VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s economy is projected to remain the fastest growing in the eurozone until 2030, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

While the eurozone’s average GDP growth is forecast at 1.1% by 2030, Malta’s is expected to reach 4.0% — nearly four times higher.

Prime Minister Robert Abela hailed the IMF outlook in a post on X, contrasting Malta’s strong performance with what he called the “dim prospects” of the global economy.

Abela noted that the IMF also projects unemployment in Malta to drop to just 2.5%, adding that “progressive economic policies are the only way.”

The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook warns that global economic uncertainty remains high amid tariff hikes, cuts to development aid, and tighter immigration policies in advanced economies.

It also cautions that expansive fiscal policies in several major nations could strain public finances and cause cross-border spillovers.

In a separate assessment earlier this year, the IMF said Malta’s rapid growth and rising population have created infrastructure bottlenecks.

It urged more investment in wastewater treatment, waste management, and transport, calling congestion a “pressing issue.”

The government has pledged to broaden its performance metrics beyond GDP, focusing instead on wellbeing, disposable income, and education outcomes in future planning.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A 45-year-old man has been charged in connection with a €9 million cocaine bust following an extensive police investigation between Malta and Gozo.

Croatian national Nenad Kovacic was arrested after several days of surveillance into suspicious activities involving both islands.

On Tuesday, officers intercepted a vehicle at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, where a search revealed 18 kilograms of a substance suspected to be cocaine.

Subsequent searches at Kovacic’s Xagħra residence uncovered a further 58 kilograms of suspected cocaine, bringing the total to 76 kilograms, with an estimated street value of around €9 million.

Police also found several vehicle registration plates linked to different cars, believed to have been used in the trafficking operation.

Kovacic was arraigned in the Gozo court, where he pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges.

He was remanded in custody, as his defence did not request bail. The court also issued a freezing order on all of his assets pending further investigation.

-Photo Police of Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Spain retained their top spot, which they regained last month, while world champions Argentina overtook France to take second place. This is one of the main developments in the October FIFA rankings, compiled after 173 matches including qualifiers and friendlies.

There are other notable changes in the top ten: the Netherlands overtook Ancelotti’s Brazil (now 7th) to move into 6th place, while Germany returned to the top ten, climbing two spots to 10th. Gattuso’s Italy also continued their climb, leaving last month’s 10th place behind to move up to 9th, while Croatia slipped two spots to 11th. England, Portugal, and Belgium remained unchanged at fourth, fifth, and eighth, respectively.

Worth noting are the gains made by Hungary (37th, +4), Scotland (38th, +5), Nigeria (41st, +4), and Romania (47th, +4). The longest jumps came from Niger (108th, +9), Lesotho (144th, +9), and the Faroe Islands (127th, +9). Congratulations also to Kosovo, which reached its best ranking, moving up to 84th place (+7), Syria (86th, +6), and Liberia (138th, +6). On the other hand, Greece (48th, -8) and Sweden (40th, -8) performed poorly.

The next FIFA rankings will be published on November 21, the day of the play-off draw for the last places to be assigned for the 2026 World Cup. These are the top 10 positions:

1. Spain 1880.76 points (–)
2. Argentina 1872.43 (+1)
3. France 1862.71 (-1)
4. England 1824.3 (–)
5. Portugal 1778 (–)
6. Netherlands 1759.96 (+1)
7. Brazil 1759.85 (-1)
8. Belgium 1740.01 (–)
9. Italy 1717.15 (+1)
10. Germany 1713.3 (+2)

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Management Company and part of the MSC Group, proudly participates at the ItalPress Awards and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Gala on October 18, 2025.

The events celebrate Italian excellence and strengthen transatlantic business and cultural ties. CTI is the only Italian Travel Management Company certified with the prestigious IATA – GO Global accreditation, recognizing financial strength, operational excellence, and global reliability. With offices in the United States of America, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Cyprus, and Turkey, CTI continues to expand its international footprint, consolidating its position as a trusted partner for multinational corporations and institutions around the world. This global presence allows CTI to deliver seamless service across markets, ensuring consistency, compliance, and local expertise wherever its clients do business. Its New York office serves as the company’s international hub—a benchmark for business travel management and service quality.

Here, CTI has developed a model of excellence. Here, CTI has developed a model of excellence that combines advanced cost-control and reporting systems with highly personalized assistance. The team is distinguished by an unmistakably Italian approach to problem-solving and an ability to anticipate and adapt to corporate clients’ evolving needs. «CTI is here to manage business travel intelligently, efficiently, and always with a personal touch – says Rosario Mariani, Chairman of CTI U.S. -. We are proud of our heritage, strengthened by our global partnerships, and committed to serving the people and communities on every journey». As part of the MSC Group, CTI manages global travel needs with precision and a personalized approach in an increasingly dynamic and complex environment. The business travel industry is poised for significant growth, with global spending expected to exceed $1.5 trillion this year and to surpass $2 trillion by 2029. Despite a trend toward consolidation, this landscape faces uncertainties tied to geopolitical and economic factors. In 2025, the top 15 markets worldwide for business travel spending are projected to total $1.31 trillion, with the United States ($395.4 billion) and China ($373.1 billion) together accounting for 58% of that total.

Mariani continues: «At CTI, we help companies take control of their business travel needs: keeping costs in check, giving visibility over spending, and ensuring that travelers are supported before, during, and after their business trips». CTI’s participation in the ItalPress Awards and the NIAF Gala highlights its commitment to bridging Italian tradition with global innovation in travel management, supported by a strong international footprint. The company’s global reach enables it to navigate a business travel field that is rapidly expanding and evolving. Beyond corporate travel, CTI designs meetings, incentives, conventions, and group programs, while also offering extraordinary leisure experiences through MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. The company recently welcomed Italian World Champion Jannik Sinner as a global brand ambassador, reflecting CTI’s inspiration for new generations of travelers.

– photo Cisalpina Tours International press office –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Hansi Flick is more furious with the club than with the player. A Spanish press report claims the Barcelona manager didn’t appreciate the club’s alleged involvement in his decision to omit Lamine Yamal from the starting XI against PSG, after rumors claimed he was late for training.

“I’d like to know where these rumors are coming from. They’re bullshit. It’s not like that,” the manager vented at a press conference. “At this club, I have a very honest relationship with Deco and the rest of the management. They believe in my work, I have their trust, and there’s no need for clarification because what’s being reported is just nonsense. Whoever told these lies is lying.”

The 18-year-old’s private life is also discussed, and Flick quickly puts the matter to rest. “For me, the important thing is that he works hard when he’s here, and from that perspective, I can say he’s perfect. He’s very professional, but what he does on his days off and in his private life is none of my business.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Andreas Rettig, German Football Association (DFB) CEO, has discussed the possibility of compensation for players who change national teams. “The fact that such changes are made free of charge disturbs my sense of justice. Training must bear fruit, also for the coach. We want to work in this direction,” Retting told the “Augsburger Allgemeine.”

“There are players who have come through our youth teams, from the Under-15s to the Under-21s, and then joined other associations. Of course, training and development largely depend on the clubs, but the national team has some players under its management for up to 75 days a year,” the DFB CEO added.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – West Midlands Police have decided to ban Israeli fans from attending the Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match, a round-one match of the Europa League, scheduled for November 6 in Birmingham. This measure immediately sparked outrage online, and the UK Prime Minister also took a stand. “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate anti-Semitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure that all football fans can enjoy the match, without fear of violence or intimidation,” Keir Starmer wrote on social media. UEFA officials also opposed the ban, calling on the UK authorities to ensure “that fans can attend the match in a safe and welcoming environment.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “I already knew about the passion that exists in this country, but it’s a true passion, especially for the national team. The Seleção jersey is deeply loved by the people. When Brazil plays, the entire country stops. Everyone is focused on the match the national team is about to play. Brazilian players, and this comes as no surprise, are extremely talented. Thanks to their natural gifts, they possess an incredible level of skill overall.” Though he has only been in charge for a few months, Carlo Ancelotti has already experienced first-hand the enthusiasm surrounding the Seleção — an energy that he and his players will aim to sustain heading into the 2026 World Cup.

“So far, everything has gone well. We’re already qualified, which gives us the time we need to properly prepare for the World Cup,” he said in an interview with FIFA.com. “I believe the work done by my predecessors was positive. We faced some difficulties, of course, but we managed to get the job done — we just needed to beat Paraguay, and we did. We’re all very satisfied.”

Ancelotti had been linked with the Brazil job as early as last year, but the deal only materialized in May. “I thought that the chance to coach the Brazilian national team — the most important team in football history, and the one that has won the most World Cups — would be a great opportunity,” he explained. “I liked the idea of managing Brazil. When the opportunity arose, I didn’t let it slip away. Of course, I must also thank Real Madrid for allowing me to take on this new challenge.”

A massive following is expected for Brazil at the World Cup. “The fans will show us their incredible affection. For us in the Seleção, the chance to give Brazilians what they want — winning the World Cup after 24 years — is a huge motivation.”

It will also be the first 48-team World Cup, “which I think is very positive,” said Ancelotti. “The more countries that can participate, the better for football. I don’t think there will be major changes to the schedule since only a few more games will be added, so I see it as a good idea. Expanding the World Cup to include more nations can help football become an even more global sport.”

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has been selected as one of six new European locations to host an AI Factory Antenna — part of an EU initiative to boost innovation and supercomputing capabilities across the continent.

The network, coordinated by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, now connects 19 AI hubs aimed at making Europe a global leader in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

EuroHPC has already procured 11 supercomputers across Europe, three of which rank among the world’s top ten — including Germany’s Jupiter, Europe’s first exascale supercomputer.

The EU will invest around €55 million in the new AI Factory Antennas, matched by national contributions. Malta’s antenna, named Calypso (Computational AI factory Link Yielding Performance, Services, and Outreach), will be led by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) and linked to Greece’s Pharos AI Factory.

Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said Calypso will connect Malta directly to Europe’s most advanced AI and supercomputing resources, opening opportunities for local startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

MDIA CEO Kenneth Brincat added that the €10 million project will strengthen Malta’s innovation ecosystem and provide access to powerful AI tools and expertise.

By mid-2026, all AI Factory Antennas will sign collaboration agreements, ensuring that European researchers and industries can benefit from EuroHPC’s advanced computing – infrastructure, regardless of location.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Leading international media freedom organisations have urged the Maltese government to adopt a National Action Plan on Media Freedom and Journalist Safety, describing it as a “historic opportunity” to secure lasting press protections and honour slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

In a joint statement marking the eighth anniversary of Caruana Galizia’s assassination, the International Press Institute (IPI) and 17 other media groups said recent consultations on media reform must lead to “concrete and measurable action” that aligns with European and international standards.

The coalition’s submission to Maltese authorities outlines 14 key recommendations, including the creation of the national plan, establishing an inter-ministerial body to coordinate responses to threats, and constitutional reforms to enshrine journalism as a pillar of democracy.

Other proposals call for stronger anti-SLAPP measures, whistleblower protections, and reforms to public service media to ensure independence and transparency.

Press freedom groups emphasised that Malta still faces systemic issues exposed by Caruana Galizia’s 2017 murder, urging full implementation of the 2021 public inquiry recommendations.

They also called for training for law enforcement and judiciary officials, as well as safeguards for female journalists facing online abuse.

“The implementation of these recommendations would be a meaningful way to continue to mark the life and legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia,” said Tom Gibson of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews