§ Lord Kilclooneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Malta is included in the nations to be accepted into membership of the European Union; if so, whether Malta is included in the first tranche of applicant nations; and what is the preferred timetable for Malta's accession into the European Union. [HL4863]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Seville European Council reaffirmed that Malta is one of 10 candidates expected to complete negotiations for EU accession by the end of 2002 if the present rate of progress in negotiations and reforms is maintained. It is reasonable to expect Malta to sign the Treaty of Accession in spring 2003 and participate as a full member in the European Parliament elections in 2004.