Updated
MMH Eyes €15m Bond Repayment Backed by New 49% Investor Deal: Mediterranean Maritime Hub Finance PLC (MMH) says it expects to generate sufficient cash flow to repay its €15 million bond due in October, contingent on a planned 49% stake sale to third-party investors. The proceeds are earmarked to settle the bond and accrued interest, subject to due diligence and regulatory approval by end-April. MMH posted a €168,000 loss in 2024, missing a projected €205,000 profit. Its bond trading was suspended in May 2025 over delayed audited accounts. The Marsa site, granted under a 2015 concession, remains under development and requires further investment. (Times of Malta)
Malta Stands Out in Europe with Falling Median Age and Lowest Dependency Ratio: Eurostat figures show Malta is one of only two EU countries where the median age fell over the past decade, edging down to 40 in 2025, even as the EU average rose to 44.9. Despite having one of the bloc’s lowest shares of children (12.1%), Malta has the highest proportion of working-age residents (69.5%) and the lowest overall dependency ratio at 44%. With the 65+ population rising only marginally, migration, bringing in younger workers, continues to cushion ageing pressures seen elsewhere in Europe. (Maltatoday)
Gozo Tourist Arrivals Up 7% in 2025 as Year-Round Strategy Gains Ground: Clint Camilleri welcomed new National Statistics Office data showing 192,021 foreign tourists stayed at least one night in Gozo in 2025, a 7% rise year-on-year. Visitor numbers were evenly spread across seasons, with autumn up 22% and winter 11%, while October recorded the highest arrivals. Collective accommodation stays rose 22%. Improved connectivity, over 46,000 crossings, and 326 supported cultural events were cited as key drivers. Two new vessels, backed by a €130 million investment, are planned for 2029. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Vision 2050 to be launched this week
Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that Vision Malta 2050 will be launched on Friday, describing it as the start of “a new dream” for the country. Speaking during a discussion with young people broadcast on ONE, Abela said the vision would set out tangible measures across sectors, benefiting pensioners, students, workers and businesses. He confirmed a 15% increase in student stipends, benefiting around 17,000 youths, and outlined plans to strengthen mental health services, including a larger emergency department and a new psychiatric hospital. Abela said Malta’s record low unemployment and growth in professional jobs reflect sustained investment in education and job creation. (TVM News)
PN Pledges Mass Transport Plan Within First 100 Days
A Nationalist government would launch a modern mass transport project within its first 100 days in office, PN leader Alex Borg said at the party’s National Convention. Addressing party members, diplomats and guests, Borg argued that traffic congestion is costing Malta dearly and warned that delays would only worsen the problem. Quoting projections that congestion could cost the country €917 million by 2030, he said such funds could otherwise finance schools, a new hospital or renewable energy initiatives. While he did not specify the form the system would take, Borg said it would be designed immediately and start operating within five years. He also pledged short-term measures, including smart parking solutions and logistics hubs, to ease pressure on the roads. (Times of Malta)
Petition to Extend Maternity Leave Launched
A mother has launched a petition calling on the government to extend maternity leave so that one parent may remain at home until a child turns two. Christabel Vella, who gave birth nine months ago, said she has been fortunate to receive family and employer support allowing her to stay home longer, but noted that not all parents are in the same position. She argued that once statutory leave ends, many babies are still too young for full-time childcare. Under current Maltese law, mothers are entitled to 18 weeks of maternity leave, 14 of them fully paid. Vella said the petition also proposes making leave transferable between parents where necessary. (Newsbook)
