Government allocates €1 million to tackle Asian hornet surge
The government has announced a €1 million, seven-point plan to tackle the spread of the Asian hornet and support Malta’s beekeeping sector, following warnings from beekeepers about significant colony losses and declining bee populations. The measures include financial assistance for commercial beekeepers who suffered losses in 2026 and support for those seeking to establish replacement colonies. A proportion of the new colonies must comprise the native Maltese honey bee. The plan also aims to strengthen breeding programmes for the indigenous species, increasing the supply of locally bred queen bees and reducing reliance on imports. A research programme will explore trapping systems, monitoring tools and nest-tracking methods, while a national hotline and coordinated nest-removal service will facilitate reporting and the destruction of nests. Particular attention will be given to February and March, when queens begin establishing new colonies. Public awareness campaigns and a national forum bringing together scientists, beekeepers and public authorities will complete the initiative, which aims to protect biodiversity, agriculture and public safety. (Times of Malta) #
Renewable energy reaches 18.8% of Malta’s energy consumption
Renewable energy accounted for 18.8% of Malta’s energy consumption in 2025, up from 17.2% a year earlier, according to provisional Eurostat figures. The increase of 1.6 percentage points continues a longer-term upward trend, with renewable energy’s share rising from less than 3% in 2012 to almost one-fifth of total consumption last year. The figures mark further progress towards Malta’s national target of obtaining 25% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. The expansion of renewable energy has been supported by households and businesses investing in technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems, alongside financial incentives and other support schemes. Increasing the share of renewable energy is also relevant to Malta’s efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve energy security and limit exposure to fluctuations in international energy prices. However, reaching the 2030 target will require a further 6.2 percentage-point increase from the 2025 level.
Malta allocated €3.7 million in EU aid following Storm Harry
Malta has been allocated €3.7 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund to support recovery following Storm Harry, which hit the country in January 2026. The European Parliament approved a total of €489 million in assistance for four countries affected by severe weather events. The vote passed with 651 votes in favour, 17 against and three abstentions. Portugal will receive €261 million, Spain €149 million and Italy €74 million, alongside Malta’s allocation. Just over €931,000 has already been paid to Malta as an advance. The fund supports emergency operations and recovery measures, including repairs to energy, water, wastewater, telecommunications and transport infrastructure. It can also finance emergency healthcare and education services, clean-up operations, temporary accommodation and rescue services. Funding may additionally support preventive infrastructure measures and the protection of cultural heritage. (TVM News)
