Relations with Malta
NATO and partner Malta are working together to build political dialogue and practical cooperation in promoting and maintaining international and regional peace, stability and security.
- All cooperation between NATO and Malta is conducted in full respect of the country’s neutrality and national decision-making processes.
- Malta first joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme in 1995. It suspended participation in 1996 but reactivated its PfP membership in 2008. Malta recognises that it can help address emerging security challenges and contribute to international and regional peace, security and stability through the PfP framework.
- Malta is a member of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), a forum for dialogue that brings together all Allies and partner countries in the Euro-Atlantic area.
- Participation in the PfP programme is fully compatible with Malta's commitment to the principle of neutrality.
- In February 2024, Malta and NATO agreed a new framework of cooperation – the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) – marking the beginning of an even closer partnership. This programme covers areas for enhanced cooperation with NATO, such as human security, countering hybrid threats, cyber defence, and defence reform and transformation. The ITPP replaces the previously agreed Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme for Malta.
Key areas of cooperation
Malta’s cooperation with NATO is mutually beneficial and includes:
Building capabilities and interoperability
- Malta joined the Planning and Review Process (PARP) in December 2023. This process forms the basis for supporting Maltese efforts to increase the effectiveness and interoperability of selected elements of its armed forces, allowing them to better serve national needs, and helping them to prepare for multinational peace-support operations, should Malta wish to contribute to such efforts.
- NATO and Malta are interested in working together to promote security, mutual understanding and situational awareness in the Mediterranean region.
- Malta has much to offer the Alliance as its partnership with NATO develops. The country has special expertise in international maritime law, diplomatic studies and search and rescue, as well as in Arabic culture and language training.
Wider cooperation
- Malta participates in NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, and has played a leading role in activities in the fields of advanced technology and cyber defence. Maltese scientists have been actively involved in research and development projects focusing on quantum communications and computing, among other topics.