Update 1125
Project Green’s Urban Greening Budget Cut by a Third Amid Years of Underspending: Project Green’s urban greening budget will fall from €30 million in 2026 to €20 million in 2027, despite years of government pledges to expand Malta’s green spaces. The agency, established in 2023, has repeatedly underspent its allocation, spending €18.5 million of its €30 million budget in 2025. Several flagship projects have also faced delays. An Environment Ministry spokesperson maintained that greening remains a government priority, estimating €62 million for greening and nature projects in 2027. Project Green’s allocation is expected to rise to €30 million in 2028 and €40 million in 2029. Its valley management funding has also been transferred to Ambjent Malta, while operational funding increases to €12 million. (The Times of Malta)
Carabott Slams ‘Morally Wrong’ Budget Measures Raising Costs for Non-EU Workers: Nationalist MP Darren Carabott criticised Budget measures increasing costs for third-country nationals (TCNs) and removing their eligibility for services such as free childcare, arguing it was morally wrong to encourage foreign workers to come to Malta for 13 years before abruptly changing policy. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, the economic affairs shadow minister said Malta should shift towards productivity and skills-driven growth rather than relying on population increases. He called for a population plan and proper consultation with employers and affected workers, warning that higher costs could push up prices. Economic Services Minister Silvio Schembri accused the Opposition of inconsistency, noting its previous criticism of foreign workers’ impact on congestion and public services. He also said Malta had recorded record foreign direct investment in recent years. (The Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Childcare operators warn Budget measure could affect jobs
The Malta Chamber of SMEs and the Childcare Centres Providers Association (CCPA) have urged the Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw free childcare from third-country nationals without long-term residence status, warning of significant repercussions for operators, workers and employers. In a statement on Tuesday, the organisations said around a quarter of children attending childcare centres were third-country nationals, most of whom did not hold the required status. They criticised the measure for being introduced without consultation or an assessment of its impact. Operators had already made commitments and planned upcoming intakes, including February 2027, based on the existing arrangements. The organisations warned that some working parents could struggle to afford alternative childcare, potentially forcing employers to absorb additional costs or lose workers.They called for urgent discussions with the sector to assess the implications and identify a fair and sustainable solution. (The Malta Independent)
Speaker calls for fairer sharing of migration responsibilities
Speaker of the House Carmelo Abela has called for greater burden-sharing among EU member states on migration during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Metsola paid her first official visit to Abela at the Maltese Parliament on Tuesday, with discussions covering European security, economic competitiveness, relations with Africa and the war in Ukraine. Abela stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, democracy and citizens’ security and prosperity. He also said EU enlargement should remain conditional on tangible reforms and adherence to European values. On relations with Africa, he highlighted the need for partnerships based on sustainable investment, job creation and cooperation on migration. Abela reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy, while highlighting the European Parliament’s role in democratic accountability. Metsola invited Abela to visit the European Parliament, underlining the importance of continued dialogue and closer cooperation between the institutions. (TVM News)
Church and civil society groups condemn Budget measures affecting TCNs
The Church’s Interdiocesan Commission for the Promotion of Integral Human Development has condemned Budget 2027 measures restricting benefits for third-country nationals, warning that they undermine human dignity and social cohesion. The Chuch’s Commission criticised additional financial burdens on non-EU workers and restrictions affecting free public transport and childcare. Chairperson Mark Cachia said people should not be welcomed as workers only to be treated as unwelcome members of their communities. Other organisations have also objected to the measures. The TCN Alliance described the Budget as a “slap in the face” for foreign workers, while Aditus Foundation accused the Government of scapegoating migrants. Repubblika condemned the restrictions as unjust and discriminatory, arguing that workers who contribute to Malta should not be treated differently because they cannot vote. The Church Commission warned that the measures would do little to address population-related pressures and could increase requests for assistance from Church organisations. It called for poverty and inequality impact assessments to become a standard part of the Budget process. (Newsbook)
