Updated 1230
EV Scrappage Costs Fall on Market Suppliers, Dalli Says: Energy Minister Miriam Dalli told parliament that, under EU rules, the cost of scrapping electric vehicles and treating their batteries falls on whoever first places them on the market, generally the manufacturer, importer or distributor. She clarified that an individual who places a vehicle on the market would also be responsible, unless that responsibility is transferred. The statement followed questions from Opposition MP Mark Anthony Sammut, who also sought clarification from Transport Minister Chris Bonett, whose response is pending. Nationalist MEP Peter Agius criticised the ministers’ replies as ambiguous, insisting consumers cannot be held liable for scrappage costs and questioning the lack of public support for importers handling end-of-life EVs. (The Times of Malta)
Malta’s First Community Perinatal Mental Health Centre Expands Early Screening: Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg visited Ċensu Moran Regional Health Centre, home to Malta’s first community-based perinatal mental health centre, as a national screening programme gradually rolls out. Opened in February 2026, the centre has handled around 1,200 appointments, offering specialised support for mental health difficulties during pregnancy and the first year after birth. The screening programme, launched in August, invites pregnant women to complete digital questionnaires through myHealth. Between 18 August and 18 September, 940 invitations were issued and 225 screenings completed, with referrals prioritised within 24 hours. Plans include extending screening to new mothers, fathers and partners. (TVM News)
Malta Collects Just 32% of E-Waste, Far Below EU Target: Malta collected just 6.4kg of electronic waste per person in 2024, among the EU’s lowest rates, according to Eurostat. The country recovered only 31.9% of the electronic equipment placed on the market, well below the EU’s 65% collection target. Malta also recorded a below-average 21.5kg of electronic equipment placed on the market per person over three years, compared with the EU average of 31.8kg. Across the bloc, just 39% of e-waste was collected, with only four member states exceeding the 65% target. (The Times of Malta)
Malta Sees Seasonal Rise in Flu-Like Illness as Flu Season Begins: Malta is seeing an upward trend in influenza-like illness as flu season begins, although activity remains broadly in line with levels recorded during previous seasons, the Health Ministry said. No increase in hospital admissions has been observed at Mater Dei Hospital so far, a ministry spokesperson said. The latest assessment by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remain low across the EU and European Economic Area. COVID-19 circulation is increasing across Europe, but its impact on hospitalisations remains limited. Maltese health authorities will continue monitoring respiratory viruses throughout autumn and winter, with particular attention to influenza, COVID-19 and RSV. Community respiratory illness is tracked through sentinel surveillance of influenza-like illness, which records weekly trends and enables comparisons with previous seasons. (The Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
PN to elect two deputy leaders and finalise statute by January
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg expects the party to elect two deputy leaders within the next four to five weeks and finalise a revised statute by January 2027. Speaking outside Parliament on Tuesday, Borg said amendments to the statute’s provisions on deputy leaders would first undergo consultation and approval by the party’s General Council before elections are held. The full statute would then be completed as part of wider reforms to the party’s structures. The PN currently has one deputy leader, but Borg has pledged to restore two positions, one responsible for party affairs and the other for parliamentary work. He said the aim was to have both deputy leaders and a completely revised statute in place before the next general election. Nationalist MP Mark Anthony Sammut has not ruled out contesting either post once the necessary changes are approved. (Maltatoday)
Cabinet approves planning appeals reform ahead of parliamentary debate
Cabinet has approved proposed legislation to reform planning appeals, with Parliament expected to begin discussing the bill next week. Planning Minister Jonathan Attard confirmed on Tuesday that the legislation would be published shortly and said the Government wanted it enacted as soon as possible. Under the proposals, developers would no longer be allowed to begin construction while a planning permit is being challenged before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal or the courts. The bill would also introduce deadlines for decisions, giving the tribunal six months to determine an appeal and the Court of Appeal four months, with a possible two-month extension. The reform seeks to prevent developments from being completed before the permits authorising them are overturned. The Government had previously pledged to introduce the changes, but earlier proposals formed part of wider planning reforms that were suspended following protests by environmental organisations. (The Malta Independent)
Malta and Libya explore cooperation during ministerial visit to Benghazi
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg led a Maltese delegation to Benghazi for discussions on political developments in Libya and opportunities for cooperation in education, healthcare, trade, energy and infrastructure. The delegation included ministers Silvio Schembri, Byron Camilleri and Jonathan Attard, alongside senior government officials. The visit began with a meeting with General Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, during which the two sides discussed historical, cultural and commercial ties between Malta and Libya. Borg reiterated Malta’s support for efforts to unify Libya’s institutions and achieve a political solution leading to lasting peace and stability. The delegation also visited the Julyana free zone and port to discuss trade and logistics opportunities. At Benghazi University, discussions explored academic cooperation, including postgraduate study opportunities and master’s programmes in Arabic and archaeology. Borg said Malta would continue working to turn discussions into concrete results. (TVM News)