Updated 1230
Malta drops to 34th place in Climate Performance Index: Malta ranks 34th in the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), falling from 18th in 2023 and 29th in 2024. While performing well in energy use (16th), it lags in renewable energy (44th) and climate policy (34th). Despite legal climate commitments since 2015 and the 2024 establishment of a Climate Action Authority, weak implementation and reliance on fossil fuels hinder progress. Renewable energy advances remain slow, with offshore wind projects still in planning stages. Transport issues persist despite free public transport and EV subsidies. Energy subsidies aim to curb fuel poverty but inadvertently promote wasteful consumption. Experts urge stronger efforts to cut emissions and advance sustainable policies.
TM announces €34 million investment for environmentally friendly vehicles: Transport Malta announced that over the past three years, more than 8,144 electric vehicle grants were issued, totaling €69 million. The 2025 budget prioritises transport solutions, with €34 million from the Recovery and Resilience Plan allocated to electric vehicles, including pedelecs, motorcycles, passenger cars, and small vans. The grant scheme will continue, offering €500–€6,000 depending on the vehicle type, alongside scrappage incentives of €500–€1,000. An additional €1,000 scrappage grant for old cars registered in Gozo will also remain. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering a cleaner and more efficient transport system for citizens.
Emergency services outsourced to three private hospitals in new deal: The Health Ministry announced a partnership with three private hospitals to outsource emergency services and reduce wait times at Mater Dei Hospital. Overcrowding at Mater Dei’s emergency department previously caused waits of up to 12 hours. Under the agreement, non-complicated medical and surgical cases will be treated at private hospitals at government expense, enabling Mater Dei to prioritise serious cases, particularly during winter. This is the first phase of the initiative, with the Emergency Department managing patient transfers. A second phase will introduce a new referral system. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela noted two successful surgeries were already performed on the first day of collaboration, aiming to enhance emergency care efficiency. Similar outsourcing occurred briefly in 2012.
Morning Briefing
Woman sentenced to 28 years on Zurrieq attempted murder
A 30-year-old woman has been sentenced to 28 years in prison after admitting to her role in the attempted murder of a Żurrieq jewellery shop owner. Donna Sciberras initially denied charges of attempted murder, aggravated violent theft, and related offences stemming from the armed robbery of Joseph Carabott on Triq Dun Ġużepp Zammit. Carabott was left severely injured, bound, and locked inside his shop during the incident. Her co-accused, Mohamed Anas Boualam and Zouhair Hadoumi, pleaded not guilty to charges including grievous bodily harm, unlawful detention of the victim, use of a knife during the crime, property damage, and disobeying police orders. The robbery, which occurred on 25 August 2023, left Carabott, then 67, in critical condition after he was beaten unconscious for calling for help. He was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital for emergency treatment. (Times of Malta)
Keith Schembri had access to confidential police email
Former chief of staff Keith Schembri possessed a confidential police email, discovered in a WhatsApp exchange with Yorgen Fenech, a court heard on Thursday morning. Schembri is facing charges of perjury and violating the Official Secrets Act in connection with alleged leaks during the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation. The case, originally scheduled to commence in November last year, was reassigned to Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit after Magistrate Gianella Camilleri Busuttil recused herself. Schembri pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Maltatoday)
Qatar Airways to launch four weekly flights to Malta
Qatar Airways will launch four weekly flights between Malta and Qatar starting in July, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg announced during a visit to Doha on Thursday. Deputy Prime Minister Borg provided details about the new flight schedule following high-level discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as meetings with Qatar Airways CEO Ing. Badr Mohammed Al Meer and Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali Al Kharji. (The Malta Independent)
