Malta Selected to Host EU AI Factory Antenna Malta has been chosen as one of six new sites across Europe to host an AI Factory Antenna, part of an EU initiative to boost artificial intelligence innovation and supercomputing capacity. The network, coordinated by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, now includes 19 interconnected AI hubs. Malta’s antenna, named Calypso (Computational AI Factory Link Yielding Performance, Services, and Outreach), will be led by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority and connected to Greece’s Pharos AI Factory. The EU will invest around €55 million in the programme, with additional national contributions. EuroHPC has already procured 11 supercomputers across Europe, including three ranked among the world’s top ten, positioning the bloc as a global leader in high-performance computing. (Maltatoday)
Tourist Influx Pushes Malta’s Population to 649,546 in August 2024 Malta’s effective population surged to 649,546 in August 2024, boosted by an additional 80,701 tourists, according to new figures from the National Statistics Office. The country’s mid-year resident population stood at 568,845, rising to an annual average effective population of 615,763 when tourists were included. Tourism intensity — the number of tourists per 100 residents — peaked at 14.2 in August and fell to 2.3 in December. St Julian’s recorded the highest intensity, with nearly 80 tourists for every 100 residents, followed by Valletta at 69.4. The NSO said the Northern Harbour district had the largest effective population, though the Northern district recorded higher tourism intensity, reflecbting the strong seasonal and regional impact of tourism. (The Malta Independent)
AlexBorg Reaffirms PN’s Commitment to Good Governance in Brussels Opposition Leader Alex Borg reiterated the Nationalist Party’s pledge to restore good governance and respect for the rule of law during a meeting of the European People’s Party (EPP) in Brussels. Borg, who was addressing the EPP’s parliamentary group alongside leader Manfred Weber, said the PN would provide “serious and competent leadership” for the benefit of the Maltese people. His two-day visit, organised by MEP David Casa, included meetings with EU Commissioners and EPP leaders. Borg also met Commissioner Costas Kadis to discuss Malta’s fisheries potential and EU support for small Mediterranean countries. He thanked European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and PN MEPs David Casa and Peter Agius for strengthening Malta’s voice at the European level. (Times of Malta)
