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Malta – Zero Covid-19 Cases Malta News Briefing – Sunday 13 June 2021

A 48-year-old man was grievously injured on Sunday in a traffic accident in Xagħra. The police said the accident happened in Sqaq San Marzjan at noon. The motorcyclist was given first aid by a medical team on site and was then taken to Gozo General Hospital by ambulance. - Times of Malta Pol...

Former PM Muscat clarifies the 120k severance package / Malta News Briefing – Saturday 12 June 2021

Updated 1515 A 62-year old man died in Qawra on Saturday afternoon after falling into the sea. Police said the man, an English national, appeared to have been standing on the rocks when he lost his balance and fell into the sea. He was unconscious when he was brought out of the sea and, despite b...

Measures for social and cultural activities to be relaxed – Malta News Briefing – Friday 11 June 2021

Updated 1300 Covid-19 Update: Health authorities reported two new cases of coronavirus on Friday, while five patients recovered. Active cases now stand at 68. 1,817 swab tests were carried out yesterday. Meanwhile, Deputy PM Chris Fearne announced today that the number of attendees permissible f...

Fearne confident Malta will join EU certificates system on July 1 – Malta News Briefing – Thursday 10 June 2021

Updated 1300 Covid-19 Update: Four new cases of coronavirus was reported, while five persons recovered. Active cases now stand at 67. 2,123 swabs were carried out yesterday. Malta will join EU certificates system on July 1- Chris Fearne– Health Minister Chris Fearne has expressed confidence ...

Cabinet approves new energy interconnector to Sicily – Ombudsman/ Malta News Briefing – Tuesday 8 June 2021

Malta is set to get a second electricity interconnector linking the island to Sicily after Cabinet gave the project the thumbs up, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said on Tuesday. The 200-megawatt cable is expected to cost €170 million and will run parallel to the existing interconnector that links Ma...

Malta: Production grows across the board for the first time in a year

Industrial Production increased by 5.3 per cent in April compared to the previous month, registering growth across all major groupings for the first month in twelve months. The Index of Industrial Production stood at 107.4, the highest in a year according to figures published by the National Statist...

Malta: Property transactions decrease in May but total value increases

Final deeds of property sales in May surpassed a total value of €300 million for the first time since October 2018. Figures by the National Statistics Office show transactions adding up to €319.5 million, the highest total value generated in the 41 months under review since January 2018. The number...

Malta: Women score lower unemployment rate than men

The rate of unemployment among women stood at 3.7 per cent in April, the first time it fell lower than the male unemployment rate in twelve months. Unemployment among men stood at a stable 3.8 per cent for three months, while that among women fell from 4.0 per cent in February to 3.8 per cent in Mar...

Malta: Total value of residential property sales nears €230 million in April

Final deeds of sale for residential properties reached a combined value of €228.4 million in April, almost level with the same month in 2019. Last year, total transactions amounted to €119.2 million. Figures by the National Statistics Office show that the number of final deeds of sale amounted to 1,...

Malta: Asia represents a fifth of trade in goods

Exports to Asian countries accounted for 18.8 per cent of the total trade goods in the first quarter of 2021, with a combined value of €142.2 million. Imports from Asia made up 21.9 per cent, equivalent to €251.1 million, in the same period. Figures by the National Statistics Office shows a decline ...

Malta: Bernard Grech lashes out at Joseph Muscat payout

Il-Mument quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that the reported €120,000 termination package paid to former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was unacceptable in a ‘normal country’. He criticised the government for hiding the figure. Il-Mument says that employees at the Public Broadcasting Servic...

Malta: Catering sector enduring staffing crisis

The Independent on Sunday speaks with the CEO of the Hotels and Restaurants Association, Andrew Agius Muscat, who warned that shortness of employees in the sector is turning into an emergency. The paper publishes an interview with founding member of Din L-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, Daniel Cilia, who sai...

Malta: Retired superintendent to face corruption charges

The Sunday Times reveals that the former head of the police anti-money laundering unit, Ray Aquilina, will face charges for corruption and tax evasion. Investigations into leaks from the Caruana Galizia case led officers to suspicious activities by the former superintendent. Read more: https://time...

Malta: Farmers raise alarm about microplastics in the food chain

It-Torċa speaks with agricultural workers who raised concerns about the threat of microplastics to food production. They said that there are currently no rules to control the disintegration of plastics in soils. Another story reports that Malta and Cyprus have successfully negotiated a derogatio...

Malta: Three-fourths want reopening of entertainment venues

Illum publishes survey results showing that 74 per cent of the population agrees that clubs and entertainment establishments should open for fully vaccinated people. A fifth of respondents said it is still too early. Read more: https://www.illum.com.mt/ahbarijiet/politika/62724/74_talmaltin_jaqblu_...

New Israeli government wins majority vote, ending Netanyahu tenure

Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year run as Israel's prime minister ended on Sunday with parliament approving a new "government of change" led by nationalist Naftali Bennett. Heading into opposition, Netanyahu, 71, the most dominant Israeli politician of his generation, pledged he would soon return to p...

Two children and an old man killed in shooting incident near Rome

A gunman opened fire killing two children and a elderly man in a town near Rome on Sunday, local authorities said, in a rare shooting incident in Europe. The attacker, a man in his 30s, was later found dead in a nearby house, having apparently killed himself as police were preparing to sto...

Biden says: Queen Elizabeth reminded me of my mother

U.S. President Joe Biden said Britain's Queen Elizabeth reminded him of his mother and that she had asked about Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. After tea with the 95-year-old British monarch at Windsor Castle, Biden told reporters: "I don't think she’d be insul...

The Mediterranean is the largest cemetery in Europe – Pope Francis

Pope Francis has described the Mediterranean Sea, which desperate refugees and migrants regularly attempt to traverse in the hope of a better life, the "largest cemetery in Europe." Francis, who frequently draws attention to the plight of refugees, made the remark in front of believers gathered ...

UPDATED: G7 calls for study in China on COVID origins, agree on increased climate finance

Group of Seven leaders called for a transparent, science-based study, including in China, into the origins of COVID-19, to be convened by the World Health Organization, a draft communique showed. "We also call for a timely, transparent, expert-led, and science-based WHO-convened Phase 2 COVID-19...

13th June 2021

Malta: Bernard Grech lashes out at Joseph Muscat payout

13th June 2021

Malta: Catering sector enduring staffing crisis

13th June 2021

Malta: Retired superintendent to face corruption charges

13th June 2021

Malta: Farmers raise alarm about microplastics in the food chain

13th June 2021

Malta: Three-fourths want reopening of entertainment venues

13th June 2021

Malta: Government mulling ratification of EU sports betting convention

Malta Today says that Malta’s veto on a sports betting convention is complicating assessment by the Financial Action Task Force. A government official told the paper that the country may have to reverse its position that has stalled the EU convention for seven years. Another report says that 58 per cent of people in the 16 to 35 age group disag...

12th June 2021

Malta: PN Leader calls for new corporate tax regime

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that the party is developing a new tax system that supports local businesses. His comments came during a visit to a furniture factory in Bulebel. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/11/kull-negozju-ghandu-jkollu-sistema-ta-taxxa-gusta-bernard-grech/ Another story says that the victim and ...

12th June 2021

Malta: Health Minister says pandemic brought under control

L-Orizzont quotes Health Minister Chris Fearne who said that the Covid-19 situation in Malta is now under control but warned that the pandemic is still raging in most countries and appealed for caution by the public. Read more: https://www.inewsmalta.com/2021/06/mill-5-ta-lulju-mistennija-jibdew-attivitajiet-socjali-u-kulturali-kontrollati/ Ano...

12th June 2021

Malta: Marsa murder suspect arrested

The Independent says that a police investigation into a murder led to an arrest of a suspect. The 25-year-old man tried to flee through the roof of his residence when officers called at his house hours after the victim was discovered with three chest stabbings. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-11/local-news/Young-man-from...

12th June 2021

Malta: Mass events return for vaccinated persons

The Times says that seated mass events can resume for fully vaccinated persons from July 5. Attendance will be limited to 100 people at first and expected to increase to 200 over the following weeks. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/live-government-to-announce-easing-of-events-restrictions.878489 The paper quotes a report by th...

11th June 2021

Malta: Production grows across the board for the first time in a year

11th June 2021

Malta: Property transactions decrease in May but total value increases

11th June 2021

Shark Attack Thriller ‘The Wreck’ Sets Malta Shoot for September

Variety reports that high concept survival thriller “The Wreck” will start shooting in Malta in September. The entertainment website adds that Altitude Film Sales has boarded high concept survival thriller “The Wreck” and will introduce the project to buyers at the upcoming Cannes virtual market. Based on a screenplay by Nick Saltrese (“...

11th June 2021

Malta: PN proposes international cargo hub

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who proposed an international intermodal hub for cargo logistics. Visiting the Valletta Cruise Port in Valletta, Grech said that the maritime sector should play a bigger role in Malta’s economy. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/10/gvern-nazzjonalista-jinvesti-fintermodal-hub-internazzjonali-ghal-l...

11th June 2021

Government launches ten-year economic vision: The Headline – The Independent

The Independent reports on the publication of a consultation document by the government on Malta economic priorities in the next decade. Addressing the launch event, Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed the importance of ongoing learning. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-10/local-news/The-next-decade-will-see-Malta-become...

11th June 2021

Planning Authority approves Pembroke megadevelopment: The Headline – The Times

The Times leads with the approval of the City Centre project in Pembroke by the Planning Authority Board on Thursday. Four members voted in favour and three against while five members recused themselves over potential conflict of interest. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/pa-approves-db-project-with-slightest-of-majorities.878300 ...

11th June 2021

Malta: Some cultural events to be allowed from next month

L-Orizzont said that the government will announce new protocols allowing vaccinated people to join cultural events from July. Culture Minister Jose Herrera is expected to give out the details today. Read more: https://www.inewsmalta.com/2021/06/ghada-se-jithabbru-r-rilaxx-tal-mizuri-marbuta-ma-attivitajiet-limitati/ Another story quotes Prime M...

10th June 2021

Maltese Editors Perspectives

The Times of Malta argues that overpopulation is a matter that should be brought out in the open and discussed in order to avoid serious societal and environmental consequences. The Independent looks at the decision taken by Therese Comodini Cachia to quit politics, saying that the PN has lost one of the best minds it had. Her legal knowledge a...

10th June 2021

Emirates Restarts Flights To Malta Via Larnaca

Emirates has announced it will resume three weekly services to Malta via Larnaca, Cyprus, from 14 July 2021, further expanding its European network to 34 destinations, and offering customers worldwide more travel choices and enhanced connectivity via Dubai. With a successful vaccination programme and an overall decrease in daily COVID-19 ca...

10th June 2021

Malta: PN unveils mental health reform proposals

In-Nazzjon reports the launch of a nine-point plan for mental health by the Nationalist Party. The reform envisages the building of a new dedicated hospital and expanding community services. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/09/gvern-gdid-nazzjonalista-jaghlaq-l-isptar-monte-carmeli-u-jiftah-sptar-mentali-gdid/ Another story quotes a st...

10th June 2021

Malta: Over 70,000 visited Gozo over the long weekend

L-Orizzont says that more than 70,000 people crossed to Gozo over the long weekend, most of them on the Sette Giugno national holiday. Compared with the same period last year, travel increased by 52 per cent. The paper publishes an interview with personal trainer Isabelle Zahra who said that physical exercise is a treatment for many health cond...

10th June 2021

Malta: Diving schools fear slow recovery

The Malta Business Weekly carries an interview with the chairman of the professional diving schools association, Simon Sciberras, who warned that the industry in Malta will take years to recover after it was neglected during the pandemic. Another story quotes Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo who expressed surprise at the UK government’s decisio...

10th June 2021

Malta: Prime Minister wants to dialogue with EU Commission

Business Today quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who declared that Malta wants an open dialogue with the European Commission about the golden passport scheme. He said, however, that the government will defend the programme. Another story reports that over 6,000 passengers have boarded the Gozo Fast Ferry service in the first week of operations...

10th June 2021

Malta: Government defends passport scheme

The Independent quotes a government statement insisting that citizenship is the competence of national governments in the EU. Malta was reacting to a formal letter of notice by the European Commission raising concerns about its passport scheme. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-09/local-news/European-Commission-steps-up-in...

10th June 2021

Malta: EU Commission takes first step against citizenship programme

The Times reports that the European Commission sent Malta a letter of formal notice over its Individual Investor Programme arguing that acquisition of nationality in member states should respect EU law. The case could be taken before the European Court of Justice. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/cash-for-passports-eu-threatens-le...

9th June 2021

EU Commission announces infringement procedures against Malta

The European Commission has announced a number of infringement decisions vis-a-vis Malta in the latest package of infringements announced earlier on Thursday. The infringements vary from the passport selling scheme to bird trapping and include issues related to waste management and residency permits. The European Commission has decided to take ...

9th June 2021

Malta among five Mediterranean countries to give green light to deal on EASO

Ministers from the EU’s Mediterranean countries have given their backing to a temporary deal to strengthen the EU’s asylum agency — the first sign of movement in a migration debate that has been stuck for years. In a two-page letter, dated June 8 and seen by POLITICO, ministers from Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy and Malta — the so-called Med...

9th June 2021

Malta: Government yet to present recovery strategy to EU

In-Nazzjon says that the government has not submitted its economic recovery plan to the EU, one of the only member states left to present their proposals. The paper said that Economy Minister Silvio Schembri skirted the issue when questioned about it. Read more: https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/08/l-affarijiet-narawhom-u-niddeciduhom-ahna-silvio-sch...

9th June 2021

Malta: European Commission directs Degiorgrio brothers to Europol

The Times says that the European Commission advised suspected killers Alfred and George Degiorgio to share any relevant information with Europol. The brothers wrote to the Commission last month protesting a government decision not to grant them a pardon. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/brussels-points-degiorgios-to-europol-in-rep...

9th June 2021

Malta: Police seize record-breaking 740kg cocaine at the Freeport

L-Orizzont says that the police have intercepted 740 kilograms of cocaine at the Freeport with a market value of up to €100 million. The substance was hidden in a container transporting banana from Ecuador to Slovenia. Read more: https://www.inewsmalta.com/2021/06/qabda-ta-740-kg-kokaina-fil-port-hieles-bvalur-fit-triq-stmat-madwar-100miljun/ A...

9th June 2021

Malta: Eight in ten believe legalised prostitution increases violence

The Independent quotes survey results indicating that 80 per cent of the population are concerned that the legalisation of prostitution would lead to higher violence in society. The study was commissioned by the Malta Women’s Lobby. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-08/local-news/Survey-Majority-of-Maltese-believe-that-pro...

9th June 2021

Malta says UK decision to keep island off safe travel list was ‘political’

Britain ignored scientific advice and instead took a political decision when it failed to put Malta on its list of safe travel destinations, Malta Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo said. Britain last week revised its so-called Green List of countries, that do not require quarantine on return, choosing not to put any new country on it, while ...

9th June 2021

Malta: Government plans second interconnector by 2025

Malta Today leads with a statement by Energy Minister Miriam Dalli announcing a second interconnector cable expected to be completed by 2025. The project will link with Ragusa in Sicily and increase Malta’s energy supply by 200 megawatts. Read more: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/110134/malta_to_get_second_electricity_interconnector_b...

8th June 2021

Malta customs seize record 740kg of cocaine destined to Europe

A record breaking 740 kg of cocaine intercepted by Malta Customs at the Freeport. Due to high purity, street value estimated between 90 and 100 million euro. Malta Customs has, once again, succeeded in blocking a huge amount of cocaine from reaching the streets. In a long operation, that spanned from Monday morning till late Tuesday afternoon, ...

8th June 2021

Maltese Editors Perspectives

The Times of Malta says that after the tax deal reached at G7 level Malta has two options: get multinational firms to pay a fairer share of tax. The other option is to start preparing to manage the effects of the gradual elimination of their reliance on low tax regimes in their economic models. The Independent laments the lax enforcement after ...

8th June 2021

Malta: PN raises €240,500 in Sette Giugno telethon

In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that the party is renewing itself and growing into an alternative government. He was speaking during a political fundraising marathon that collected €240,500 on Monday. https://netnews.com.mt/2021/06/07/partit-li-jrid-jiggedded-u-jkun-gvern-alternattiv-ghal-pajjizna-bernard-grech/ View the late...

8th June 2021

Malta: Increase in filed rape reports

L-Orizzont says that there were six reported cases of rape in the first months this year, a rise when compared to the same period last year. In 2020, the police received a total of 17 reports of rape. Another story says that the Italian government has opened dialogue with rescue organisations operating in the Mediterranean. In a meeting with In...

8th June 2021

Malta: First day without new Covid-19 cases in 11 months

The Independent reports that no new Covid-19 cases were registered on Monday, the first time since July last year. Meanwhile, two more patients recovered bringing the number of active cases down to 72. Read more: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2021-06-07/local-news/Covid-19-No-new-cases-and-two-recoveries-253-133-people-now-fully-va...

8th June 2021

Malta: Ombudsman slams Armed Forces promotions

The Times quotes a report by the Ombudsman which concludes that the quick promotions of four Armed Forces officers soon after the 2013 elections were done behind the back of the AFM Commander and in an illegal manner. Read more: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/post-2013-election-afm-promotions-outright-illegal-ombudsman.877637 Another st...

7th June 2021

Malta’s UN Permanent Representative elected Chair of the UN Economic and Financial Committee

Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Malta's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has been elected Chair of the UN Second Committee (Economic and Financial Committee) for the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly. Ambassador Frazier has been elected with unanimous support from the UN Membership today and will take on her role as of Octobe...

Disruption to shipping could delay Christmas orders

Disruption in the global container shipping industry shows no sign of being resolved quickly an...
CDE News Views – This Day in Photos

Today's salient news in pictures as taken by the pool of photographers of EPA/EFE for CDE News. ...
Austria beat North Macedonia in Group C

Austria have registered their first ever win in a EURO finals thanks to late goals from two of thei...
New Israeli government wins majority vote, ending Netanyahu tenure

Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year run as Israel's prime minister ended on Sunday with parliament approvi...
Two children and an old man killed in shooting incident near Rome

A gunman opened fire killing two children and a elderly man in a town near Rome on Sunday, local au...