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Malta Strengthens Semiconductor Sector with €250 Million ST Investment: Malta has handed over a new Kirkop facility to STMicroelectronics as part of a €250 million investment set to strengthen the country’s role in the global semiconductor industry. The project, described as Malta’s largest foreign direct investment, includes advanced production spaces, cleanrooms and high-tech logistics systems. Prime Minister Robert Abela said the expansion will produce advanced microchips for international markets, including aerospace and satellite sectors, while boosting high-value manufacturing, skills and wages. The investment further cements Malta’s ambitions to build a stronger microchip ecosystem aligned with the EU Chips Act and Vision Malta 2050. (The Times of Malta)
Malta Inflation Drops Below EU Average as Energy Subsidies Offset Iran War Impact: Malta’s inflation rate rose from 2.3% in February to 2.5% in April following the US-Israel war against Iran, but remained below the EU average, which surged to 3.2%, according to NSO and Eurostat data. The shift is largely attributed to Malta’s long-standing energy subsidies, which kept electricity and fuel prices stable despite soaring energy costs across Europe. Food and restaurant prices were the main drivers of local inflation increases. Malta recorded the EU’s fifth-lowest inflation rate, though rising property prices continue to add pressure outside the EU’s standard inflation measure. (Newsbook)
CRIHM Strengthens National Cancer Research Agenda at Stakeholders Meeting: The Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM) held its first Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting to review progress and set future priorities in cancer research. Discussions covered clinical research, cancer data, screening, funding, industry collaboration and patient involvement. Speakers highlighted the need to strengthen Malta’s research capacity alongside clinical care at Mater Dei Hospital and expand EU-linked collaboration. The meeting’s feedback will guide CRIHM’s future work aligned with national cancer research priorities. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
BCA Begins Emergency Works Following Naxxar Collapse
Emergency remedial works have begun at the site of last week’s partial building collapse in Naxxar, as authorities move to address safety concerns and reassure affected residents. The Building and Construction Authority confirmed that works started on Tuesday following recommendations made by structural engineer and University of Malta professor Alex Torpiano. Mr Torpiano was appointed by developer Anton Camilleri to prepare a method statement aimed at eliminating risks at the site. Residents met officials from the BCA and Infrastructure Malta earlier this week, where they were informed about the planned intervention and nearby road works. The authority said strict conditions were imposed before works could proceed, including continuous updates supported by photographic evidence and an insurance policy covering the operations. All costs related to the emergency intervention and enforcement are to be covered by the developer. (Times of Malta)
MIA Secures €100 Million Financing for Major Airport Expansion
Malta International Airport has secured €100 million in external financing as it embarks on one of the largest infrastructure upgrades since the airport’s privatisation. Speaking during the company’s annual general meeting, CEO Alan Borg said the financing package consists of two separate loans of €50 million, spread over five and seven years respectively. The funding will support a large-scale investment programme aimed at expanding terminal facilities by 2028. The project will add 26,000 square metres of new space, including 32 additional check-in desks, five departure gates, a crew gate, improved baggage handling systems and expanded commercial areas. Mr Borg said preparatory works are progressing according to schedule, including excavation works and the rerouting of key services. Construction on SkyParks 2 is also advancing steadily, with the hotel expected to be handed over in late 2026.Last year, the company invested €61.6 million in infrastructure and operational projects, equivalent to almost 40 per cent of its annual revenue. (Maltatoday)
GO Reports Record Revenue as Group Expands Beyond Telecoms
GO plc has surpassed the quarter-billion-euro revenue mark for the first time in its history, as the communications group accelerates its expansion beyond traditional telecoms services. During the company’s annual general meeting, Group CEO Nikhil Patil described 2025 as a milestone year, with group revenue reaching €254 million and net profit rising by 32 per cent to a record €20.7 million. GO also completed its nationwide True Fibre rollout, a €100 million investment programme aimed at strengthening Malta’s fibre-to-the-home infrastructure. The company said around 30 per cent of group revenue now comes from sectors outside traditional telecoms. Subsidiaries including BMIT Technologies, AQS Energy and Klikk contributed to growth across digital, cybersecurity and energy sectors. Chairman Lassaad Ben Dhiab said the group continued to invest heavily while maintaining strong shareholder returns, with the board recommending its highest ordinary dividend in five years.
