Malta cautious as Greenland row exposes EU foreign policy gaps Malta will not be rushed into staking out a position on US President Donald Trump’s reported interest in taking over Greenland, Foreign Minister Ian Borg has said, arguing that there is still no common European stance on the issue. Borg noted that even NATO and its Secretary General have yet to pronounce themselves, adding that Malta, which is not a NATO member, should not be presumptuous. His comments follow Prime Minister Robert Abela’s warning that any threat to Denmark’s sovereignty would raise serious concerns about the territorial integrity of an EU member state. The debate has highlighted broader divisions in Europe, with Borg pointing out that the EU lacks a single foreign policy, a unified military and one political voice on global issues. (Times of Malta)
Bad weather blamed for empty supermarket shelves Several supermarkets across Malta have reported empty or sparsely stocked shelves after days of bad weather disrupted cargo deliveries to the island. Images shared online showed gaps particularly in fresh produce sections, prompting farmers’ association Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi to warn of how fragile supply chains can be when transport links are interrupted. Shoppers reported shortages at outlets such as LIDL and Eurospin, with fruit, vegetables and some meat products unavailable. Both chains rely heavily on daily imports from Sicily, and the disruptions are believed to be linked to delays in ferry services caused by strong winds and rough seas. While no official confirmation has been issued, the situation has renewed debate on Malta’s dependence on imported food. (Maltatoday)
880 babies born through IVF since introduction of new law
A total of 880 babies have been born since Malta’s IVF law was introduced, with another 163 pregnancies expected, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela has said, describing the programme as a major success. Speaking in an interview, Abela highlighted cooperation between the government and the private sector, particularly during periods when facilities at Mater Dei Hospital were being refurbished. He said public-private partnerships have helped reduce waiting times for elective surgeries and expanded access to diagnostic services such as MRI scans, funded by the state but carried out in private hospitals. IVF outsourcing in 2024 ensured continuity of care, Abela said, adding that the results show how collaboration can deliver tangible benefits for patients and families across the country. (The Malta Independent)
