Updated 1215-
“Malta is a bridge between different regions and cultures” – Council of Europe Chief: Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset stressed that democracy must adapt to global changes, including AI, deepfakes, and hate speech, to remain resilient. Speaking to TVMnews and at the University of Malta, he warned that rising militarisation without democratic safeguards could lead to manipulated elections. Berset praised Malta’s strategic role as a cultural and regional bridge, highlighting its commitment to youth and democratic values during its Council presidency. He underscored that strong democracies depend on protecting diversity of opinion, press freedom, and the rule of law amid today’s shifting geopolitical landscape. (TVM)
Fertility is Falling, but Babies Won’t Save the Economy: Malta’s fertility rate has plunged as most couples stop at one child, not from lack of desire but due to financial strain and outdated family policies. Experts warn that blaming women or immigration misses the point: rigid caregiving norms, poor parental leave, and high living costs make family life unsustainable. Researchers call for a cultural and policy shift: community childcare hubs, fair leave for both parents, and investment in productivity and technology. Economists stress that boosting births alone won’t fix the economy; Malta must modernise its social and economic model to balance work, care, and growth. (Maltatoday)
Valletta Named Best City in the World by Tourist Publication’s Readers: Valletta has been named the Number One City in the World in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, following its recent title as Europe’s Best City. Over 182,500 readers praised Valletta’s blend of cultural authenticity, historical richness, and modern vibrancy. Tourism Minister Ian Borg said the recognition is a proud moment for Malta, reinforcing efforts to attract travellers seeking meaningful, culture-driven experiences. Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said the honour cements Valletta’s, and Malta’s, place at the heart of global tourism, reflecting the nation’s passion and dedication to creating an inspiring destination. (Times of Malta)
Fifth Edition of Playcon, Malta’s Leading Video Games and Esports Expo, Opened: Economy Minister Silvio Schembri and GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filetti opened the fifth edition of Playcon, Malta’s leading video games and esports expo, at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali. The event brings together industry leaders, educators, and students through exhibitions, competitions, and business summits. Schembri highlighted Playcon’s role in education and economic growth, noting over 25,000 expected visitors and 60 exhibitors. He announced that 400 students have already been trained in game development, with 200 more joining next year. Filetti praised Malta’s growing creative ecosystem and government support in attracting international talent and investment. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
EC warns Malta over VAT compliance and waste management
The European Commission has launched two infringement procedures and issued a reasoned opinion against Malta over breaches of EU rules VAT systems and waste management. Brussels said Malta failed to comply with the Landfill Directive, as waste sent to local sites is not adequately treated beforehand. The Commission also highlighted Malta’s continued reliance on landfilling, low recycling rates and high per-capita waste generation. In a separate case, Malta, Belgium and France were faulted for not developing IT systems needed to apply new EU VAT rules for small enterprises. The directive, which entered into force this year, enables small businesses to benefit from simplified cross-border VAT procedures, provided that Member States’ IT systems can communicate seamlessly. The Commission cautioned that without these interoperable systems, the new VAT framework cannot function as intended. Malta has two months to respond. (Maltatoday)
Sharp rise in interconnector usage reported
Electricity supplied to consumers in Malta reached 3,106.1 GWh in 2024, marking a 6.5 per cent increase over the previous year, according to data issued by the National Statistics Office. Imports through the interconnector rose sharply by 49.7 per cent to 970.4 GWh, while average annual demand climbed to 478 MW, up 1.8 per cent. Greenhouse gas emissions from fuel combustion in power plants dropped by 7.8 per cent compared to 2023. Power plants accounted for 58.1 per cent of Malta’s electricity supply, followed by imports at 31.1 per cent and renewables at 10.8 per cent. Electricity generation from power plants fell by 8.7 per cent to 1,849.9 GWh, while renewable output rose by 5.6 per cent to 336.0 GWh. (Newsbook)
Former PN leader Simon Busuttil takes up senior post in European Parliament
Former Opposition leader Simon Busuttil has been appointed director within the administration of the European Parliament, the first Maltese national to join the institution’s senior management since Malta joined the EU in 2004. His appointment follows the end of his five-year term as secretary-general of the European People’s Party, the parliament’s largest political group. Busuttil, a former MEP,] moved to Brussels in 2020 after being chosen by then EPP leader Manfred Weber as secretary-general. After Weber restructured the EPP leadership last year, Busuttil briefly served as his principal advisor before taking up his new post in the European Parliament’s administration (Maltatoday)
HSBC Malta industrial action continues for a second day
HSBC Malta customers are facing a second day of limited services as industrial action by the Malta Union of Bank Employees continues over the bank’s failure to offer compensation ahead of its planned acquisition by Greece’s CrediaBank. The union has instructed members to log off from all systems and refrain from internal meetings, assuring protection for non-members who comply. Talks between the bank and the union remain ongoing. The industrial action has forced HSBC to suspend teller services nationwide, while its contact centre remains “temporarily unavailable.” ATMs, deposit machines and digital banking channels are operating, though cheque processing and secure message replies are delayed.(Times of Malta)
