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Malta Moves Closer to Achieving UN Sustainability Goals, Challenges Persist: Malta has climbed 12 places to rank 24th out of 167 countries in the 2024 UN Sustainable Development Report, scoring 79.3, above the regional average. The report, issued by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, tracks progress towards 17 global goals. Malta met its education and GDP targets, reduced municipal and electronic waste, and improved freshwater use. However, it continues to face “major challenges” in ocean health, with a sharp drop in its clean water score, and rising air pollution levels exceeding WHO safety limits. Fossil fuel and cement emissions stagnated, and the country’s corruption perception score hit a record low. Globally, the report warns that fewer than 20% of SDG targets are on track for 2030, with persistent disparities across regions. Lead author Jeffrey Sachs called for greater investment in education, green technologies, and international cooperation amid rising global tensions and climate risks.
Major Maltese Companies Reportedly Agree to Take Over Marsa Shipbuilding Concession: Several major Maltese companies are in early talks to acquire a 90% stake in the financially troubled Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH), with Paul Abela retaining 10%. The move aims to prevent MMH from defaulting on a €15 million bond due next year. The consortium, reportedly involving Virtu Ferries, Azzopardi Fisheries, Foster Clark, and others, has received support from Prime Minister Robert Abela. MMH, granted a 65-year concession in 2016 to run the former Marsa shipyard, accumulated €30 million in debt and failed to meet its obligations. With growing interest in regenerating the Grand Harbour area, the government may revise concession terms to enable the deal and revive the strategically located site.
Malta Eyes Inclusive Film Future as Industry Booms with €635M in Productions: The Malta Film Commission held a national conference at Fort Ricasoli themed “An Opportunity for Everyone”, highlighting efforts to build a strong, inclusive, and sustainable film industry. Government officials, creatives, educators, and business leaders discussed how Malta can continue attracting foreign productions and creating local jobs across all roles. Guest speaker Dustin Chodorowicz emphasised Malta’s advantage as a small but economically stable nation capable of investing in infrastructure and talent to remain competitive. Film Commissioner Johann Grech noted that 75% of local workers are upgrading their skills through training funded by international productions. Minister Owen Bonnici said Malta now hosts eight productions simultaneously and has attracted 169 projects worth over €635 million in recent years.
Morning Briefing
Thousands of tonnes of ash expected from new incineration plants
Malta’s upcoming Waste-to-Energy and Thermal Treatment facilities are projected to generate around 27,000 tonnes of ash annually, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli told Parliament. The Thermal Treatment Facility will produce 850 tonnes of bottom ash and 170 tonnes of fly ash per year, while the Waste-to-Energy plant is expected to generate 22,700 tonnes of bottom ash and 3,400 tonnes of fly ash. Fly ash, considered hazardous, will be exported. Dalli said tests will determine whether the bottom ash—non-combustible residue from incineration—can be reused, disposed of locally, or exported. Buttigieg had asked for details on ash volumes and Wasteserv’s plan for safe disposal to protect public health. (Times of Malta)
Disgraced former chief justice Noel Arrigo dies at 75
Former Chief Justice Noel Arrigo, whose judicial career ended in disgrace following a bribery scandal, has died at the age of 75, Newsbook Malta has learned. Arrigo, born in Sliema in 1949, was appointed chief justice in 2002, replacing Joseph Said Pullicino. But later that year, he and fellow judge Patrick Vella were charged with accepting a Lm10,000 bribe from convicted drug trafficker Mario Camilleri “l-Imnieħru.” The two judges had reduced Camilleri’s sentence from 16 to 12 years shortly before Arrigo’s appointment. Both contested the charges, including through an application to the European Court of Human Rights, which was ruled inadmissible in 2005. (Maltatoday)
