Thirty years of confraternite : Franco-Maltese relations (1980 - 2010)

Abstract

In this dissertation, I examined how far Franco-Maltese relations can be considered as being confraternal. My love for the French language and culture encouraged me to focus on this particular domain of study and research for my thesis. The fact that not much literature has been written on the development of Franco-Maltese relations occurring during these last thirty years has further urged me in writing about the subject. Thus, my research is considerably based on articles, speeches and interviews. Indeed, articles and interviews have been crucial in overcoming limitations. Nevertheless, my research is based on both primary and secondary material which are either found online or in hard bound. Moreover, my objective is to create a better understanding of the common interests existing in both French foreign policy and also Maltese foreign policy. As a result of the existent common interests, France and Malta can work together within the regional dimension. Bearing in mind that France and Malta are both Mediterranean countries forming part of the EU, the theory of regionalism accompanied by the case study methodology offer a clear analysis of how FrancoMaltese relations developed during the period between 1980 and 2010. The period tackled in my research is characterised by great dynamics in FrancoMaltese relations. One of the most significant developments that occurred between 1980 and 2010 is Malta’s EU membership which has brought a greater rapprochement between both countries. As analysed in my research, France and Malta are often involved in regional cooperation despite the ups and downs in diplomacy between both states. The developments taking place in FrancoMaltese relations between 1980 and 2010, are also sometimes characterised by conflicts, and therefore witness the cause of the current close existent diplomatic ties between both countries.