Updated 1300
EC can’t intervene in the Identita scandal, Home Affairs Commissioner concerned
The European Commission cannot intervene directly in the Identita scandal involving allegations of ID card fraud and corruption in Malta, as it lacks authority over member states’ judicial and criminal matters. However, European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson expressed concern over the security risks this may pose to the Schengen area, including Malta. Johansson emphasised the importance of robust identity management and the fight against corruption, referencing the Commission’s recent Rule of Law report. Meanwhile, PN MEP Peter Agius met with Johansson to request a European evaluation of Identity Malta, citing the alleged issuance of 18,000 fraudulent identity cards. Agius called for action to restore trust and ensure the Schengen regulations are properly enforced.
Fourth edition of Startup Festival and second edition of TechXpo launched
The fourth Startup Festival and second TechXpo are being held together at Ta’ Qali, organised by Malta Enterprise. Anthony David Gatt, Chief Marketing Officer at Malta Enterprise, highlighted the event’s goal of addressing challenges in the startup ecosystem and encouraging more Maltese and foreign investment in startups. During the opening, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri emphasised the importance of innovation and startups in Malta’s Vision 2050. He praised the events as key platforms for fostering the startup ecosystem. Since 2020, 66 projects in areas like Digital Technology, Fintech, Life Sciences, and Cybersecurity have been approved under the Startup Finance Scheme, with €30 million allocated, and nearly €9 million already awarded.
Legal action to be taken against Marsa-Ħamrun bypass green wall contractor
Infrastructure Malta is taking legal action against The Doric Studio, the private contractor responsible for maintaining a green wall along the Marsa-Ħamrun bypass, due to failure to meet maintenance obligations under a five-year agreement. The wall, featuring over 27,000 plants, was installed in 2020 to improve air quality and enhance the area’s aesthetic. However, recent neglect has left the plants brown and overgrown. The contractor was paid nearly €480,000 for installation and upkeep, but legal action aims to ensure maintenance is completed at the contractor’s expense. This follows other green wall failures, including one in Paola removed last year due to plant death, and another in Luqa that faced public criticism for poor upkeep.
Morning Briefing
Maltese teens rank high in addiction from social media use
Maltese teenagers rank second out of 44 countries for addiction-like social media use, with girls at higher risk than boys, according to a new international study. Nearly one in four Maltese adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 exhibit problematic social media use. Among 13-year-olds, 28% of girls and 14% of boys are affected, while 24% of 15-year-old girls show similar patterns, compared to 13% of boys. The study also found that Maltese teens have the highest risk of problematic gaming among 13 countries, with boys more affected. Data was collected by the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. (Times of Malta)
Government launches long-term vision for 2050
Government unveiled an ambitious initiative to develop a long-term Vision for Malta 2050, aimed at shaping the country’s strategic direction and improving citizens’ quality of life. The vision will set key milestones to be reached by 2035 to ensure steady progress. This initiative, recently approved by the Cabinet, will be guided by leading global experts with significant experience in crafting national visions of this scale. The Malta Vision 2050 will serve as a blueprint for the country’s economic, social, and environmental development, establishing a forward-looking economic model that prioritizes sectors like digital innovation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, sustainability, and employment demographics-all with the central goal of improving the quality of life for current and future generations. (TVM)
PN calls on debate on proposed local plan changes
The Nationalist Party has called on government MPs to support a parliamentary debate on proposed Local Plan changes, asserting that the government should no longer use the Planning Authority as a shield. The PN urged members of the government on the Standing Committee for Environment, Climate Change, and Development Planning to clarify their stance on holding an urgent committee meeting. They argued that this meeting is essential for the Planning Minister to explain the Cabinet’s decisions, particularly regarding changes to the St. George’s Bay area in St. Julian’s. The Nationalist Party also noted that past Speaker rulings are reportedly obstructing the committee’s discussion on the matter, stressing that any changes to the Local Plans should truly protect the environment and improve residents’ quality of life. (The Malta Independent)
