Updated 1220
Maritime forum tells government, opposition to stop ‘political bickering’ over new shipping rules:
TheMalta Maritime Forum (MMF) has urged both the Government and the Opposition to set aside theirpolitical disputes and collaborate on implementing the EU Directive regarding the Emission TradingScheme (ETS). The MMF is calling for a unified effort to engage with European authorities,emphasising the importance of avoiding political controversies that have arisen recently. The EU ETS is a crucial component of the EU’s strategy to address climate change, employing a “cap and trade”system to limit specified pollutants’ emissions, allowing companies to trade emission rights within adesignated geographic area. (Maltatoday)
E-scooter operators want new transport minister to lift ban
Two e-scooter companies, Bolt and Bird,are urging the new Transport Minister, Chris Bonett, to reconsider the plans to ban rental e-scootersstarting March. Both companies express a willingness to collaborate with Minister Bonett to addressconcerns and find solutions, highlighting their successful cooperation with various governments inother countries. Previously, they claimed that the former Transport Minister, Aaron Farrugia, hadignored their meeting requests. The ban on rental e-scooters, announced by Farrugia in October, wasmotivated by community disturbances and a high number of illegal activities by users, while privatelyowned e-scooters remain unaffected by this decision. (Times of Malta)
Project Green files plans to build new green lung, underground car park in Cospicua
The environmental agency Project Green, representing the government, has submitted plans to thePlanning Authority for the construction of a new green area and an underground car park in Cospicua.The proposed project involves transforming a car park near Triq il-Monsinjur Panzavecchia, Triq tal-Karmnu, and Triq Pietru Pawl Caruana into a two-tiered garden with three levels of undergroundparking. Initially designated for dormitories for the American University of Malta, the 3,200 squaremeters area will now be repurposed as a community green space. The underground car park isdesigned to accommodate 199 cars, including spaces for electric vehicles and holders of disabilitycards, representing a significant increase in capacity compared to the current setup. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Emissions legislation was rushed – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted that specific European Union laws like the Fit for 55 and the Mobility Package were swiftly put into effect without undergoing a thorough impact assessment. Abela made these remarks while engaging in discussions with Enrico Letta, the rapporteur for the EU and the future of the Single Market. With regards, to state aid, Abela said that this remains crucial with regard to transport, digital connectivity and energy, along with, “the respect for national competence when it comes to taxation policy.” (Maltatoday)
Malta makes it among Top 10 Guardian culture destinations
Malta has secured a spot in The Guardian’s top 10 European culture destinations for 2024, as its inaugural art biennale emerges as one of the key cultural happenings to watch out for this year. This event joins the ranks alongside Copenhagen’s revamped Carlsberg district and Bodø, Norway, as the first Arctic Circle capital of culture. Described by The Guardian as having “already made waves in the art world,” Malta’s biennale has drawn in over 2,500 artist submissions from 75 different countries. With the theme of “White Sea Olive Groves,” the artworks showcased will delve into the contemporary Maltese and Mediterranean identities, running from March 11 to the conclusion of May. (Times of Malta)
Aaron Farrugia’s removal not related to performance – PM
PM Robert Abela insisted that Aaron Farrugia’s removal from the Cabinet was part of a rejuvenation process and not linked to performance issues. Farrugia was the sole minister dismissed during Saturday’s reshuffle, which involved a reassignment of duties among ministers and the appointment of three new parliamentary secretaries. Addressing the media, the Prime Minister argued that the reshuffling of portfolios should not be interpreted as a reflection of inadequate performance or the emergence of any specific concerns. Instead, he underscored the necessity for Prime Ministers to periodically introduce these changes to prevent stagnation, contrasting this need with what he perceived as a lack of renewal within the Opposition. (The Malta Independent)
