Updated 1200
Pilots Set to Receive €74m in Early Retirement Payouts by 2028: KM Malta Airlines pilots are set to receive nearly €74 million in early retirement payouts over the next three years, under a scheme originally agreed with Air Malta in 2012. The deal allows pilots with 25 years of service to retire at 55, earning two-thirds of their salary until age 65. The government took over the scheme when Air Malta shut down in March 2024, with a four-year claim window until 2028. The pilots’ union, ALPA, is now in dispute with KM Airlines, partly over foreign pilot hires and concerns over staff seniority and license revocation rules. The scheme covers 96 pilots, with average payouts ranging from €599,000 to €911,000. Some ALPA leaders negotiating the scheme are also set to benefit. (Times of Malta)
EU Funds to Benefit a Range of Social Projects: €16 million from the European Social Fund will support various government and private sector social projects in Malta. EU Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said the funding will target health, inclusion, lifelong learning, and community development. €11.6 million is allocated to Health Ministry initiatives, including staff training and better workplace environments. Other recipients include Inspire Malta (supporting people with disabilities), the Jesuit Refugee Service, the Church Schools Children’s Fund, and the culture and tourism ministries, focusing on migrant integration. Zrinzo Azzopardi emphasised that these funds will deliver real improvements in quality of life and public services.
Three Submissions Presented for the First Offshore Wind Farm Concession in Malta: Three submissions were received for Malta’s first offshore wind farm concession, marking a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy efforts. The project, launched through a Preliminary Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) last December, has now moved into a structured phase, according to Energy Minister Miriam Dalli. The 300MW floating wind farm will be located in Malta’s Exclusive Economic Zone and feed electricity into the national grid. Submissions came from Code Zero Consortium (Malta), Atlas Med Wind (Italy), and MCKEDRIK (Greece). The evaluation now focuses on verifying applicants’ compliance and capabilities, with financial offers to follow later. Qualified candidates will be informed in early 2026. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Malta joins 27 countries in condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza
Malta has joined 27 other nations in condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them “unacceptable” in a joint declaration issued at a summit in Jordan. The statement expresses alarm at the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region and calls for an immediate ceasefire. With over 38,000 Palestinians reported dead and widespread devastation, the signatories urged Israel to respect international law and the orders of the International Court of Justice. The declaration also reaffirmed commitment to a two-state solution and called for safe humanitarian access and support for Gaza’s reconstruction. The signatories, made up of EU and Arab states, warned that the ongoing conflict risks further destabilising the region. Malta’s signature underlines its alignment with broader international calls for restraint, accountability, and renewed peace efforts. (The Times of Malta)
Stalemate persists in Birkirkara as council fails to elect mayor
Political deadlock continues in Birkirkara’s local council after yet another failed attempt to elect a mayor. For months, the council has been split evenly between six Labour and six Nationalist councillors, with independent member Kaylocke Buhagiar refusing to back either side. At the latest vote, Yana Borg Debono Grech (PL) received five votes in favour and seven against, while Desirei Grech (PN) received six votes for and six against — the same result as in previous rounds. One Labour councillor was absent, weakening the PL’s chances. Buhagiar continues to vote against both nominees in a bid to become mayor himself, a move opposed by both parties. If nothing changes in next week’s vote, Grech is expected to resume her interim role as mayor for another three months. (Maltatoday)
PN slams Italian patrols in Malta as sign of failed government
The Nationalist Party has criticised the government’s decision to deploy Italian police officers in tourist hotspots like Paceville, calling it a “certificate of failure” that undermines national sovereignty and disrespects Malta’s Police Force. Eight unarmed Italian officers, without executive powers, began joint patrols on 21 July in a month-long initiative aimed at improving public order among Italian-speaking tourists. The PN said the move reflects a loss of control over security and tourism. While government insists the initiative forms part of normal intra-European collaboation, the PN argued it highlights inadequate resources and rising disorder. The officers’ presence stems from a bilateral agreement signed in December. The PN warned Malta’s image is suffering and pledged to rebuild the Police Force’s reputation and prioritise sustainable tourism under a future government. (Newsbook)
