Updated 1230
Notaries instructed not to notarise lease agreements for residence permit applicants
The Notarial Council has instructed notaries not to sign or complete a new form issued by Identità for foreigners applying for residence permits. This directive, issued Wednesday, also advises against notarising lease agreements until further notice, citing the need for “legal certainty.” The new requirement, introduced in September, mandates that third-country nationals provide a notarised lease agreement as proof of lodging when applying for a permit, replacing the previously required Housing Authority-registered lease. This change follows a growing scandal involving fraudulent ID cards and residence permits. The scandal, highlighted by lawyer Jason Azzopardi, involves claims of 18,000 fake IDs issued for bribes, leading to an ongoing magisterial inquiry and directives for healthcare staff to verify patient identities. (Times of Malta)
National Skills Council hosting three session on development of new skills strategy
The National Skills Council is organising three conferences to help shape Malta’s national skills strategy, in collaboration with OECD experts and funded by the European Commission. The first session focused on youth aspirations, with Chairman Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando stressing the need to align work policies with young people’s goals. Future sessions will address the impact of technology, including artificial intelligence, on the labour market and the importance of creativity and transversal skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Education Minister Clifton Grima highlighted the need to align Maltese skills with global trends, noting that 40% of Maltese youth are actively enhancing their skills. The strategy is expected to be completed next year, focusing on the digital and green economies. (
Malta’s greenhouse gas emissions up by 8.8%, the highest in the EU – Eurostat
Malta recorded the largest increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the EU from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024, with an 8.8% rise, according to Eurostat. This contrasts with the EU’s overall 4% decrease in emissions. Malta, along with six other countries, saw an increase, including Lithuania (+7.4%) and Latvia (+5.7%). Despite this, Malta also had the highest GDP growth. In contrast, Bulgaria (-15.2%), Germany (-6.7%), and Belgium (-6.0%) led in emissions reductions. Of the 20 countries that reduced emissions, 12 did so while growing their GDP. The EU’s total emissions fell from 931 million to 894 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents, with significant reductions in the electricity and gas supply (-12.6%) and household (-4.4%) sectors. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Husband of European Commissioner Dalli says Labour officials tried to undermine wife’s credibility
Patrick Dalli, husband of European Commissioner Helena Dalli, said that two senior Labour Party officials attempted to undermine his wife’s credibility during the appointment of the President of Malta. Dalli made the claim on Facebook following a report by Illum, which suggested Helena was lobbying for a second term as European Commissioner instead of Malta’s nominee, Glenn Micallef. Micallef’s nomination is under scrutiny in Brussels, with Ursula von der Leyen urging the Maltese government to consider a female candidate with political experience instead of the 35-year-old Micallef. Patrick dismissed the claim as “another lie about Helena,” who had already denied trying to sabotage Micallef’s nomination. He added, “Soon, the manoeuvers by two high-ranking Labour officials to damage Helena’s credibility during the President’s appointment will come to light.” (The Malta Independent)
23-year-old identified as man who died while working at home
David Wellman has been identified as the 23-year-old man who died from head injuries while working at his home in Tarxien. Police reported the incident on Wednesday, stating that it happened around 5 m on Triq il-Witja. First aid was administered on-site by the Civil Protection Department, and Wellman was quickly transported to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after. A magisterial inquiry has been initiated to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wellman’s death. (Times of Malta)
Uni staff expresses support for lecturer and students in ethical hacking case
The University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA) has expressed support for lecturer Mark Joseph Vella, who, along with three computer science students, is facing charges for exposing security flaws in the FreeHour app. UMASA stated that Vella had instructed his students on ethical hacking principles, fulfilling his duties as a lecturer and adhering to established practices. They noted that the students followed a common practice by requesting a non-monetary reward for identifying the vulnerabilities. UMASA affirmed its belief that Vella acted with academic integrity and expressed solidarity with him and his students. (Maltatoday)
