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Malta Scores Big in the European eGovernment Benchmark Report: Malta ranked highly in the European Commission’s eGovernment Benchmark 2025 report, scoring perfect marks in Digital Services, User Support, Transparency, Mobile Friendliness, and Cross-Border ePayments. The country outperformed the EU average by 18% in public digital services and by 14% in business-related services. Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana credited ongoing tech investments and public officers’ dedication, emphasising that the report motivates further innovation, including the use of AI, to enhance accessibility and service quality.
Bank of Valletta Successfully Closes €150 Million Subordinated Bond Issue: Bank of Valletta has successfully closed its 5% Unsecured Subordinated Bond Issue, raising a record €150 million. The initial €100 million offer, launched on 9 June 2025, was fully subscribed immediately, prompting the Bank to exercise its €50 million overallotment option, which was also fully taken up. This marks the largest-ever corporate bond issue on Malta’s market and is the second series under BOV’s €250 million Euro Medium Term Unsecured Bond Programme approved in October 2024. Chairperson Dr Gordon Cordina and CEO Kenneth Farrugia thanked investors, staff, and intermediaries, highlighting the strong market confidence in BOV and reaffirming their commitment to sustainable growth and a strong capital base.
Transport Malta wants to remove fatigued cab drivers from the road by capping working hours: Transport Malta is developing a system to prevent cab drivers from working more than 12 hours in a row, aiming to reduce road risks caused by fatigue. Currently, drivers can bypass this limit by switching between ride-hailing platforms. Long shifts, especially during summer, are common, with some drivers sleeping in their vehicles between jobs. This initiative is part of broader reforms targeting abuse in the cab sector, including the revocation of licences for false garage listings. In January, 1,400 cabs were removed from the roads, though many operators appealed successfully. TM has also encouraged the public to report illegally parked Y-plate vehicles, which must not be left on public roads when not in use.
Morning Briefing
Chaotic start to Sliema double murder trial
The trial of Daniel Muka, 30, and Viktor Dragomanski, 42, accused of murdering Christian Pandolfino and Ivor Maciejowski in Sliema in 2020, began chaotically on Monday. Muka disrupted proceedings, claiming his lawyer had insufficient preparation time. He was ordered to watch the trial from a separate room via monitor, with legal aid assistance. Muka faces ten charges, including murder, theft, illegal firearm possession, and breaching bail. Dragomanski faces three charges, including complicity in the murders and theft. Both plead not guilty. Jesper Kristiansen, a third man involved, pleaded guilty last year. (Times of Malta)
MFSA increases supervisory interactions by a third
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) conducted 1,345 supervisory interactions with licence-holders in 2024, marking a 33% increase over 2023, according to its annual report tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana. These interactions ranged from mystery shopping and inspections to formal meetings. The MFSA took 134 enforcement actions, including 126 administrative penalties, two licence cancellations, four directives, and two reprimands. Penalties totalled €926,485, with €735,993 linked to settled cases. The authority also filed seven police reports concerning scams and unauthorised business. At year-end, the MFSA regulated 2,380 institutions—a 3.3% increase. During a media briefing, CEO Kenneth Farrugia noted the Authority’s expanded efforts to strengthen supervision and uphold market integrity. (Maltatoday)
Paceville building collapse: No evidence of excavation works, Chamber says
The Malta Chamber of Architects (KTP) inspected the site of the recent building collapse in Paceville, adjacent to a demolition area. Accompanied by the Civil Protection Deputy Director, they reviewed emergency stabilisation efforts and examined the remains of the Tania Flats to assess possible causes and whether professional negligence was involved. The KTP found no evidence of excavation work at the site, confirmed by the absence of clearance requests or authorisations from the Building and Construction Authority. Consequently, geological investigations were neither required by Eurocodes nor legally mandated. The Chamber urged all parties to avoid making public statements without full knowledge of the facts as the investigation continues. (The Malta Independent)
