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EU Court move targets Malta over renewable energy delay

EU Court move targets Malta over renewable energy delay

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta faces legal action from the European Commission after failing to fully transpose key provisions of a 2023 renewable energy directive, with Brussels now seeking financial penalties.

The Commission has referred Malta, alongside Greece and Portugal, to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not incorporating Directive 2023/2413 into national law within the required timeframe.

The directive, which updates earlier 2018 rules, is designed to accelerate renewable energy deployment across sectors such as transport, buildings, heating and industry, with the broader aim of cutting emissions, boosting energy independence and reducing costs.

EU member states were required to implement most provisions by 21 May 2025. However, infringement proceedings began in July 2025 when Malta and the two other countries failed to notify the Commission of any transposition measures.

A formal request to comply followed in December, with Malta specifically criticised for not providing detailed documentation showing how the directive’s provisions were integrated into national legislation.

Despite these steps, the Commission said the countries did not adequately respond, prompting the escalation to court proceedings and a request for financial sanctions.

The case puts Malta under scrutiny as it balances EU obligations with domestic constraints.

Prime Minister Robert Abela argued that EU energy policies must account for the realities of small and peripheral states.

He said Malta, along with Gozo, faces unique challenges due to its size and double insularity, calling for tailored measures rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

The court’s eventual ruling could set a precedent for how strictly EU renewable energy laws are enforced across member states lagging behind on implementation.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Ashley Young announces his retirement from football at 40

Ashley Young announces his retirement from football at 40

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – With a message on social media, Ashley Young has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40, effective at the end of the season.

A Premier League champion with Manchester United and later a Serie A winner with Inter, Young also lifted a Europa League title with the Red Devils. At international level, he earned 39 caps and scored 7 goals for England.

Currently playing for Ipswich Town this season, Young has also worn the shirts of Watford, Aston Villa, and Everton during his career.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Inter, Besiktas interested in Luis Henrique

Inter, Besiktas interested in Luis Henrique

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Ahead of next season, Besiktas wants to strengthen its group of wingers with at least two additions, and at the top of the wishlist, according to “Fanatik,” is Inter’s Luis Henrique.

The 24-year-old Brazilian joined the Nerazzurri last summer from Marseille for €23 million but has struggled to make an impact. Besiktas would be ready to offer him a chance to relaunch his career with a loan deal including an option to buy.

The negotiations are expected to be difficult because Inter—who are asking for at least around €20 million—would prefer a permanent transfer. There is also no shortage of competition: Lyon, Monaco, and Marseille in Ligue 1, as well as Bournemouth, Everton, and Aston Villa in the Premier League, are all tracking the player.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Mediterranean, Italpress and ECAM Council renew cooperation agreement

Mediterranean, Italpress and ECAM Council renew cooperation agreement

ROME (ITALPRESS) – News agency Italpress and ECAM Council have renewed their cooperation aimed at developing synergies in the fields of information, institutional communication and the promotion of cooperation initiatives in the Mediterranean area.

ECAM Council – an international body committed to promoting economic, cultural and institutional dialogue among countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East – operates as a platform for discussion and coordination among institutions, companies and public and private stakeholders, with the goal of fostering cooperation, integration and sustainable development in the region. It is chaired by Kamel Ghribi, with Ambassador Ettore Sequi serving as secretary-general.

The agreement provides for the development of joint editorial projects, the dissemination of information on activities promoted by ECAM Council and the promotion of initiatives linked to international cooperation processes, with particular focus on economic growth, innovation and the strengthening of relations among countries.

For Italpress, the agreement represents a further step in its expansion across the Mediterranean basin and in consolidating its international presence in strategic regions, also thanks to partnerships already established with several foreign news agencies in the area and to its Italian, English and Arabic news service Mednews. The deal also strengthens the agency’s role as a reference media partner for institutions and stakeholders involved in cooperation and integration processes in the Mediterranean region.

“The agreement signed with Italpress marks an important step in strengthening relations among Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In an increasingly complex international context, the quality of information and the ability to build a balanced narrative of ongoing developments are essential elements in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation. In this regard, we consider particularly significant the work carried out by Italpress in the Mediterranean through its MedNews service, published in Italian, English and Arabic, which reaches a broad and qualified audience of media, institutions and stakeholders. ECAM sees this partnership as a concrete opportunity to enhance dialogue among the region’s different actors and to contribute, also through authoritative and multilingual information, to building shared paths of development and stability,” said Kamel Ghribi.

“With this important agreement with ECAM Council, Italpress strengthens its international vocation and its commitment to reporting with professionalism and independence on cooperation processes affecting the Mediterranean. The agency will continue to invest in building relationships with institutional partners and media across the region, helping to create an increasingly integrated information system attentive to economic, social and cultural dynamics, with the conviction that this approach can foster dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding among countries in the Mediterranean basin,” said Italpress founder and editor-in-chief Gaspare Borsellino.




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Malta bans recreational laughing gas use, tightens controls

Malta bans recreational laughing gas use, tightens controls

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has banned the recreational use of laughing gas, introducing strict limits on its importation and distribution through a legal notice.

The measure, issued by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, prohibits possession, sale, and use of nitrous oxide for non-legitimate purposes, marking a significant policy shift after months of public concern.

The move coincides with the Labour Party launching its first election campaign event in Gozo, where worries over the substance have been particularly pronounced.

The OASI Foundation had repeatedly called for tighter regulation, citing troubling incidents, including reports of minors being given laughing gas balloons during celebrations.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Sahara, Germany supports autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty

Sahara, Germany supports autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Germany has reaffirmed the centrality of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty regarding the Sahara issue, indicating that it will act in accordance with this position both diplomatically and economically. This was reported by the Moroccan news agency MAP, specifying that this position was expressed in the joint declaration adopted at the end of the second session of the Morocco-Germany Multidimensional Strategic Dialogue, held in Rabat between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul.

According to MAP, Germany also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 of October 31, 2025, stating that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could represent the most viable solution” to the regional dispute over Western Sahara. Germany reaffirmed the centrality of the autonomy initiative presented by the Kingdom of Morocco, further declaring that it considers the Moroccan autonomy plan “a serious and credible basis for negotiations” aimed at a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution to the dispute.

Renewing its full support for the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in leading and facilitating the political process “on the basis of the Moroccan autonomy plan,” Germany also welcomed Morocco’s willingness to “clarify the form that autonomy would take under Moroccan sovereignty,” the joint statement states. Finally, in the same joint statement, Germany committed to “acting in accordance with this position diplomatically and economically,” in compliance with international law, the text reported by the MAP agency concludes.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Space, Morocco joins the Artemis Accords

Space, Morocco joins the Artemis Accords

RABAT (MOROCCO) – Morocco has joined the Artemis Accords, an international initiative promoted by the United States to regulate civilian space exploration on a peaceful and cooperative basis. According to the Moroccan website Yabiladi, the announcement was made in Rabat by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, following a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita.

“We welcome the extension of our alliance to the space sector,” Landau said, noting that Morocco becomes the 64th signatory to the Artemis Accords, launched in 2020 by the United States.

The Artemis Accords establish a framework for responsible space exploration, based on transparency, sharing of scientific data, mutual assistance between states, and respect for international law. Morocco’s accession marks a further strengthening of the strategic partnership between Rabat and Washington, opening up new prospects for – cooperation in the field of innovation and advanced technologies.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Sahara, U.S. reaffirms recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty

Sahara, U.S. reaffirms recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The United States has reaffirmed its “recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara”. “The United States recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara”, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said during a press conference held in Rabat following his meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

The senior U.S. official also stressed that “we are working within the framework of the latest United Nations Security Council resolution (Editor’s note: Resolution 2797) to achieve a peaceful solution to this conflict, which has lasted for an unacceptably long time,” adding that “this situation cannot wait another 50, 150, or 200 years to be resolved”.

During talks with Nasser Bourita, Christopher Landau also reiterated the United States’ continued support for “Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal,” describing it as “the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the territorial dispute over the Sahara”.

Likewise, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State highlighted during the meetings “the United States’ support for American companies interested in investing and developing economic activities in the Sahara”.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)


Source: medNews

Scott Parker leaves Burnley following confirmation of Premier League relegation

Scott Parker leaves Burnley following confirmation of Premier League relegation

BURNLEY (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Burnley and Scott Parker have officially announced that they have reached an agreement for the early termination of his contract. This decision comes a week after the team’s mathematical relegation to the Championship (the equivalent of Italy’s Serie B), just one year after a record-breaking 2024/25 season, which concluded with promotion to the Premier League with a 33-game unbeaten run and 30 clean sheets.

“The club wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Scott for his professionalism, dedication, and contribution. He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone associated with Burnley,” the club announced, adding that interim manager Mike Jackson will close out the season, starting with tomorrow’s away match against Leeds. “It has been an immense privilege to lead this great club over the past two years. I have enjoyed every moment of our journey together, but I believe now is the right time, both for me and the club, to embark on different paths,” the coach said. “I look back with great pride on what we have achieved together, particularly the unforgettable promotion in 2024/25. It has been a true honor to lead this team to the Premier League. I thank the owners, the players, the staff, and the fans.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

Kobbie Mainoo to sign new Manchester United contract until 2031

Kobbie Mainoo to sign new Manchester United contract until 2031

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The Mainoo deal is moving further and further away for Napoli. The Manchester United midfielder was one of the club’s top targets during the winter transfer window, but according to “The Athletic,” the 2005-born Englishman is ready to renew his contract with the Red Devils until 2031. Sporting director Giovanni Manna had sensed the transfer opportunity following the player’s poor playing time under Ruben Amorim. The manager, who was fired on January 5th due to poor league performances, favored the pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro to form his 3-4-3 formation. These choices forced Kobbie Maino’s entourage to push for a loan transfer.

The English management, however, did not authorize his departure, considering the product of their own academy unsellable. The arrival of Michael Carrick has made Mainoo a key player for United (12 starts in the last 13 league games). In midfield, the 2005-born player acts as the perfect link between Casemiro’s fight and Bruno Fernandes’ creativity. His contract renewal has quelled rumors of a possible departure. Mainoo has reclaimed Man Utd.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews

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