Updated 1130
One in five passengers flew with KM Malta Airlines – Malta International Airport
Malta International Airport welcomed a record 1,035,341 passengers in July, a 5.3% increase over last year, with occupancy nearing 90%. By June, over 4.5 million passengers had already travelled through MIA. Italy remained the top tourist destination, followed by the UK, Germany, France and Poland. Ryanair carried more than half of passengers, with KM Malta Airlines, EasyJet and Lufthansa also significant, while new operators included LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways and SAS. MIA security manager Talitha Vella highlighted improved efficiency from a new scanning system and the opening of a larger arrivals hall for non-Schengen travellers. She noted ongoing terminal expansion aims to further enhance passenger experience, supported by 500 staff and seasonal “Summer Greeters.” (TVM)
Malta Recognising Palestine a ‘Strong Prize to Hamas’ – Israel Ambassador
Israel’s new envoy to Malta, Ruth Cohen Dar, warned that Malta’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September would be a “strong prize to Hamas” and a mistake given the post-October 7 “trust crisis.” While Malta has long backed a two-state solution, Cohen Dar said recognition now would be symbolic but harmful, hinting at possible diplomatic repercussions. She also rejected casualty figures from Gaza as “Hamas propaganda,” though admitted civilian suffering was “heartbreaking,” stressing Israel’s security concerns over Hamas tunnels. On alleged Israeli involvement in a drone strike off Malta, she said she had “no information.” The ambassador underlined that criticism of Israel’s right to exist crosses into antisemitism, while expressing hope Israel would emerge stronger after the war. (Times of Malta)
Illegal Fishing by Tunisian Vessels Detected Following Inspections – Parliamentary Secretary
European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) inspections aboard the Ocean Sentinel uncovered illegal fishing by Tunisian vessels, Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said, confirmed. The checks followed reports from Maltese fishermen, with Bugeja Said stressing that abuses can be curbed through close cooperation and swift enforcement. She called the violations unacceptable as they harm law-abiding fishers, pledging action to ensure accountability. Maltese MEPs Thomas Bajada and Peter Agius have also raised concerns, with Bajada recently urging the European Commission to investigate alleged illegal lampuki fishing by Tunisian and Italian vessels, even during closed seasons. Both MEPs highlighted the unfair advantage gained by foreign vessels at the expense of Maltese small-scale fishermen.
Morning Briefing
Central Bank forecasts gradual slow down of economic growth
The Central Bank of Malta projects that Malta’s economic growth will gradually moderate over the coming years, with GDP growth expected to slow from 5.9% in 2024 to 3.3% in 2027. The slowdown reflects both external and domestic factors, including weaker external demand, a slower pace of investment, and more subdued private consumption growth. Inflation is expected to ease from 2.3% in 2024 to 1.8% by 2027, while unemployment is projected to remain low. Despite the expected moderation, the Central Bank noted that Malta’s growth will continue to outpace that of the euro area, underlining the resilience of the local economy. (The Malta Independent)
Malta registers sharp drop in greenhouse gas emissions
Malta recorded the sharpest decline in greenhouse gas emissions across the EU during the first quarter of 2025, marking its first quarterly reduction in almost two years, according to Eurostat. Emissions fell by 6.2%, reversing a 39% surge during the same period last year. Only seven EU countries registered decreases, with Finland (-4.4%) and Denmark (-4.3%) following Malta. Most others saw increases, led by Bulgaria, Czechia and Cyprus. While the results appear encouraging, the Green Party ADPD argued the drop was largely an “accounting exercise,” as Malta increased its reliance on imported electricity via the Sicily interconnector, shifting emissions onto Italy’s balance sheet. Despite this, the figures underline Malta’s challenge to cut emissions sustainably while meeting its 2030 climate targets. (Times of Malta)
Man pleads guilty of supplying false lease agreements to TCNs
A 33-year-old man has pleaded guilty to supplying false lease agreements to third-country nationals in a bid to help them obtain residence permits in Malta. Zulqurnain Bashir, a Pakistani national residing in Sliema, was charged in court with making false declarations to a public authority. He was arrested on Monday at the Identità offices in connection with the case, and his arrest was not contested. According to Inspector Karl Roberts, the falsified documents were submitted to both the Housing Authority and Identità Malta. While some of the third-country nationals involved were victims, others were complicit. The court heard that Bashir was fully aware that the lease agreements and residence permits were fraudulent, with several of the documents carrying fabricated addresses. (Maltatoday)
