Concerns of bad air quality escalate in past decade / Malta News Briefing – Friday 4 November 2022

Updated 1215

Concerns of bad air quality escalate in past decade

More than 67% of people in Malta feel that the country’s air quality has deteriorated in the past 10 years and the majority are afraid their health is suffering more as a result of the pollution. A new Eurobarometer survey has shown that the Maltese are the most concerned among Europeans about the impact of poor air quality on their health. Asked about the most effective ways of tackling problems of air quality, the Maltese pointed to low emission transport modes, such as walking, biking, public transport and low-emission shared vehicles as their preferred solution. (Times of Malta)

Inheritance of port worker licence undermines EU law – Commission

The European Commission has started infringement proceedings against Malta over the practice by which port workers pass on their licences from generation to generation, effectively making it very difficult for third parties to gain access to such permits. The European Commission has now opened an infringement procedure insisting that this archaic mechanism is not in compliance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU as far as the free movement of workers, freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services is concerned. Government has been given two months to respond to this procedure. (Maltatoday)

Malta to get €205m from new wave of EU social funding

The European Commission has formalised its approval of Malta’s national programme for the European Social Fund Plus for the 2021-2027 financial period. Through this programme Malta is set to receive €205 million to support investment in its human capital with projects related to employment, education, health and social sectors, with the objective of improving and adapting services to new and emerging needs. (Newsbook)

Morning Briefing

Degiorgio brothers request Caruana Galizia case retrial

In an extraordinary development on Thursday afternoon, brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio have filed a court appeal demanding a retrial in the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder case, just over a fortnight after pleading guilty. They claimed that their last-minute admission was prompted by a lack of equality of arms, a right that means a fair balance is struck between both parties in a criminal case. Their submission was signed by lawyers Noel Bianco and Leslie Cuschieri.

Deiulemar case causes BOV loss

Bank of Valletta Group reported a loss before tax for the year to date amounting to €55.7 million. Excluding the effect of the settlement of the Deiulemar claim in May this year, the nine-month profit amounted to €47.8 million, up by 3% compared to the same period last year. BOV Chairman Dr Gordon Cordina stated that these results continue to show the bank’s progress, with increased revenue a testament to the effort being made to continue steering the Group along the right path. These results once again indicate that the Bank’s performance remains strong across its core activities.

Government launches gender mainstream strategy

Government has launched the first national strategy and action plan on gender mainstreaming. Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg said the strategy sought to eliminate all forms of structural discrimination which still distinguishes between the sexes. The strategy is based on eight main strategic objectives, which include the introduction of gender mainstreaming in the working world, and the fields of health and education. An inter-ministerial committee will be set up in order to carry out joint work between all the ministries concerned. (The Malta Independent)