E. E. C. economic policy towards the Mediterranean : the special case of Malta

Abstract

At a meeting of the Association Committee in Luxembourg on April 25th 1972, the Maltese delegation expressed their dissatisfaction with the functioning and results of the EEC/Malta Association Agreement which commenced in April 1971. The delegation stated that although Malta had obtained substantial tariff concessions in the industrial sector, she was 'unable to take advantage of them'. The raison d'etre of the Agreement was to cosolidate and extend the economic and commercial relations, between the EEC and Malta, by the harmonious development of trade. This was made possible under the terms of Article 238 of the Treaty of Rome. 1 It was hoped that the Agreement would result in an extension of Malta's home market for industrial exports which would absorb the existing spare capacity within the industrial sector. It was also seen as a natural extension of European integration, consolidating the political and economic interests involved.