26

Feb

Denmark to go to polls on 24 March

Denmark will hold a parliamentary election on March 24, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced on Thursday, seeking to capitalise on a surge in support for her defiant stance against U.S.…

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26

Feb

More than 1,700 Africans fighting for Russia, Ukraine says

More than 1,700 Africans are fighting for Russia in its war in Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, adding that Moscow was using deception to trick them into fighting.…

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26

Feb

Iceland to hold EU referendum ‘in the coming months’

Iceland will hold a referendum "in the coming months" on restarting European Union accession talks, Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir said on Wednesday during a visit to Poland. Reykjavik abandoned EU…

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26

Feb

What Brought Down the Turkish F-16? Mystery Deepens After Fatal Crash Near Bulgarian Border

NATO member Turkey is investigating the still unknown cause of an F-16 fighter jet crash that killed its pilot shortly after takeoff on a mission toward the Bulgarian border region,…

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26

Feb

Montenegrin Kingpin Arrested in France as Financial Trail Exposes Europe-Wide Cocaine Trafficking Network

An international criminal network laundering cocaine profits for Italian organised crime has been dismantled after investigators followed the money trail across Europe. What began as suspicious financial movements uncovered a…

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26

Feb

Gibraltar must follow EU rules

Gibraltar will remain British but must follow EU rules under its new Brexit deal, the full legal text of the agreement has revealed. Madrid deems the British Overseas Territory as…

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26

Feb

UK and French Vessels to Support Ireland in Policing Its Waters

Ireland is to deepen naval co-operation with France and Britain, including allowing their vessels to patrol Irish-controlled waters and offer protection during the EU presidency. The move towards deeper co-operation…

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26

Feb

Property deals by Russian nationals near RAF Akrotiri raise suspicions

British intelligence is increasingly apprehensive that Russian nationals linked to the Kremlin are acquiring properties near the RAF base at Akrotiri as part of a covert “hybrid warfare” strategy. According…

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26

Feb

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 26 February 2026

Updated 1204 Malta Unveils ‘Shine Here’ Branding to Mark Vision 2050 Rollout: Prime Minister Robert Abela has launched Malta’s new national branding, “Malta – Shine Here”, signalling the implementation phase…

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25

Feb

Journalist deaths reach new high in 2025 — CPJ

Altogether 129 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2025, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Wednesday in an annual report. That makes 2025 the deadliest year for press…

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25

Feb

Deficit to Narrow, Debt to Peak in 2026, Central Bank Forecasts

According to the latest forecasts issued by the Central Bank of Malta, Malta’s real GDP growth is expected to remain steady at 3.7% annually over the 2026–2028 period, unchanged from…

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25

Feb

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Wednesday 25 February 2026

Updated 1230 Central Bank: Malta GDP to Hold at 3.7% Through 2028: Malta’s economy is forecast to grow steadily at 3.7% between 2026 and 2028, the Central Bank said, confirming…

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25

Feb

HSBC Malta Posts €109m Profit as Strong Capital Position Fuels Shareholder Returns

HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. has reported pre tax profits of €109 million for 2025, marking the third consecutive year it has exceeded the €100 million threshold despite a more challenging…

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25

Feb

German drone deal faces scrutiny over Thiel stake

A multibillion euro German military drone contract is facing political scrutiny over billionaire investor Peter Thiel’s stake in a Berlin defence tech firm, according to a report by investigative portal…

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25

Feb

UK Government to Release Papers on Prince Andrew’s Trade Envoy Role

The British government will publish confidential documents linked to Prince Andrew’s tenure as trade envoy following mounting parliamentary pressure. Britihs MPs on Tuesday approved a motion demanding the release of…

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25

Feb

Cuban security forces exit Venezuela as US pressure mounts

Thousands of Cuban security personnel have begun leaving Caracas after nearly two decades in Venezuela, as Washington ramps up efforts to dismantle the long standing alliance between the two leftist…

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25

Feb

Mandelson’s lawyers say his arrest followed ‘baseless suggestion’ he planned to leave UK

Lawyers for Peter Mandelson said he was arrested at his London home on Monday because police considered him a potential flight risk, a claim they insist is “baseless”. The former…

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25

Feb

Trump touts economic record in State of the Union, seeks reset ahead of midterms

Donald Trump used the longest State of the Union address in history on Tuesday to champion his economic record, declaring he had ushered in a new “golden age” for America.…

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25

Feb

Iran nears deal to buy supersonic anti-ship missiles from China

Iran is reportedly nearing an agreement with China to acquire advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, as the United States increases its naval presence off Iran’s coast. According to a Reuters report…

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24

Feb

Canada plans to assist Cuba while Washington squeezes the island

Canada said it plans to provide assistance to Cuba while the island grapples with fuel shortages after Washington moved to choke off Cuba's oil supplies. Washington has escalated a pressure…

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24

Feb

Iceland may fast-track vote on joining EU

Iceland's government is considering holding a referendum on EU relations as early as August, according to two sources cited by news publication Politico. Reykjavik had pledged to hold the vote…

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24

Feb

Trump and the State of the Union address

The stage is set for US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday evening. The US Capitol in Washington DC will be packed with the country's top…

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24

Feb

New Dutch PM Jetten faces uphill task as minority government installed

Rob Jetten became the youngest prime minister in Dutch history on Monday when his minority government was formally confirmed in power by King Willem-Alexander. Jetten, 38, propelled his progressive, pro-EU…

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24

Feb

A year of upheaval sets the stage for Trump’s State of the Union address

U.S. President Donald Trump will use his State of the Union address on Tuesday to sell his turbulent, norm-breaking second term to American voters who will decide in November whether…

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24

Feb

Zelenskiy marks war anniversary vowing to fight on, with Ukraine’s allies divided

Ukraine will not betray the sacrifices made by its people in four years of war just to make peace with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed on Tuesday, as divisions among…

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24

Feb

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 24 February 2026

Updated 1145 Judge Mintoff Accuses PM Abela of Bias Over Chief Justice Post: Judge Lawrence Mintoff has accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of prejudice in a letter to the Cabinet…

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24

Feb

US pulling non-essential staff from embassy in Beirut amid Iran tensions

The State Department is pulling out non-essential government personnel and their eligible family members from the U.S. embassy in Beirut, a senior State Department official said, amid growing concerns about…

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24

Feb

Sarandos Rejects Trump Call to Oust Susan Rice as Netflix Faces $83bn Merger Showdown

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has dismissed President Donald Trump’s demand that the streaming giant remove former national security adviser Susan Rice from its board, as the company battles for regulatory…

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23

Feb

Updated – News Briefing – Monday 23 February 2026

Updated MMH Eyes €15m Bond Repayment Backed by New 49% Investor Deal: Mediterranean Maritime Hub Finance PLC (MMH) says it expects to generate sufficient cash flow to repay its €15…

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23

Feb

Iceland Weighs August Referendum to Revive EU Membership Talks Amid Security Concerns

Iceland could hold a referendum as early as August on restarting EU accession talks, accelerating a pledge to vote by 2027. The move comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, including renewed…

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21

Feb

Malta News Briefing – Saturday 21 February 2026

Morning Briefing Court rejects Muscat’s human rights claim over hospitals inquiryA Maltese court has dismissed a human rights case filed by former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who argued he was…

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20

Feb

Jeffrey Epstein’s estate agrees to pay up to $35m to settle survivors’ lawsuit

Jeffrey Epstein’s estate has agreed to pay up to $35 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing two of his longtime advisers of aiding and abetting his sex trafficking of…

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20

Feb

Climber convicted of manslaughter after leaving girlfriend on Austria’s highest peak to seek help

An Austrian court has convicted amateur mountaineer Thomas P, 37, of gross negligence manslaughter for leaving his girlfriend behind on Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner, during a failed climb in…

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20

Feb

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Friday 20 February 2026

Updated 1437 Government puts forward Miriam Hayman's name for Chief Justice - reports The government has put forward Judge Miriam Hayman as its nominee for Malta’s next chief justice. The…

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20

Feb

Spain’s Sánchez defies Washington as domestic popularity surges

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is walking a fine line between rising popularity at home and growing tension abroad, as his refusal to align with key US positions cements his…

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20

Feb

Indonesia and Morocco Commit Troops for Gaza Stabilisation Force

Indonesia and Morocco have pledged to send personnel to the newly proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, according to US Army General Jasper Jeffers, who heads the initiative under…

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20

Feb

Malta Marathon: motorists advised to plan ahead as 7,000 athletes take to the roads

Malta is preparing for a major sporting weekend as the 41st LifeStar Malta Marathon opens the 2026 Running Europe Tour this Sunday. This year’s edition has drawn a record 7,000…

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20

Feb

Trump orders government release of UFO records

US President Donald Trump has directed federal agencies, including the Pentagon, to begin identifying and releasing government records related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and possible…

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20

Feb

Putin Prepares New Call-Ups as Russia Struggles to Replace Battlefield Losses

New analysis suggests Russian President Vladimir Putin may be preparing further involuntary reserve call-ups as Moscow seeks to offset mounting battlefield losses in Ukraine. This has been revealed by a…

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20

Feb

Police search at Royal Lodge continues as Andrew released under investigation

Police have released Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after arresting him earlier on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former prince was photographed returning to Sandringham Estate in Norfolk shortly after leaving…

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20

Feb

Macron Urges Political Extremes to ‘Put Their Houses in Order’ After Activist’s Death

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on political extremes to “put their houses in order” following the death of a far-right activist during clashes in Lyon over the weekend. Speaking…

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20

Feb

US military ready for Iran strike from Saturday, reports claim

Senior US officials have reportedly indicated that the military could be prepared to launch strikes against Iran within days, as President Donald Trump weighs his options. According to several American…

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19

Feb

Nearly half of Maltese non-homeowners doubt they will ever buy property

Nearly half of Europeans who do not own their home believe they will either never be able to buy one or are simply not interested, according to the RE/MAX European…

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19

Feb

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York and brother of King Charles III, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to Thames Valley Police. In a statement,…

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19

Feb

Bulgaria to hold snap election in April as Radev enters race

Bulgaria will hold a snap general election on 19 April, in what could mark a turning point after years of political instability. President Iliana Yotova announced on Wednesday that she…

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19

Feb

Denmark’s king visits Greenland, showing unity in the face of Trump threats

Denmark’s King Frederik X arrived in Greenland on Wednesday for a three-day visit widely viewed as a symbolic show of support for the autonomous Danish territory, according to Agence France-Presse.…

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19

Feb

Germany plans to give spies vast new powers in rollback of postwar restraints

Germany is preparing to significantly strengthen its foreign intelligence service amid growing concern that the United States could scale back intelligence sharing with Europe, according to a report by Politico.…

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19

Feb

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 19 February 2026

Updated 1240 Malta Opts Out of Washington ‘Board of Peace’ Meeting: Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed Malta will not attend Thursday’s first formal meeting of the US-led Board of Peace…

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18

Feb

‘Difficult’ Ukraine peace talks end after Zelenskiy says Russia stalling

The second day of peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Geneva ended abruptly on Wednesday morning after just two hours of discussions, according to Time. The shortened session…

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18

Feb

High-flying Meloni bets big on a referendum

Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is taking a calculated political risk by putting judicial reform to a referendum on 22–23 March, a move that could either strengthen her dominance…

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18

Feb

Vatican says no to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will not join Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace”, dealing a blow to the US president’s efforts to assemble a new global…

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18

Feb

EU, UK close on agreement on Gibraltar

The European Commission has adopted proposals for the signing, provisional application and conclusion of a new EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar, completing the legal framework governing relations over the territory. Gibraltar…

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18

Feb

Trump administration ‘woke Europe up’ from slumber, US ambassador tells Euronews

US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder has said the Trump administration has helped Europe “wake up” and stop “hitting the snooze button”, in remarks to Euronews. Speaking on the…

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18

Feb

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Wednesday 18 February 2026

Updated 1250 Construction Boom Drives 17.6% Surge in Malta’s Waste to 3.5 Million Tonnes: Malta generated 3.5 million tonnes of solid waste in 2024, up 17.6% from 2023, largely driven…

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17

Feb

Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 17 February 2026

Morning Briefing Government Extends Clean Transport Schemes with €33 Million InvestmentThe Transport Ministry has announced an extension to seven financial schemes promoting cleaner and more sustainable transport systems. These initiatives…

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16

Feb

MMF applauds efforts cross-party initiative for island-clause in EU climate laws

The Malta Maritime Forum has applauded the joint initiative undertaken by Maltese Members of the European Parliament Peter Agius and Thomas Bajada who recently called for the introduction of an…

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16

Feb

Updated – Malta News Briefing – Monday 16 February 2026

Updated 1230 Malta’s FDI Stock Reaches €485.1bn by Mid-2025: Malta’s stock of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stood at €485.1 billion at the end of June 2025, up €18.9 billion year-on-year,…

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