VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission has urged Malta to make further progress on judicial independence, media freedom and corruption, as MEPs called for action rather than more reports, nine years after journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination.

European Commissioner Michael McGrath told the European Parliament that Malta had taken some steps to address concerns but needed further efforts to implement outstanding recommendations.

The Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report, published in July, highlighted limited progress on safeguards for journalists, judicial appointments and the prosecution of corruption cases. It also flagged court delays and weaknesses in the Permanent Commission against Corruption.

The debate exposed divisions among Maltese MEPs over the state of the country’s institutions and the legacy of Caruana Galizia’s murder.

The debate referred  me to the inquiry’s unimplemented recommendations, including anti-mafia legislation, unexplained wealth orders, constitutional protection for journalism and criminalisation of abuse of office.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has said he will never introduce an anti-mafia law, arguing that it would suggest Malta is a mafia state.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party’s bill seeking to implement the inquiry’s recommendations remains off Parliament’s agenda.

Although the Commission’s powers to force reforms are limited, it can initiate infringement proceedings against member states. McGrath said Brussels was counting on Maltese authorities to implement the necessary changes.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews