Updated 1210
EU Parliament Backs First Sustainable Tourism Strategy: The European Parliament has approved a report by Daniel Attard that will form the basis of the EU’s first Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. The report passed with 439 votes in favour, 42 against and 129 abstentions. Attard said the strategy outlines a vision for a more sustainable tourism sector centred on five priorities: connectivity, cultural identity, destination management, workforce investment and environmental sustainability. He described the vote as a milestone for European tourism, stressing that future growth should focus on quality, sustainability and benefits for local communities. The report also highlights the importance of affordable and reliable transport links for island states such as Malta to remain competitive and attract investment and visitors. (TVM News)
State Advocate Staff Barred From Accepting Gifts Under New Ethics Code: Employees of the Office of the State Advocate are now prohibited from accepting gifts or personal favours from colleagues or external parties under a new code of ethics. The rules require all such offers to be declined, declared and formally registered. The updated code replaces earlier provisions introduced when the office was established in 2019 following the separation of the State Advocate’s functions from those of the Attorney General. Unlike the previous code, which applied mainly to advocates and allowed limited exceptions, the new rules extend to all employees and tighten standards on gifts and favours. (Newsbook)
Momentum Urges Stronger Action to Protect Malta’s Seas: Momentum has called for marine protection to become a national priority, warning that Malta can no longer tolerate pollution such as sewage discharges and drainage overflows into coastal waters. The party said the country’s economy, tourism, food security and quality of life depend on healthy marine ecosystems. Committee member Graziella Spiteri said growing population and economic pressures are placing increasing strain on Malta’s seas. Momentum also highlighted risks from maritime accidents, citing the Arctic Metagaz LNG tanker incident, and urged stronger safeguards, monitoring and emergency response capacity. The party called for greater investment in marine research, conservation and sustainable development to meet UN ocean protection goals. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Malta registers EU’s biggest drop in early school leaving
Malta has recorded the largest reduction in early school leaving among all European Union member states over the past decade, according to new Eurostat figures. Statistics show that between 2015 and 2025, Malta reduced the rate of young people leaving education or training early by 7.7 percentage points, ahead of Portugal and Spain. The figures also confirm that Malta has now reached the European Union’s 2030 target, with the percentage of early school leavers aged between 18 and 24 standing at 8.6% last year. below both the EU target of 9% and the European average of 9.1% (TVM News).
Man arrested in Gozo over alleged online exploitation of minors
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Gozo in connection with alleged online exploitation and catfishing involving minors, police confirmed. The arrest followed investigations into reports that the suspect had allegedly used fake online identities to communicate with underage victims through social media and digital platforms. Authorities are investigating claims that the man manipulated and exploited minors online over a period of time. The case has once again highlighted growing concerns surrounding online safety and the risks faced by young people on digital platforms, particularly through anonymous profiles and deceptive online behaviour. Police investigations are ongoing, while the accused is expected to face court proceedings in the coming days. The case also reignited calls for stronger awareness around online safety, with experts regularly warning parents and young people about the importance of monitoring digital interactions and recognising signs of online manipulation and grooming. (The Malta Independent)
NGO calls for renewed talks on appointment of new Chief Justice in Malta
NGO Repubblika has called for renewed discussions on the appointment of a new Chief Justice, warning that Malta has become “caught in partisan manoeuvring” and urging a more mature, depoliticised debate on the issue. The organisation said the conclusion of the general election provides an opportunity to address the matter seriously, free from electoral pressures that had pushed it out of the public agenda for months. It stressed that the need to appoint a new Chief Justice has not diminished with the passing of the election. Repubblika argued that the key issue is not who is appointed, but how the appointment is made. It insisted that the role of Chief Justice is not political and should not become a contest between political parties. It also said the head of the judiciary should not be chosen through political competition, calling instead for the judiciary itself to play a decisive role in selecting its leader, in line with long-standing European recommendations. Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti was retained in office beyond retirement age after Parliament failed to approve the government’s nominee, Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera, who received 39 votes, short of the required two-thirds majority of 53 votes. (Newsbook)
