Updated 1215
Malta Records EU’s Lowest Fertility Rate as Birth Trends Shift: Malta’s fertility rate fell to 1.01 births per woman in 2024, the lowest in the EU, continuing a long-term decline from 2.02 in 1990. Eurostat data shows a broader European trend, with rates dropping in most countries and the EU average at 1.34. Women in Malta are having children later, with first births at 29.9 on average. Over a third of births are to foreign-born mothers, a sharp rise since 2013. Across the EU, births are increasingly concentrated among women aged 30–34, reflecting shifting demographics and family patterns. (The Malta Independent)
New EU Border System Triggers Long Delays at Malta Airport: Passengers travelling through Malta International Airport are facing delays exceeding 40 minutes due to the EU’s new entry/exit system for non-EU travellers. The biometric checks, covering passports, fingerprints and photos, aim to curb irregular migration but are causing bottlenecks, with some travellers nearly missing flights. Industry sources warn disruptions could worsen in summer, criticising poor preparation. Police said longer wait times were expected, while the airport is adding booths and contingency measures to ease pressure. (Times of Malta)
Seabed Sweep Begins for Malta–Sicily Interconnector Amid Wartime Risks: Engineers working on Interconnect Malta’s second cable to Sicily have begun clearing the seabed after nearly 400 potential targets were identified along the 99km route. Surveys initially found over 700 anomalies, now being checked for unexploded ordnance using specialist vessels and ROVs. The €300m IC2 project, co-funded by the European Union, will double Malta’s grid connection and add 225MW capacity, strengthening energy security and supporting renewables despite ongoing political controversy over past energy projects. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Malta Joins EU Call for Urgent Action Over Drifting Fuel Tanker
Malta has joined four other EU member states in urging swift action over the stricken Arctic Metagaz, warning of a potential environmental disaster. In a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Malta, Italy, Spain, Greece and Cyprus called for the activation of the EU civil protection mechanism. The tanker, part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, is currently drifting without crew after an explosion earlier this month. It is carrying liquefied natural gas and other fuels, raising fears of a major spill. The leaders stressed the urgency of a coordinated EU response, while also flagging complications arising from overlapping sanctions regimes. They called for support from agencies such as the European Maritime Safety Agency to ensure a faster, more effective intervention. (Maltatoday)
Malta Climbs Happiness Rankings but Concerns Grow for Youth
Malta has risen five places in the latest World Happiness Report, ranking 43rd out of 147 countries, though concerns remain about younger generations. The country’s score of 6.436 out of 10 reflects improvements driven by strong GDP per capita and social support, alongside gains in life expectancy and personal freedom. Malta also ranked third globally for generosity, one of its standout indicators. However, perceptions of corruption continued to weigh on the overall result. While positive emotions edged upwards and negative feelings declined, the country still trails its peak ranking of 22nd between 2017 and 2019. Finland retained its position as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year. The report, based on a three-year average, highlights a mixed picture for Malta, combining steady progress with underlying social challenges. (Times of Malta)
Malta Records Highest Employment Rate in EU for 2025
Malta has registered the highest employment rate in the European Union for 2025, according to new data published by Eurostat. The rate reached 83.6% among those aged between 20 and 64, placing Malta ahead of the Netherlands, which followed closely at 83.4%. The figure significantly exceeds the EU average of 76.3% recorded in the final quarter of the year. Employment growth in Malta also outpaced the rest of Europe, rising by 3.9% compared to just 0.5% across other member states. National statistics show that full-time employment surpassed 301,000 for the first time in October, while part-time jobs increased by around 37,000. The data underlines Malta’s strong labour market performance, though it may also raise questions about sustainability and workforce pressures in the years ahead. (TVM News)
