Updated 1200
Malta Economy Shows Modest July Improvement as Tourism and Lending Support Growth: Malta’s economic activity improved slightly in July but remained marginally below its long-term average, according to the Central Bank. Consumer confidence weakened, though it stayed above average. Services expanded, while industrial production contracted by 1.5% year-on-year. Tourism remained a key driver, with June spending up 15.2%. Unemployment edged down to 3.5%, despite a rise in registered jobseekers. Inflation reached 2.1%, below the euro-area average, helped by stable domestic energy prices. Property activity remained resilient, while bank deposits and credit grew 7.7% and 8.4%, respectively, with strong corporate lending. (TVM News)
Maltese Population in Sicily nearly Doubles in Three Years amid Search for Quieter Life: The number of Maltese citizens officially living in Sicily nearly doubled from 164 in 2022 to 287 in 2025, according to Italy’s ISTAT, although the actual presence is likely higher due to unregistered residents and holiday-home owners. Most have settled in eastern Sicily, particularly around Catania and Ragusa, with communities emerging in towns such as Caltagirone and Ispica. Maltese residents cite affordable property, more space and a slower pace of life as key attractions. While many have integrated into close-knit communities, the growing presence has also fuelled local perceptions about Maltese wealth and concerns over some high-profile incidents. (The Times of Malta)
MUMN Reports Surge in Violence and Racism Against Foreign Nurses: The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) said it has received more than 20 serious reports this year involving physical and verbal abuse against nurses, warning that the actual figure is likely higher. The union raised particular concern over violence and racism against foreign nurses at St Vincent de Paul and Karen Grech hospitals. It said reports of abuse have increased tenfold in recent years, including assaults, threats and intimidation. MUMN urged the Health Ministry to establish stronger protections and give hospitals greater powers to address persistent abuse. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Judge begins final summing-up in Yorgen Fenech trial
Judge Edwina Grima has begun summing up the evidence in the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, bringing the long-running case into its final stage. Addressing jurors, she said she was legally obliged to explain the evidence presented over the past two months, while stressing that any evidence not mentioned in her summary should not be disregarded. Grima has been meticulously taking jurors through key aspects of the investigation and prosecution’s case, including the raid that led to the arrests of the Degiorgio brothers and Vince Muscat, Melvin Theuma’s involvement and his version of events, and Fenech’s arrest in November 2019. She also addressed evidence concerning Daphne Caruana Galizia’s laptop and Keith Schembri’s missing mobile phone. The judge will explain how jurors should assess the evidence before they retire to consider their verdict. (Times of Malta)
Malta launches national platform to combat online scams
The MFSA, Malta Police Force and Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services have launched scamalert.mt, the first national platform coordinated by several institutions to raise awareness and help prevent online scams. The website provides information in Maltese and English on different types of scams, warning signs and real-life cases, while directing victims on how to report incidents. Officials said scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can affect anyone. MFSA’s Sarah Pulis described the platform as simple, accessible and practical, while Police Superintendent Annamarie Xuereb urged people to use it when they recognise familiar scam patterns. Financial Services Arbiter board chairman Geoffrey Bezzina said many complaints received by his office this year involved scams, urging victims not to feel ashamed or fear making a complaint, which is free of charge. The initiative aims to provide citizens with a coordinated point of reference and greater confidence online. (TVM News)
MEP Peter Agius calls for suspension of EU packaging rules
MEP Peter Agius has called on European Commissioner for the Environment Jessika Roswall to suspend new EU packaging and packaging waste rules, arguing they are placing an excessive bureaucratic burden on small businesses. The requirements, which came into force on 12 August, could require businesses selling products across the European Single Market to register in each EU country, according to the EPP. Agius said he had received complaints from Maltese businesses, artists and craftspeople who fear the new requirements could make exporting unviable. While supporting the environmental objectives of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, including reducing unnecessary packaging and promoting reusable containers, Agius said environmental progress should not come at the expense of competitiveness. (Maltatoday)
