Updated 1240
Malta among most positive in Europe on AI at work: Malta ranks among the EU’s most positive countries regarding AI in the workplace, according to a Eurobarometer survey. Maltese respondents were the most optimistic about AI’s impact on their jobs (85%) and the third most positive about its effect on the economy (75%), following Slovenia and Lithuania. They also expressed confidence in AI’s benefits for society, quality of life, and learning. While fewer Maltese (63%) than the EU average (66%) feared AI might replace jobs, they were the most supportive of AI’s use in hiring, scheduling, data processing, performance assessment, and employee monitoring. The survey, conducted with 500 respondents in Malta and 26,000 across the EU, highlights Malta’s practical experience and trust in AI’s role in enhancing productivity and reducing repetitive tasks.(Times of Malta)
WSC promises ‘a direct assault on plastic bottles’ by improving tap water: The Water Services Corporation (WSC) is finalising efforts to standardise tap water quality and taste across Malta, aiming to reduce plastic bottle use. CEO Karl Cilia announced that chloride levels, which affect water’s taste and odor, have already dropped by 30% and will be further reduced by 37%. Additional upgrades will enhance water taste, recognised globally as safe. WSC also reduced water leakages to record lows and supplied 1.6 million cubic meters of treated sewage water to 1,600 farmers in 2024, boosting crop yields and reducing groundwater use. While Energy Minister Miriam Dalli praised Malta’s water technology advancements, Opposition spokesperson Ryan Callus urged mandatory connections between new developments and stormwater reservoirs to prevent street flooding.(Maltatoday)
Planning Authority proposes changes to DNOs to support environmental projects: The Planning Authority is proposing updates to Development Notification Orders (DNOs) to simplify environmental projects by Local Councils, government agencies, and public entities. The changes would permit projects in development zones, public-use areas, and specific recreational zones outside development areas. Allowed works include playground equipment, security cameras, benches, reservoirs, and paving upgrades. All projects will require prior approval from relevant public entities to ensure proper oversight. The public consultation process is open until March 5. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
Malta ramps up preparation for CoE Presidency
Preparations have ramped up for Malta’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of Europe, set for May to November. As part of this process, Prime Minister Robert Abela has welcomed the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, at Castille. During their meeting, Dr Abela outlined the priorities for Malta’s Presidency, focusing on youth participation in democratic life, children’s rights, equality, anti-discrimination, and upholding the European Convention on Human Rights. Dr Abela emphasised the importance of the Council of Europe in safeguarding crucial democratic values and expressed pride that Malta will assume the Presidency in the same year it marks the 60th anniversary of its membership. (TVM)
Court revokes Capitanerie permit
A court has revoked a Planning Authority permit that had granted Transport Malta approval to develop offices and a restaurant along the Gżira Marina and Ta’ Xbiex promenade. In a ruling on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal, chaired by Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, highlighted a significant conflict of interest involving Transport Malta, as it acted both as the applicant and as the reviewer of the permit. Transport Malta was one of several official stakeholders consulted by the Planning Authority regarding the project. The court ruled that an independent transport reviewer should have been appointed to assess the proposal instead. Additionally, the court noted that part of the proposed development would encroach upon public land, without any equivalent public land being offered in exchange. The approved plan, led by architect Antoine Zammit, sought to construct a “capitainerie” spanning 500 square metres of space between Gzira gardens and the yacht marina. (Times of Malta)
HSBC announces record results
HSBC Malta has reported record financial results for 2024, attributed to revenue growth, recoveries on expected credit losses, and strategic investments. The bank posted a pre-tax profit of €154.5 million for the year. Thanks to its strong capital generation, HSBC Malta has proposed a dividend payout ratio of 51% of the reported profits for the year ending 31 December 2024. The final gross dividend will amount to 12.0 cents per share (7.8 cents per share net of tax). This, combined with an interim dividend of 10.0 cents paid on 17 September 2024, brings the total dividend for 2024 to 22.0 cents (14.3 cents net of tax), marking the highest dividend payout in the last decade. HSBC said that its solid performance reflects its successful focus on maintaining strong financial stability and its commitment to delivering value to shareholders, making 2024 a particularly strong year for HSBC Malta. (The Malta Independent)
