Maltese MEPs reject call for EU intervention on fireworks sector after Magħtab explosion
Maltese Members of the European Parliament have pushed back against a call by European Parliament Vice President Nicu Ștefănuță for EU-level scrutiny of fireworks manufacturing in Malta following last week’s explosion at a fireworks factory in Magħtab. In a letter circulated to MEPs, the Romanian Green politician urged the European Parliament to examine whether current Maltese and EU safety and environmental rules are sufficient, arguing that repeated incidents point to a “persistent and unacceptable risk” to human life, property and the environment. Ștefănuță also suggested that, where safety cannot be guaranteed, Malta should be required to prohibit fireworks manufacturing and large-scale storage facilities, citing the risks posed by the proximity of such sites to populated and environmentally sensitive areas. However, Maltese MEPs have reportedly rejected the push for EU intervention, signalling that the matter should remain under national jurisdiction. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between calls for harmonised EU safety oversight and member states’ control over culturally and economically sensitive industries such as fireworks production. (Times of Malta)
PM says Malta will not return to Excessive Deficit Procedure
Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta will “absolutely not” return to the EU’s excessive deficit procedure, insisting the country’s finances are improving steadily. Speaking alongside Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, Abela highlighted Malta’s early exit from the procedure after reducing its budget deficit to 2.2% of GDP, below the EU average of 3.1%. Malta also maintained a debt burden of 46%, with plans to lower it further during this legislature. The government credited its economic strategy, including energy subsidies and measures to shield households and businesses from global shocks, for sustaining growth while avoiding austerity. Abela argued these policies helped Malta become the EU’s fastest-growing economy, with projected annual growth of 4% until 2027 and unemployment remaining around 3%. (The Malta Independent)
Residency Malta Agency CEO Jonathan Cardona passes away
Jonathan Cardona, Chief Executive Officer of Residency Malta Agency, has died, with his passing prompting tributes from across Malta’s political and public administration circles. Cardona, who was appointed CEO of the agency in 2023, had also held a number of senior roles within government entities over the course of his career. His work spanned multiple administrations and areas of public service, where he was regarded as a key figure in the development and implementation of government initiatives. Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed the news in a social media statement, noting that he had been informed of Cardona’s death during the ceremony in which Malta’s new Cabinet was being sworn in. He described the timing as particularly difficult, saying the news came as a shock despite awareness that Cardona had been facing health challenges in recent months. (TVM News)
