Updated 1215
€11 Million Deficit Sparks Going-Concern Warning at University of Malta: The University of Malta posted a €11.17 million deficit in 2023, with liabilities exceeding assets by nearly €19 million, according to its latest audited accounts. Auditors RSM Malta issued a “material uncertainty” warning over its ability to continue operating. Despite higher student fee income, an €8.7 million spending surge, driven by wage increases and reduced government funding, outpaced revenue growth. Major projects have stalled amid funding gaps, while staff and student numbers continue rising, compounding financial pressures. (Times of Malta)
Grand Harbour Congestion Renders Trailer Operations ‘Unsustainable’: Logistics operations at the Grand Harbour have become unsustainable due to persistent congestion and operational bottlenecks, the Association of Tractor and Trailers Operators has warned. The association said its members continue to face difficulties at Laboratory Wharf and Corradino Hill, despite raising concerns with the Ombudsman in February 2025. While some improvements were registered, including a reduction in fines, operators argue that challenges remain unresolved. Chairman Joseph Bugeja said that although members continue to pay all regulatory and terminal fees, they are not receiving the operational support required for safe and efficient trailer movement. He added that fines are still being issued unfairly. ATTO has also raised concerns with the Police and the Malta Football Association about Saturday football matches at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, which clash with peak trailer activity and force operators to park along port access roads. Over two years, operators accumulated €36,829 in obstruction fines. (Maltatoday)
Bill to Introduce Legally Binding ‘Living Wills’ Tabled in Parliament: A bill to be tabled in Parliament will introduce legally binding Advanced Medical Directives, allowing individuals to refuse extraordinary life-prolonging treatment if they lose decision-making capacity. Standard medical and palliative care cannot be declined, and euthanasia or life-ending requests are explicitly invalid. Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg said applicants must be fully informed, with doctors certifying sound mind. Directives must be notarised and can be amended or revoked, provided the person is over 18 and retains mental capacity. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
All hands on deck, sAbela: ‘All hands on deck’ to protect Malta from Gulf war impacts
Prime Minister Robert Abela said the government is “all hands on deck” to shield Malta from any fallout linked to the Gulf conflict, following a joint US-Israel strike on Iran that triggered retaliatory attacks across the region. Addressing parliament, he stressed that Malta remained firm, united and committed to a permanent ceasefire and dialogue, while warning of potential economic repercussions, particularly rising oil prices. Around 130 Maltese nationals in the Gulf have sought assistance, with consular officials advising precautionary measures.Foreign Minister Ian Borg has been in contact with regional counterparts to support stranded citizens. Opposition leader Alex Borg pledged full cooperation, urging unity and prioritising citizens’ safety. (Times of Malta)
Worker killed in forklift accident at Naxxar store
A 34-year-old man from Qormi has died after being struck by a forklift inside a store in Naxxar on Monday. Police said the accident occurred at around 10am in Triq Burmarrad. A medical team and officers from the Civil Protection Department were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured worker. Despite efforts to save him, he was certified dead on site. A magisterial inquiry has been launched, while police investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing. The Occupational Health and Safety Authority is also conducting its own investigation to determine whether workplace regulations were adhered to and if any shortcomings contributed to the fatal accident. The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with heavy machinery in industrial and commercial environments, particularly in busy logistical settings where strict adherence to safety procedures is essential to prevent tragedy. (Newsbook)
Grand Harbour congestion renders trailer operations ‘unsustainable’
Logistics operations at the Grand Harbour have become unsustainable due to persistent congestion and operational bottlenecks, the Association of Tractor and Trailers Operators has warned. The association said its members continue to face difficulties at Laboratory Wharf and Corradino Hill, despite raising concerns with the Ombudsman in February 2025. While some improvements were registered, including a reduction in fines, operators argue that challenges remain unresolved. Chairman Joseph Bugeja said that although members continue to pay all regulatory and terminal fees, they are not receiving the operational support required for safe and efficient trailer movement. He added that fines are still being issued unfairly. ATTO has also raised concerns with the Police and the Malta Football Association about Saturday football matches at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, which clash with peak trailer activity and force operators to park along port access roads. Over two years, operators accumulated €36,829 in obstruction fines. (Maltatoday)
Bill to introduce legally binding ‘living wills’ tabled in Parliament
A new bill to be tabled in Parliament will allow individuals to formally state what medical treatment they wish to refuse should they lose the capacity to communicate their decisions. The proposed law introduces Advanced Medical Directives, commonly known as ‘living wills’, providing a structured and legally recognised framework for refusing extraordinary life-prolonging treatment in specific circumstances. While patients may refuse certain interventions, the bill makes clear that standard medical care, including palliative treatment aimed at relieving pain and suffering, cannot be declined. It also explicitly rules out euthanasia or any action intended to end a person’s life, rendering such requests legally null. (The Malta Independent)
Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg said individuals drawing up a directive must be fully informed. Doctors will be required to explain the medical implications and certify that the person is of sound mind. The directive must then be authenticated by a notary and may be amended or revoked, provided the individual retains mental capacity and is over 18.
