Rising prices dominate Maltese concerns, Eurobarometer shows Inflation and the rising cost of living remain the foremost concern for people in Malta, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey, with anxiety deepening over the past year. The study shows that 40% of respondents cited rising prices as one of the country’s most pressing issues, well above the EU average and significantly higher than in the previous survey. On a personal level, concern was even sharper, with 61% saying inflation is among the two biggest challenges they face in daily life. Both figures represent marked increases since March. Immigration and environmental issues also ranked highly, with concern on both fronts rising faster in Malta than across the EU, underlining growing public unease about economic and social pressures. (The Malta Independent)
€25,000 incentive offered to young drivers to give up licences Young people aged up to 30 will be able to surrender their driving licence for five years in return for €25,000 under a new government scheme launching on 1 January 2026. Backed by a €5 million budget, the initiative will pay participants €5,000 annually, provided their licence remains suspended throughout the five-year period. Announcing the measure, Transport Minister Chris Bonett said it forms part of a wider strategy to reduce reliance on private cars and ease traffic congestion. He highlighted planned improvements to alternative transport options, including expanded ferry links. Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia said the authority would administer the scheme, stressing it is designed to provide certainty for applicants while protecting the public interest. (Maltatoday)
PM urges unity but cautions on use of frozen Russian assets Prime Minister Robert Abela has reiterated Malta’s call for European unity while voicing caution over proposals to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s defence. Speaking during high-level EU and Western Balkans meetings in Brussels, Abela underlined Malta’s commitment to stability, prosperity and cooperation across the continent, particularly with neighbouring regions. He warned that steps which could undermine the EU’s single market would disproportionately harm smaller states such as Malta. While supporting diplomatic efforts and robust guarantees aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, Abela made clear Malta’s reservations about measures that risk economic fragmentation. The PM placed emphasis on consistency, legal certainty and collective cohesion at a critical moment for the European Union. (TVM NEws)
