Updated 1155
Parliament Unanimously Backs Constitutional Protection for Disability Rights: Parliament has unanimously approved constitutional amendments adding disability as a protected characteristic under Malta’s Constitution, strengthening legal safeguards against discrimination and guaranteeing greater protection of fundamental rights. The Bill, which was voted for unanimously, enables persons with disabilities and organisations representing them to challenge alleged breaches of their constitutional rights on the basis of disability. Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia said the amendments do not create new rights, as these are already protected through Malta’s international obligations and existing laws. Instead, the changes formally embed those protections in the country’s highest law, giving individuals a constitutional basis to seek legal redress. Farrugia described the reform as an important step towards recognising the dignity and equality of persons with disabilities, adding that it forms part of a broader package of measures aimed at promoting independent living, improving access to justice and strengthening anti-discrimination protections in line with Malta’s international commitments. (The Malta Independent)
MBR Registers 3,744 New Companies in 2025: The Malta Business Registry (MBR) registered 3,744 new companies in 2025, the majority of them private entities, according to its latest annual report presented to Parliament. MBR CEO Geraldine Spiteri Lucas said the registry processed a record 282,000 documents during the year, with 80% submitted digitally following significant investment in technology aimed at reducing bureaucracy. The registry also strengthened its compliance efforts, carrying out screening on 150,000 individuals linked to companies and conducting 1,700 on-site inspections to support anti-money laundering and regulatory enforcement in collaboration with authorities including the FIAU, MFSA, MGA and the Police. Malta currently has around 56,000 private companies and 1,000 public companies. Looking ahead, the MBR plans to launch the National Malta Business Wallet, a digital verification platform designed to simplify compliance and administrative procedures for businesses and investors. (TVM News)
Morning Briefing
Malta’s Waters Enter Marine Heatwave as Sea Temperatures Near 29°C
Malta’s surrounding waters are experiencing an intense marine heatwave, with sea temperatures approaching 29°C and raising concerns over the impact on marine ecosystems. Oceanography professor Aldo Drago said temperatures reached 28.8°C on July 20, almost 3.7°C above the long-term average for this period. The increase follows an exceptional rise of nearly one degree in just 24 hours. Drago warned that prolonged high temperatures are placing pressure on sensitive habitats, including Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, coral communities and rocky reefs. The warming waters could increase disease, cause marine mortality and encourage the spread of invasive tropical species. The fishing and aquaculture sectors are also facing challenges, with changing conditions affecting fish movements and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. . (Times of Malta)
Hotels Call for National Climate Resilience Plan After Power Disruptions
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has called for a national climate resilience and energy security plan, arguing that repeated power disruptions during extreme heat can no longer be treated as an isolated issue. The association said electricity reliability has become a wider national challenge linked to the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves across Malta, the Mediterranean and Europe. The MHRA said a long-term strategy should bring together infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness, renewable energy integration, backup generation capacity, smarter energy management and clear contingency measures. The call comes after a series of power cuts affected thousands of households and businesses during a period of temperatures exceeding 40°C. The association warned that electricity reliability is essential not only for residents but also for Malta’s economic competitiveness and tourism sector, particularly during the peak summer season. It said a coordinated national effort is needed to ensure the country is better prepared for increasingly extreme weather conditions. (Maltatoday)
Insurers Raise Concerns Over Equality Bill Consultation Process
The Insurance Association Malta has expressed concern over the government’s decision to fast-track legislation establishing a National Commission for Human Rights and Equality without renewed consultation with the insurance sector. The association said it supports the principles of equality, inclusion and the protection of fundamental rights but argued that legislation affecting financial services must also consider the importance of risk assessment. IAM said insurance relies on objective actuarial, statistical and medical evidence to determine risk and ensure products remain sustainable and fairly priced for policyholders. The association noted that the current Bill differs in several respects from previous draft legislation discussed in 2017 and 2018, and believes further engagement with stakeholders should have taken place before parliamentary approval. IAM warned that changes affecting underwriting practices could have implications for insurers, consumers and Malta’s wider financial services industry. (The Malta Independent)
