Updated 1230
ounterfeit Banknotes in Malta Drop Nearly 30% as €50 Notes Overtake €20s: Counterfeit banknotes in Malta declined sharply in 2025, with 1,097 notes removed from circulation, a 29.9% drop from 2024, according to the Central Bank of Malta. Fake notes remain negligible compared to over 30 million genuine notes in circulation. Mid-range denominations were most targeted, with €20 and €50 notes making up 87.5% of counterfeits, though €20 notes declined while €50 increased. Lower denominations fell further, and high-value notes were rare. Despite the low figures, authorities urge vigilance, noting most counterfeits are easy to detect using the “feel, look, tilt” method and offering support and training to businesses. (TVM News)
Parliament Unanimously Expands Organ Donation Rules to Boost Transplants: Parliament has unanimously approved changes allowing organ donation after circulatory death, not just brain death, in a move expected to increase donations by up to 50%, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said. The bill was fast-tracked through all stages and will take effect once published. The reform replaces earlier plans for an opt-out system, instead introducing a model backed by medical experts and the Church. Abela said most families already consent to donation, while opposition MP Ivan Bartolo stressed public trust and strict safeguards. The measure is expected to particularly benefit kidney patients awaiting transplants. (Times of Malta)
Nurses’ Union Accuses Minister of Double Standards Amid Court Clash: The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) has accused Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela of “unprecedented” double standards, after legal action was taken against nurses over industrial directives while doctors allegedly face no consequences for cancelling operations to take leave. The union said the case, set for its first hearing, marks the first time such action has targeted nurses, rejecting claims that directives risk patient safety. It plans to present evidence of elective surgery cancellations to accommodate doctors’ holidays. MUMN also raised wider concerns over hospital overcrowding and service failures, warning of systemic inequality and vowing to defend nurses’ rights. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Malta’s Wellbeing Improves, but Stress and Anxiety Rise
Malta has climbed five places to 43rd in the World Happiness Report and three places to 12th in the EU for life satisfaction, according to the latest Wellbeing INDEX Project. The survey, conducted annually by the National Statistics Office on around 10,000 residents, shows that strong social relationships remain Malta’s key strength, with 85% of those regularly meeting family and friends reporting higher wellbeing. However, emotional wellbeing is declining. More people report feelings of nervousness, loneliness, and depression, with women disproportionately affected. Time poverty, environmental concerns, and neighbourhood stress are rising, impacting higher-income and educated groups as well. Vulnerable populations remain at risk, highlighting a paradox: while satisfaction increases, emotional wellbeing is deteriorating. Experts stress that progress must reach those struggling most. (The Malta Independent)
Paceville to Get Dedicated Police Squad Ahead of Peak Season
Malta’s nightlife hub, Paceville, will finally have its own dedicated police squad this summer, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri announced. The move forms part of efforts to improve security in the busy nightlife district. Details on staffing and operations are still being finalised. Officers will have access to 24-hour CCTV monitoring, part of the ministry’s 2025 surveillance project which installed 40 cameras across the area. The squad is intended to respond swiftly to incidents and maintain public safety during peak periods. Authorities hope the initiative will reassure both residents and visitors, addressing ongoing concerns around safety, law enforcement and disorder in Malta’s most vibrant entertainment district. (Maltatoday)
Gaming Firm Shuts Malta Office, 120 Jobs Affected
iGaming company Interactive has announced it will close its Malta operations by the end of June, following a wind-down of its white-label business. Around 120 employees will be made redundant, although they bring experience in regulated markets including the UK, Ontario, and under the Malta Gaming Authority. White-label platforms allow companies to enter the iGaming market without building their own infrastructure. Local staff affected include professionals across AML compliance and operations. The closure reflects broader shifts in the sector as firms streamline operations and focus on core business areas. Experts note that Malta’s talent pool remains highly skilled, and many of the outgoing staff are expected to find opportunities in other iGaming or regulated finance roles locally and abroad. (Times of Malta)
