The role and responsibility of the Armed Forces of Malta in maintaining Malta’s maritime interests

Abstract

Due to its strategic geographic location, the Maltese Islands maintain influential engagement in maritime activities. The busy shipping routes Malta is surrounded with, connecting two continents, further contribute to such an economic interest. This is further confirmed by the fact that Malta has the largest shipping registry in Europe and the 6th largest in the World. With such a title to its credit, come great responsibilities. To this extent, this dissertation focuses on the roles and responsibilities entrusted to the Armed Forces of Malta and the functions and powers related to the different maritime zones including the internal waters, territorial seas, contiguous zone, the fisheries conservation and management area, the proposed exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf. In addition, the search and rescue region is delved into further detail. Malta’s accession to the European Union has increased the overseas engagements by the Armed Forces of Malta, through the contribution in operations which are aimed at safeguarding the interest of the Nation and the Union. Malta has become an active stakeholder in international organizations, such as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Lastly, this dissertation identifies the resources and funding limitations which the Armed Forces of Malta currently faces, in an attempt to rectify such restrictions while maintaining the sterling job the Armed Forces conducts in service of the Nation and its citizens.