Updated 1000
Landscape Treaty in Effect: Malta Must Report on View Protection: Malta has ratified the European Landscape Convention after a 25-year delay, committing to submit periodic reports on its implementation. The first report is due by 1 September 2028, followed by updates every six years. The convention treats all landscapes, urban, rural, and natural, as shared cultural and environmental assets and promotes public participation and policy integration. According to the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), no new laws are needed, as Malta’s legal framework already meets the convention’s requirements. Landscape protection is embedded in the Constitution and key legislation, with planning tools and public consultation mechanisms already in place. Implementation will involve coordination among key authorities and continued emphasis on transparency and public engagement.
Farsons AGM Confirms Food Business Spin-Off, Reports Record Results: Simonds Farsons Cisk plc held its AGM, reporting a record €18.6 million profit, a 22% rise, and announcing a €0.20 per share dividend. Shareholders were informed of the strategic spin-off of its food businesses, Quintano Foods and Food Chain, into a new listed company, Quinco Holdings plc, with shares distributed as a dividend in kind. Chairman Louis Farrugia said the move enables focused growth under separate leadership, following the successful 2018 Trident Estates spin-off. CEO Norman Aquilina highlighted strong beverage segment performance and 22% export growth, notably in Italy, the Middle East, Ghana, and Australia. The food division expanded its Burger King and KFC networks and advanced a major logistics centre. Farsons aims to build long-term value ahead of its centenary.
‘Urgent’ Need to Speed Up Discussions on Migration – Abela: Prime Minister Robert Abela has urged the EU to accelerate migration talks and strengthen cooperation with origin countries like Libya. Speaking at a European Council meeting, he called the return of ineligible asylum seekers a key policy pillar to deter human traffickers. Malta has deepened ties with Libya since 2020, though its joint migration centre remains secretive. Since then, Maltese rescues have dropped 90%, while Libyan interceptions, often linked to rights abuses, have surged 230%. Abela also backed EU competitiveness, deeper external trade, and stressed de-escalation in Ukraine and Gaza. While Malta supported an €800 billion EU defence plan, Abela maintained it secured non-involvement in arms purchases. He also highlighted maritime trade risks from Middle East tensions.
Morning Briefing
Paceville traders angered by safety certification demands after collapse
Shops near the collapsed Tania Flats in Paceville are being told they cannot reopen unless they engage private architects to certify their buildings are safe — a requirement that has sparked frustration among business owners. Traders argue they are being unfairly burdened with costs, despite having been forced to close through no fault of their own. They believe the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) should bear the cost and responsibility for reopening approvals. “It’s crazy that we need to pay this money to have it certified when none of us are responsible,” said one business owner. Others voiced concern over the lack of official documentation regarding the closure, which could affect insurance claims. They also say they’ve received no guidance from authorities about recovering lost income. (Times of Malta)
Final arguments heard in double murder trial of Daniel Muka and Viktor Dragomanski
The prosecution and defence delivered their final arguments in the double murder trial of Daniel Muka and Viktor Dragomanski before Judge Natasha Galea Sciberras. Prosecutor Maria Francesca Buttigieg argued that Muka should be found guilty based on a “complete chain of evidence,” including DNA on the firearm and blood on his shirt. She said Muka’s intent was not theft but a premeditated killing, pointing to the victims’ gunshot wounds to the heart and brain. Dragomanski, she added, may not have fired a weapon but was present, aware of the gun, and did nothing to stop Muka. Defence lawyer José Herrera countered that Dragomanski had no knowledge of any murder plan and was being unfairly linked to Muka. He emphasised the need for clear proof, not speculation, and cited witness Jesper Kristiansen’s unbiased testimony. (Maltatoday)
Record 251 complaints filed with Financial Services Arbiter in 2024
A record 251 complaints were submitted to the Arbiter for Financial Services in 2024, continuing a steady rise over the past two years. Most complaints involved savings, current, and term accounts (66 cases), life-related products (60), and crypto or virtual financial assets (31). Common issues included maturity values, poor customer service, and suspected irregular activity. The Arbiter delivered 94 final decisions: 51 cases were not upheld, 36 were partially upheld, and seven fully upheld. Compensation ranged from €1,000 to €5,000, with one award reaching €118,295.60. Mediation proved highly effective, with 59 cases resolved this way—up from 22 in 2023. Only seven cases went to appeal. (The Malta Independent)
