Updated 1230
Malta wins EU court challenge against trucking rules: Malta and six other EU member states have won a court ruling against a law that would have required trucks and heavy vehicles to return to their country of origin every eight weeks. This victory ends a four-year dispute over the ‘return of vehicles’ rule in the EU’s mobility package. Malta, Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Hungary argued the rule placed an unfair financial burden on local companies, particularly those on the EU’s periphery. They claimed it was protectionist and hindered their ability to compete in the free market. The European Court of Justice ruled that the European Parliament and Council did not have enough information to assess the proportionality of the measure. However, the court rejected all other claims about the mobility package. (Times of Malta)
Five MEP candidates reported to police over spending disclosures: Five European Parliament candidates have been referred to the police for failing to declare their income and spending during the June election, as legally required. These candidates include PN’s Lee Bugeja Bartolo, ex-Labour mayor Conrad Borg Manché, and three others. Chief electoral commissioner Joseph Camilleri confirmed the referrals to the police. Although failing to submit financial declarations is an “illegal practice,” candidates may still file them or justify their non-submission in court. A 2022 report noted that campaign spending declarations are often incomplete, as they only cover the official campaign period, while the spending limit for European Parliament elections is €50,000. Borg Manché claimed he received no notice from the Electoral Commission and publicly declared €1,600 in Facebook ad spending.
Labour MEP argues against one-size-fits-all in maritime pollution regulation: Labour MEP Daniel Attard has urged the European Commission to exempt tugboat operators, mostly small and medium-sized enterprises, from regulations on fuel consumption and pollution that apply to larger cargo ships. While Attard supports the draft regulations’ environmental objectives, he argued that treating tugboats the same as large cargo ships is unfair. He called for a revision to ensure that tugboat operators in coastal waters do not face the same financial and administrative burdens as large companies in international waters. Attard stressed the need to balance environmental protection with the competitiveness of the maritime industry. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Cost-of-living tops citizens concerns
A new study reveals that rising prices and the cost of living (42%) and the economic situation (41%) were the primary issues that motivated voters in the June 2024 European elections. Additionally, 34% of voters cited international affairs, while 32% pointed to defending democracy and the rule of law as key factors. Among non-voters, 46% said the cost of living and 36% the economic situation might have encouraged them to vote. The findings were part of the European Parliament’s “EU Post-Electoral Survey 2024,” which examines voter behaviour and key priorities of EU citizens. The survey also finds that 90% of Maltese respondents in the Eurobarometer survey believe that Malta’s membership in the European Union has been beneficial. This comes as Malta marks its 20th year of EU membership. (Times of Malta)
EC warns Malta on quota system for port workers
The European Commission has issued a reasoned opinion to Malta regarding the quota system for Maltese port workers, which includes a preferential scheme for their family members. This regime encompasses a quota and authorisation system for all port workers, along with specific provisions for the families of current port employees. Malta now has a two-month window to respond and implement the necessary adjustments. If it fails to do so, the Commission may escalate the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union. Previously, the European Commission raised concerns that Malta’s legal and regulatory framework for port labour does not align with the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, particularly concerning the free movement of workers, freedom of establishment, and freedom to provide services.
Tourism up 21% between January and August – NSO
According to figures from the National Statistics Office, Malta welcomed over 429,000 tourists in August, marking a 15.5% increase compared to the same month last year. Visitor bed nights rose by 9.9%, reaching 3.2 million, while total tourist expenditure surpassed €480.5 million, up 22.1% year-on-year. Additionally, nearly 300,000 tourists visited Gozo and Comino during August. In total, more than 2.4 million tourists visited Malta in the first eight months of the year, a 21.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
