent missions, 4 High Commissions, 3 consulates, and 177 honorary consulates, as illustrated below. Details of the Malta diplomatic footprint are available below. When you hover over a country, a pop-up window will display relevant data.

Diplomatic missions in Malta

Malta’s diplomatic relevance is illustrated by a high level of representation of foreign countries with 141 embassies (including non-residential embassies). Foreign countries are represented by 575 diplomats and other staff, including 41 female ambassadors. Details of diplomatic missions accredited to Malta are available below. When you hover over a country, a pop-up window will display the total number of staff representing that country, along with a breakdown of the number of male and female diplomats, among other data.

History of Malta’s diplomacy

Malta’s geopolitical significance dates back to ancient times due to its location at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It was a coveted stronghold for empires such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and the Knights of St. John. The Knights’ rule (1530–1798) brought Malta into the orbit of European diplomacy, especially as the island became a bastion of defense against Ottoman expansion. After the brief French occupation (1798–1800), Malta became a British protectorate and later a crown colony.

Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964, and this marked the beginning of its modern diplomatic history. As a newly sovereign nation, Malta faced the challenge of carving out an independent foreign policy while still being part of the Commonwealth. Its early diplomatic efforts were focused on securing recognition from the international community and building relationships with former colonial powers and neighbouring states.

Malta’s policy of neutrality, declared in 1971 by the government of the time, would shape its diplomacy for decades to come. Malta officially joined the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a group of states that sought to remain independent of the two Cold War superpowers, the US and the Soviet Union. This stance allowed Malta to engage diplomatically with both Western and Eastern blocs, positioning itself as a mediator in global conflicts.

During this period, Malta championed peace and disarmament efforts, particularly within the United Nations. In 1988, Malta raised the issue of climate change at the UN General Assembly, becoming one of the first countries to do so, foreshadowing its future focus on environmental diplomacy.

Malta’s diplomatic focus shifted toward European integration in the 1990s. After a period of debate, Malta applied to join the European Union in 1990 and became a member in 2004. This marked a major shift in Malta’s diplomacy, as it moved from a non-aligned foreign policy to one aligned with European economic and political frameworks.

Malta’s post-EU accession diplomacy has focused on multilateralism, with an emphasis on environmental issues, human rights, and peacebuilding. In the early 2000s, Malta intensified its advocacy for ocean governance, culminating in the establishment of the UN’s International Ocean Institute in Malta.