Malta has been informally invited to sit on US President Donald Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace”, Prime Minister Robert Abela has confirmed in parliament. Abela revealed the invitation while replying to questions following a ministerial statement on last week’s European Council meeting. Responding to PN MP Mario de Marco, he said Malta would consider joining the board “if it is in the national interest”, even if the move were not supported at EU level. The prime minister said the government is currently assessing the proposal and is seeking legal advice before taking a decision. So far, Hungary and Bulgaria are the only EU member states to have agreed to participate. Abela told European leaders that each country should decide independently whether to join, adding that Malta remains open to any initiative aimed at promoting peace. Trump has presented the board as a new global forum, though some Western leaders have expressed concern it could undermine the United Nations. (Maltatoday)
PM Abela defends former Minister Galdes, saying allegations have yet to be proven
Prime Minister Robert Abela has defended former Affordable Housing Minister Roderick Galdes, insisting that the allegations raised against him remain unproven and stressing that no evidence of wrongdoing has so far emerged. Speaking after Galdes resigned from his post, Abela said the move would allow him to address the claims without the burden of ministerial responsibility. He praised Galdes for, in his words, putting the party and government before personal interest, describing the resignation as a sign of high political standards. Abela contrasted this with pre-2013 administrations, arguing that ministers previously remained in office even in the face of proven wrongdoing. While acknowledging that discussions had taken place prior to the resignation, the prime minister declined to give details, insisting Galdes should now be allowed the opportunity to clear his name. (Times of Malta)
Israeli ambassador raises concerns over Malta’s trustworthiness
Israel’s ambassador to Malta has said that Malta’s trustworthiness has been questioned within some parts of the Israeli government following its recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations. Ambassador Ruth Cohen Dar said the decision raised concerns among certain political figures in Israel, particularly as it came at a sensitive moment in negotiations with Hamas. She added that the move was seen by some as encouraging militant factions by suggesting that the use of force could bring political results. However, the ambassador stressed that despite these concerns, Malta’s recognition of Palestinian statehood has not affected diplomatic relations between Malta and Israel. (Times of Malta)
Malta only EU state with higher emissions – PN
The Nationalist Party has claimed that Malta is the only EU member state to have increased its greenhouse gas emissions intensity since 2013, accusing the government of a lack of ambition on climate and renewable energy policy. Citing Eurostat data, PN MP Eve Borg Bonello said Malta’s emissions intensity rose by 17% over the past decade, while the EU average fell by 34%. This, she argued, means Malta is producing more pollution for every euro generated than it did ten years ago. The PN also highlighted Malta’s low renewable energy uptake, with just 10.7% of energy coming from renewable sources in 2024, compared to an EU average exceeding 25%. The party blamed government inaction on renewables and traffic congestion. (The Malta Independent)
