Updated 1020
Enemalta Highlights €141 Million Investment after Heatwave Power Cuts: Enemalta has defended its investment in Malta’s electricity distribution network following last month’s heatwave, highlighting a reduction in outage duration compared with 2023 while facing questions over the causes of widespread failures. The company said it invested €141 million between 2023 and 2026, including new substations, upgraded transformers, additional feeders and more than 270 kilometres of medium-voltage cables. Enemalta said faults affecting parts of Birkirkara, Valletta and the Cottonera had been resolved, while acknowledging that numerous faults also occurred on the low-voltage network. The heatwave saw electricity demand reach a record 741MW, contributing to power cuts in several localities, including San Ġwann, where some residents reported prolonged outages. The disruption led to criticism from residents, social partners and the Opposition, with renewed debate over the resilience of Malta’s electricity infrastructure. (The Malta Independent)
Malta Registers 2,375 Births and 956 Marriages in First Half of 2026: Malta’s Public Registry recorded 2,375 births and 2,206 deaths during the first six months of 2026, alongside 956 marriages across the islands. Most births (2,209) and marriages (871) were registered in Malta, with the remainder in Gozo. The registry also issued more than 40,000 certificates, while the Passport Office issued over 30,000 passports and more than 30,000 identity cards. Meanwhile, the Compliance Section opened 301 investigations, carried out 122 inspections, and revoked 407 residence permits following checks on residency and free movement rules. (TVM News)
Government Doubles Minimum On-the-Spot Fine for Tourists to €50: Government has doubled the minimum on-the-spot fine for non-habitual residents from €25 to €50 through a legal notice that came into force on Tuesday, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced. Describing the move as a step towards greater order and respect in communities, Abela said the government would continue strengthening law enforcement. The fines, introduced last month to address concerns over antisocial behaviour in tourist hotspots, apply to people without Maltese citizenship or a residence document. Police may confiscate passports or ID cards if fines are not paid immediately. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Educators and policymakers agree AI in education should enhance learning not replace students’ thinking
Artificial intelligence should be used to strengthen students’ learning rather than replace independent thinking, educators and policymakers said at the launch of a new Maltese education technology start-up. Speaking at an event organised by Hedgehog Education, speakers warned that students were increasingly relying on tools such as ChatGPT to complete homework instead of developing their own problem-solving skills. Malta Digital Innovation Authority CEO Kenneth Brincat said AI presented schools with a choice between becoming “a shortcut to learning” or a tool that deepened understanding. During the event, an AI-powered homework platform designed to guide students through problems using questions and hints rather than providing direct answers was launched. The platform was developed after educators noticed students were submitting polished homework but struggling to explain concepts during lessons, raising concerns about whether genuine learning was taking place. (Times of Malta)
NCPE warns bail decisions risk putting victims of violence in danger
The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality has warned that women’s lives are being placed at risk by courts repeatedly granting bail to alleged perpetrators with a history of violence and breaches of bail conditions. The commission referred to a case involving multiple proceedings over alleged violence against women, including attempted murder charges, and said the situation highlighted wider concerns about how the justice system assesses risks to victims. While acknowledging that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the NCPE said victims’ rights to safety and protection must also be given proper consideration. The commission called for additional resources to speed up court proceedings and proposed the introduction of electronic tagging at an earlier stage. It said stronger safeguards were essential to protect victims while addressing the wider challenge of gender-based violence. (Maltatoday)
Enemalta highlights €141 million investment after heatwave power cuts
Enemalta has defended its investment in Malta’s electricity distribution network following last month’s heatwave, highlighting a reduction in outage duration compared with 2023 while facing questions over the causes of widespread failures. The company said it invested €141 million between 2023 and 2026, including new substations, upgraded transformers, additional feeders and more than 270 kilometres of medium-voltage cables. Enemalta said faults affecting parts of Birkirkara, Valletta and the Cottonera had been resolved, while acknowledging that numerous faults also occurred on the low-voltage network. The heatwave saw electricity demand reach a record 741MW, contributing to power cuts in several localities, including San Ġwann, where some residents reported prolonged outages. The disruption led to criticism from residents, social partners and the Opposition, with renewed debate over the resilience of Malta’s electricity infrastructure. (The Malta Independent)
