Updated 1230
Court Backs Pro-Rata Billing Method in ARMS Electricity Tariff Case: Malta’s Civil Court dismissed a case by Darren Cordina against ARMS, ruling that electricity tariffs can be applied on a pro-rata basis per billing period. Cordina argued tariffs should be based on annual consumption, allowing him the lowest rate for the first 2,000 units yearly, rather than divided across bills. Presided over by Judge Mark Simiana, the Court held that while tariffs are linked to annual consumption, the law permits proportional application. It stressed that “pro rata” must be fully applied, a system introduced in 2009 and also used for eco-contribution calculations. ARMS was found compliant, and Cordina was ordered to pay costs. (TVM News)
Malta Joins Artemis Accords, Backing Global Rules for Space Exploration: Malta has signed the Artemis Accords, a non-binding framework guiding civil space exploration, during a ceremony at Villa Bighi. Education Minister Clifton Grima formalised the move, bringing Malta among 64 signatory countries committed to responsible, transparent, and sustainable space activity. Linked to NASA’s Artemis programme to return humans to the moon, the accords build on international space law, including the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Officials said the step boosts Malta’s credibility, governance, and potential for investment and jobs in the space sector, while reinforcing cooperation and accountability in an increasingly strategic domain. (Maltatoday)
Postal Satisfaction Drops as Parcels Rise and Letters Shift Digital: Overall satisfaction with Malta’s universal postal provider fell by 9 points in 2025 compared to 2023, while neutral responses rose to 26%, according to an MCA survey. Letter volumes were largely stable, though more households reported sending addressed mail (73%), even as weekly sending declined amid increased digital communication. Registered mail and postcode use both increased. Parcel activity surged, especially international deliveries, with MaltaPost handling 88% of household parcels. Parcel locker use also grew. Awareness of the Universal Postal Service stood at 63%, with most considering it important. Fewer respondents now expect next-day delivery, and support for reducing delivery days has declined. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Nationalist Party Pledges €60 Million Solar Investment to Cut Electricity Bills
The Nationalist Party has pledged a €60 million investment in solar energy as part of a wider plan to reduce electricity costs for households and businesses. PN leader Alex Borg, alongside shadow minister Mark Anthony Sammut, said the initiative would generate significant savings, estimated at around €30 million in energy generation costs, which would be passed on to consumers through lower tariffs. Under the proposal, electricity rates would be reduced on the first 6,000 units of household consumption. The party also plans to abolish meter rental fees for residential properties, farmers and voluntary organisations. In addition, the eco-contribution system would be widened in order to ensure that single persons are not disadvantaged under current arrangements. Borg said the investment in a national solar panel network would increase clean energy production and reduce reliance on traditional generation sources. He argued that this would place downward pressure on electricity prices while supporting environmental objectives and long-term sustainability in the energy sector. (Times of Malta)
Labour Government Pledges €1,000 Annual Bonus for All Workers
Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that a Labour government would introduce a €1,000 annual “super bonus” for all workers in Malta if re-elected, at a projected cost of around €200 million per year. The payment would apply equally to employees, self-employed persons, pensioners who continue working, and students with employment income, provided they have been resident in Malta for at least five years. Part-time workers earning €12,000 or less would receive a minimum annual bonus of €500. The scheme is designed as a flat-rate payment, independent of income level. In addition, companies with a turnover below €1 million would benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate of 25%, down from 35%. Family-focused measures include an increase of €250 in children’s allowance for households earning under €40,000, and higher in-work benefits of up to €150 per child, with additional support for single-income families. A transitional mechanism for housing benefit recipients was also announced, phasing out support over two years. Abela defended the proposals amid criticism, insisting on consultation and accusing the Opposition of inconsistency in its messaging. (Maltatoday)
Speaker Highlights Urgency of EU Reform at Copenhagen Conference
Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia has called for urgent and coordinated action within the European Union, warning that history will judge both decisions taken and those delayed. Addressing the Conference of Speakers of EU Parliaments in Copenhagen, he said Europe is facing a period of uncertainty shaped by war, security challenges and geopolitical instability. Farrugia reiterated the EU’s commitment to peace, democracy, human rights and solidarity, stressing that its global voice must remain strong and coherent. He noted that the participation of candidate countries at the conference reflected their aspiration to align with European values, particularly in the context of future enlargement. He emphasised that any expansion of the Union must be accompanied by fair and democratically legitimate institutional adjustments, ensuring that all Member States retain their voice in decision-making processes. Farrugia also underlined the importance of stronger inter-parliamentary cooperation, calling for it to be more coordinated, effective and visible, as parliaments represent the democratic voice of citizens across Europe. (The Malta Independent)
