Updated 1230
Paceville apartment block collapses hours after 32 residents evacuated: A multi-storey apartment block in Paceville collapsed on Wednesday night around 10:30pm, just hours after residents were evacuated due to safety concerns. Swift action by architects and authorities ensured that all 32 residents were safely removed earlier that day. The building, located next to a construction site, served with a stop works notice on June 10, had shown structural damage linked to ongoing demolition nearby. A police report and official support from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) led to the evacuation and closure of nearby restaurants. No injuries were reported. Authorities have launched an investigation, and the developer is facing potential sanctions.
Malta’s iGaming sector showcases strength and resilience at SBC summit: Economy Minister Silvio Schembri highlighted Malta’s iGaming sector as a resilient and consistent driver of economic growth, speaking at the SBC Summit in St Julian’s. The event gathered around 5,000 industry delegates, reinforcing Malta’s position as a key global hub for regulation, innovation, and talent in iGaming. Schembri emphasised the sector’s strategic importance in Malta’s Vision 2050, noting its role in digital transformation, job creation, and sustainable progress. In 2023, iGaming contributed nearly 7% to Malta’s Gross Value Added. GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filletti praised the country’s strong regulatory ecosystem and skilled workforce, underscoring Malta’s continued focus on innovation and sustainability as core pillars of its economic future.
Malta Expands Solar Projects and Water Investments in Green Push: Environment Minister Miriam Dalli announced that Malta will expand its solar farm projects to 14, adding six new ones under the Water Services Corporation (WSC). In 2024, WSC generated 5.84GWh of clean energy and launched Malta’s first green bond, raising €25 million for sustainable infrastructure. A €3 million wastewater project is planned for Wied iż-Żurrieq, and capital investment in the sector rose by 74%, reaching €64 million. Revenue increased by €12.5 million, with water-related income exceeding €100 million. GIS now monitors over 3,400 km of networks, helping Malta rank globally in water efficiency. AI has also enhanced tap water quality. Key 2025 priorities include expanding desalination, reducing groundwater use, and progressing toward net-zero operations. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Roberta Metsola signals intention to remain at EP
Roberta Metsola has signaled she intends to remain in her current tpsot, saying she has a responsibility at the European Parliament, in her first comments since Bernard Grech announced his resignation as PN leader.Asked by Politico if she planned to leave her role as European Parliament President and return to Maltese politics, Metsola replied: “I have a responsibility here.” Metsola is widely seen as the PN’s preferred successor to Grech, consistently polling as the most popular potential party leader. Grech, who confirmed her broad respect within the party, declined to say whether he had consulted Metsola before stepping down. The PN’s executive committee will meet Wednesday evening to begin discussions on the leadership race, with the new leader to be elected b yall party members. (Times of Malta)
Counterfeit alcohol costing businesses €2m yearly
Malta is losing around €2 million each year in wine and spirits sales due to counterfeit products, according to new data from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The figures, released as part of the EUIPO’s What’s on your table? campaign, show that nearly 5% of legitimate alcohol sales in Malta are lost to fakes—mirroring a wider EU trend. Across the bloc, counterfeit wines and spirits cause annual losses of €2.29 billion and nearly 5,700 job cuts. While Malta’s losses are smaller than those in countries like Spain or France, the economic impact is significant for the island. The report also notes that wine and spirits are among the hardest-hit product categories by counterfeiting. (Newsbook)
FTS says EUR2m invested in sports projects across Malta’s schools
Between 2024 and 2025, the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools (FTS) implemented a series of embellishment projects in sports and recreational areas across various schools and child care centres. According to a statement, around €2 million was invested over this period. In 2024 alone, upgrades were carried out in 7 Colleges and 8 child care centres. During the first half of 2025, the initiative extended to 8 more Colleges in both Malta and Gozo. The school projects were carried out in collaboration with the Ministry’s Department of Infrastructure and Logistics, while work at the child care centres was coordinated with the Foundation for Educational Services. (TVM)
