brussels top european commission official defend malta record prevent money launder parliamentary debate tuesday prompt murder investigative journalist variety eu lawmakers express scepticism commission vice president frans timmermans tell european parliament lawmakers european commission carry analysis malta compliance anti-money launder laws conclude general concern add however improvements could make various level say commission assess new information provide malta recent allege case wrongdoing timmermans assessment however share lawmakers many call close oversight malta adherence rule law process could lead heavy sanction wrongdoing ascertain esteban gonz lez pons vice-chairman conservative group large eu assembly denounce malta harassment journalists blackmail independent media bank connect money launder involvement government officials tax evasion say police malta remain silent face activities lawmakers echo pons comment raise question malta respect rule law money launder rule small number parliamentarians urge caution accusations malta resolution set vote wednesday openly question independence police island raise serious concern rule law democracy fundamental right malta parliament debate trigger kill oct. 16 daphne caruana galizia maltese journalist denounce high-profile corruption accuse prime minister joseph muscat wrongdoing parliament name news room strasbourg build caruana galizia tuesday timmermans make direct comment rule law malta call maltese authorities bring justice perpetrators caruana galizia murder say investigation proceed unhampered stress maltese authorities commit power pursue culprits also call malta join eu public prosecution office new body prosecute crimes 28-country bloc malta opt eu commission defend malta money launder lawmakers skeptical