Updated 1210
Malta among worst in Europe for access to innovative medicines, new data shows: Europe is bracing for a 38% surge in cancer cases by 2040, with over 3.4 million new diagnoses and 1.7 million deaths expected annually. Despite rapid advances in treatment, access remains unequal, particularly in smaller EU states like Malta. A 2024 EFPIA survey revealed Maltese patients had access to just 10% of 173 newly approved EU medicines, the lowest in the bloc. Cancer drugs are especially scarce, with only two of 56 new treatments available in Malta. Causes include low healthcare investment, lack of transparency, and a flawed tendering system. Experts urge Malta to reform its access and procurement strategies to avoid worsening health outcomes and uphold the principle of universal healthcare. (Times of Malta)
Research programme to tackle obesity launched: The government has launched a €300,000 obesity research programme led by Xjenza Malta and the Health Ministry. Open until July 7, the programme will fund three projects focused on food labelling, supply, and promotion. At the launch, officials stressed the urgent need for innovative, multi-sectoral solutions to tackle Malta’s high obesity rates. Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci highlighted the role of clear food labelling and stricter food standards, particularly in schools. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela called obesity a serious health threat, requiring a new, holistic approach. The initiative is part of Malta’s 2023–2027 National Research and Innovation Plan and aims to bridge the gap between research and policymaking to drive effective change. (Times of Malta)
Huge Ta’ Qali sports village complex set for refusal, despite downsized plans: A major sports village proposed in Ta’ Qali is set for refusal by the Planning Authority, despite recent downsizing of plans. The 207,000m² development, partly on the former Flower Power site, includes rugby and football pitches, tennis courts, a hotel, commercial areas, and more. The project, proposed by Mediterranean Flower Products Ltd, has been revised several times since its initial 2008 proposal. While the new plans reduce commercial elements and focus them within an approved building zone, the case officer still flagged key issues: unresolved land ownership linked to another permit, missing environmental and traffic assessments, and incomplete adherence to the Ta’ Qali Action Plan. The application will be decided by the Planning Board on June 5. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
PM Abela defends Manoel Island plans amid calls for national park
Prime Minister Robert Abela pushed back against a public petition urging the government and developers MIDI to turn Manoel Island into a national park, stressing that 60% of the site will remain open to the public under current plans. The petition garnered over 29,000 signatures, calling for the cancellation of proposed commercial and residential developments. Speaking after an event at MCAST, Abela said the public often overlooks the fact that a majority of the island will remain accessible. He also described the ongoing debate as “selective,” echoing MIDI’s position that its revised masterplan prioritizes heritage, reduces development, and includes an 80,000-square-metre park surrounding Fort Manoel. (Times of Malta)
Malta to ratify high seas treaty at UN ocean conference
Malta will ratify the High Seas Treaty—formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty—at next month’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. The treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters by enabling the creation of marine protected areas, regulating environmental impact assessments, and ensuring fair access to marine genetic resources. It supports the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg announced Malta’s commitment during a seminar co-hosted by the Foreign Ministry, the French Embassy, and the Maltese French Chamber of Commerce. The treaty will come into effect once 60 countries ratify it. So far, 7 have done so, with 89 signatories. (Maltatoday)
GWU urges inclusive approach to AI in the workplace
The General Workers’ Union (GWU) has called for a human-centred and inclusive approach to artificial intelligence, warning that its uneven rollout risks deepening divisions in the workforce. Speaking at a panel event co-hosted by The Malta Chamber, GWU, and Malta Business Bureau, GWU Section Secretary Riccarda Darmanin stressed that AI’s benefits must be shared fairly across all sectors. The event was part of the EU-funded TransFormWork II project, which supports social partners in managing AI-driven change. Findings from the project show a growing gap between workers adapting to AI tools and those feeling left behind, raising concerns about job security and technological exclusion.
