Updated
25% of Maltese businesses employ TCNs: According to a Eurobarometer survey addressing skills shortages and recruitment in SMEs, approximately 25% of businesses in Malta employ individuals from countries outside the European Union. These findings position Maltese companies as the third most inclined within the EU to engage non-EU workers. The survey, conducted among 252 Maltese SMEs, highlighted diverse employment practices among these enterprises. Specifically, 16% of these companies exclusively hire non-EU workers for on-site positions, while 3% rely solely on remote workers from non-EU countries. Additionally, 6% of Maltese SMEs enlist both in-person and online non-EU workers. (Maltatoday)
Malta taking innovative solutions on climate change, PM tells UN Forum: Prime Minister Robert Abela said that Malta was not only aware of the effects of climate change but was taking concrete and innovative initiatives, like the COP 26 Island for Island initiative. Addressing the New York Summit on Existential Threats of Sea-level Rise, which brings together many leaders from around the world, Dr Abela emphasized that Malta would also continue to support small states who are at risk on account of sea levels because of this phenomenon. During his interventions the Prime Minister spoke about the importance he attaches to this subject not only with initiatives that are taken on a national basis, but also with participation in international forums. In fact, the implication of rising sea levels was put on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council by the Maltese Presidency. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Archbishop says Maltese economic model marginalises individuals
During his Independence Day sermon, Archbishop Charles Scicluna strongly criticised the nation’s economic framework, asserting that the exploitation of marginalised individuals and foreign employees has transformed the Maltese people from being colonised to acting as colonizers themselves. Scicluna also drew attention to the benefits fraud scandal, where individuals wrongfully claimed grants intended for those with significant disabilities, describing it as a “blatant act of theft and a violation of our sovereignty,” something that our ancestors, in their pursuit of independence, fiercely struggled to attain. (Times of Malta)
Fraud, tax evasion costing Malta €344m – study
A study conducted by the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament has revealed that Malta has the potential to generate an additional €344 million through the implementation of a wealth tax and the crackdown on tax evasion. The report, which focuses on wealth tax and the use of ‘secrecy jurisdictions,’ suggests that Malta could gain an extra €43 million, equivalent to 0.25% of its GDP, by introducing a moderate and progressive wealth tax. Furthermore, by curbing tax evasion practices among affluent individuals who conceal their wealth in secretive locations, Malta stands to reclaim €301 million in tax revenue. This cumulative figure amounts to 2.04% of Malta’s GDP, which would be sufficient to cover 72% of the recent energy affordability initiatives introduced by the Maltese government, as highlighted in the report. (Newsbook)
Over 100 VOs get funding to improve energy efficiency
Since 2019, more than 100 voluntary organizations have availed themselves of €2.5 million in funding from the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) to enhance their energy and water efficiency. Each of these organizations received grants ranging from €1,000 to €27,000, with the grant amount determined by the nature of their respective projects. This financial support empowers these organizations to lower emissions, reduce expenses, and thus allocate more resources to enhance their activities and community services. (Maltatoday)
