Updated 1240
Maltese show optimism towards country’s future- Eurobarometer: A new Eurobarometer survey shows Maltese optimism about their country is at its highest since 2022, with 52% saying Malta is headed in the right direction—up 10 points since early 2024. Only 32% believe it is going the wrong way, well below the EU average of 52%. However, personal outlooks are less positive: just 21% expect their standard of living to improve over five years, while 28% foresee a decline. Support for the EU remains strong, with 93% saying membership benefits Malta—the highest in the bloc. Maltese also back stricter funding rules tied to democracy (92%) and new EU revenue sources (88%). Overall, 62% view the EU positively, while 56% have a favourable view of the European Parliament.
Agius Saliba Calls for European Commission Action to Safeguard Gaming Industry in Malta: MEP Alex Agius Saliba has urged EU Commissioner Michael McGrath to act against Austrian civil courts, accusing them of breaching EU law by enforcing rulings against Malta-licensed gaming firms. Several companies raised concerns after Austrian courts extended jurisdiction beyond national borders, allowing Austrian players to claim losses from firms regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. Assets in Malta and third-party holdings have been targeted, bypassing EU enforcement procedures and undermining territorial sovereignty. Saliba stressed that Maltese companies were excluded from proceedings, denying them the right to be heard. He warned that the practice threatens Malta’s sovereignty, regulatory integrity, and investor trust, and called on the European Commission to investigate and ensure compliance with EU law.
Magħtab Recycling Plant Will Process 70,000 Tonnes of Waste Yearly by 2030: A new materials recovery facility (MRF) planned for the ECOHIVE complex in Magħtab is projected to process 70,000 tonnes of recyclable waste annually by 2030. The Environmental Impact Assessment highlights its role in helping Malta meet EU recycling targets—60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035—by diverting fibre (paper, cardboard) and container waste (plastics, metals) from landfills. The €facility will replace manual sorting with automated systems and require around 160 weekly refuse truck trips. However, the project will permanently convert farmland into industrial use, affect 24
Morning Briefing
International rights body laments lack of protection for journalists
A report by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), part of the OSCE, found that Malta has yet to implement key reforms recommended after the inquiry into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The report said journalists and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) continue to face “disparaging rhetoric and smearing remarks” from politicians, with their work often dismissed or negatively portrayed. It noted that HRDs focused on governance, anti-corruption, migrant rights, the environment, and sexual and reproductive rights were particularly targeted, alongside investigative journalists. While HRDs from the LGBTI community were generally supported by authorities, many others reported threats, intimidation, and verbal abuse. Female HRDs were said to be especially exposed to sexist hate speech and online harassment. (Times of Malta)
Labour MP calls for “right to be forgotten” for cancer survivors
Labour MP Amanda Spiteri Grech is set to propose a private members’ bill introducing a “right to be forgotten” for cancer survivors in full remission. The measure would give survivors the right not to disclose past illnesses to employers or financial institutions, aiming to prevent long-term discrimination. Spiteri Grech said many survivors face barriers in securing jobs, loans, mortgages, and insurance years after being medically cleared. She cited the case of a man cured in childhood but later denied a bank loan due to his past diagnosis, stressing it is unfair for people to remain penalised after doctors have struck them off hospital lists. The proposed law would align Malta with countries such as France, Belgium, Italy, and Romania, which have already enacted similar protections with varying remission periods. Public consultation is underway. (Maltatoday)
ECB approves acquisition of MeDirect’s parent company
The European Central Bank (ECB) has approved Czech lender Banka CREDITAS’s acquisition of MDB Group Limited, the parent company of Malta-based MeDirect Bank. In a statement, the bank confirmed it had been informed that the ECB raised no objections to the deal, which will see Banka CREDITAS purchase all shares in MDB Group from current owner Medifin Finance Limited. The transaction, based on a share purchase agreement signed in November 2024, is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. Banka CREDITAS is part of the privately-owned CREDITAS Group, founded by Czech entrepreneur Pavel Hubáček, with investments across financial services, real estate, and energy. Its banking arm has expanded rapidly, serving over 200,000 clients and managing assets of around €5.2 billion. The announcement confirms earlier reports that CREDITAS was in the final stages of acquiring MeDirect, Malta’s third-largest banking group. MeDirect has been growing its footprint in wealth management and digital banking, making it an attractive target for CREDITAS’s expansion strategy in the European market. (Maltatoday)
