Calling Ian Borg “one of the best ministers” depends a lot on perspective; but there are a few clear reasons why many people in Malta give him that reputation.
First, he’s often associated with delivery. During his time as Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, large-scale road projects and infrastructure upgrades moved quickly. Supporters argue that he showed a results-oriented approach; projects didn’t just get announced, they got built.
Second, he’s seen as a strong communicator. Borg tends to keep a visible public profile, explaining projects and policies in a direct way. In politics, perception matters, and being able to communicate clearly (even when decisions are controversial) helps build an image of competence – which is a true image of what you see and hear from him.
Third, he’s held multiple high-responsibility roles. Beyond infrastructure, he also served as Foreign Affairs Minister and Minister for Tourism. That kind of portfolio shift suggests trust from leadership, particularly under Robert Abela and gives him broader experience than many ministers.
Fourth, he appeals to a segment of younger voters. Compared to older figures in Maltese politics, Borg represents a newer generation, which can make him seem more dynamic or forward-looking.
Ian Borg took over as Malta’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs in 2022, and while his tenure is still relatively recent compared to long-serving diplomats, there are a few areas where his work is often highlighted as impactful.
Raising Malta’s diplomatic profile internationally
Borg focused on giving Malta more visibility in global forums. Under his leadership, Malta remained active in institutions like the United Nations and the European Union. Notably, Malta served as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2023–2024), where Borg represented the country on major global issues such as conflicts, humanitarian crises, and climate security. This role significantly elevated Malta’s voice on the international stage.
Focus on Mediterranean and regional diplomacy
Malta’s geographic position makes the Mediterranean central to its foreign policy. Borg emphasized cooperation on migration, security, and stability in the region, maintaining dialogue with North African and Middle Eastern countries. He worked to position Malta as a bridge between Europe and its southern neighbors; something that has long been part of Maltese diplomacy but was actively reinforced during his term.
Advocacy for small states
Borg consistently highlighted the challenges faced by small island states, especially on climate change, security vulnerabilities, and economic resilience. In international meetings, he often pushed the idea that smaller nations like Malta should have a stronger voice in global decision-making, aligning Malta with broader coalitions of small states.
Support for Ukraine and adherence to EU foreign policy
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Borg aligned Malta with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, supporting sanctions while maintaining Malta’s constitutional neutrality. Balancing neutrality with EU obligations was a delicate diplomatic task, and his approach was generally seen as steady and consistent with European Union expectations.
Strengthening bilateral relations
He worked on reinforcing ties with key partners, both within Europe and beyond. This includes diplomatic engagement with countries in the Gulf, North Africa, and traditional EU allies. These relationships are important for trade, energy cooperation, and migration management.
Consular and diaspora focus
Another quieter but important area is improving services for Maltese citizens abroad: real support during crises, repatriation efforts, and strengthening ties with the Maltese diaspora. While less visible, this is a core function of any foreign ministry.
There is a lot more to say; such as taking decisions in promoting quality tourism and strengthening quality over numbers. But we leave that to another time.
Written by WirtMalta.
