Updated 1030
40% of Core Skills Set to Shift by 2030, Experts Urge Urgent Workforce Adaptation: Around 40% of workers’ core skills are expected to change by 2030, according to discussions at the CareerScape 2026 conference organised by the National Skills Council. Experts highlighted the growing skills gap as Malta’s labour market evolves rapidly. Participants, including educators, students, and employers, focused on aligning education with industry needs. Council Chairman Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando stressed continuous training and adaptability, while Education Minister Clifton Grima emphasised critical thinking and lifelong learning as essential to preparing the future workforce. (TVM News)
KTP Elects New Council to Lead Major Reform Push in Construction Sector: The Kamra tal-Periti has elected a new council during what it described as a critical period for Malta’s construction industry. Andre Pizzuto has been appointed president, with the council serving until December. The body will oversee major reforms, including drafting new building and construction regulations for the Building and Construction Authority and developing Malta’s first national architecture policy with the Planning Authority. Priorities also include strengthening professional standards through mandatory insurance and continuous development under the Periti Act, aimed at improving accountability, safety, and regulatory oversight in the sector. (Times of Malta)
Labour Unveils First 17 Candidates for General Election, Including Five New Faces: The Labour Party has announced its first group of 17 candidates for the next general election, featuring five newcomers. The list was approved by the party’s executive following a rigorous selection process led by Charles Mangion. New candidates include Vania Agius Tabone, Martina Buhagiar, David Caruana, Lisa Cassar Shaw and Mariah Meli. Several ministers, including Jonathan Attard, Chris Bonett, Owen Bonnici and Michael Falzon, will also contest to retain their seats. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Economic shocks from Iran conflict mirror past crises, BOV chair says
Gordon Cordina, Chair of Bank of Valletta (BOV), has likened the economic risks stemming from the ongoing war in the Gulf to challenges Malta has weathered in recent years. Speaking at the presentation of the bank’s 2025 financial results, Cordina noted that while global tensions create pressures, these threats are similar to previous shocks, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and piracy-related disruptions off Africa’s east coast. Cordina emphasized the strong interdependence between BOV and the Maltese economy, warning that shocks to the broader economy inevitably influence the bank’s performance. He highlighted Malta’s fiscal buffers and banking liquidity as key factors in managing such shocks but cautioned against complacency. “The situation requires careful monitoring, depending on the conflict’s duration and possible escalations,” Cordina said. (Times of Malta)
Maltese Want EU Protection Without Defence Spending – Foreign Minister
Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg said Maltese citizens are reluctant to support national or EU defence investment, yet still expect protection from the EU if needed. Speaking on Il-Każin with Mark Laurence Zammit, Borg acknowledged the contradiction but said governments have long balanced public sentiment with Malta’s neutrality. He argued successive administrations have upheld neutrality while contributing through humanitarian aid, and insisted it remains the government’s duty to reflect public expectations in foreign policy, even amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. (The Times of Malta)
Speaker: Neutrality Means Engagement, Not Indifference
Speaker Anġlu Farrugia said Malta’s neutrality should not be mistaken for passivity, stressing it requires active engagement in promoting peace. Addressing a Mediterranean dialogue meeting, he highlighted the region’s dual role as both a cradle of civilisation and a zone of conflict. Farrugia warned that security in Europe is tied to stability in the Mediterranean. “Prevention through dialogue is always less costly than responding to conflict after violence has erupted,” insisted Farrugia. “The true strength of a nation lies not in its service to conflict but in its courage to stand for peace.” He urged stronger parliamentary action, saying real progress depends on turning dialogue into concrete decisions. (Maltatoday)
PM: Government Delivered 82% of Manifesto Pledges
Prime Minister Robert Abela said his government has implemented 82% of its electoral manifesto four years into its term. He pointed to strong economic performance, low unemployment, and nearly €1 billion spent to keep energy prices stable. Abela highlighted over €6 billion in social investment, reforms in family law and workers’ rights, and major funding for digitalisation and infrastructure. Looking ahead, he pledged continued reforms and projects, while Ian Borg added that Malta has taken a more active international role despite global crises. (The Malta Independent)
