VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s second electricity interconnector with Sicily has reached a crucial stage, with 65% of its land cable manufacturing completed, the Maltese government confirmed.

The 122 million project will connect Ragusa in southern Sicily to Maghtab on Malta’s east coast through 21 kilometres of land cable and 99 kilometres of subsea cable. When completed, the 225MW high-voltage AC line will provide nearly one-third of Malta’s peak summer demand, according to Interconnect Malta CEO Ismail D’Amato. “This interconnector represents our commitment to making Malta’s energy sector more resilient and sustainable,” Energy Minister Miriam Dalli said during a visit to works in Sicily. She described the project as central to Malta’s long-term energy strategy and its push for cleaner power generation.

Co-financed by the EU’s 2021-2027 European Regional Development Fund, the new cable will double Malta’s electricity interconnection capacity with Europe. Italian contractors SELT have completed 15% of the land-based works in Sicily, while French group Nexans is producing the subsea cable in Charleston, USA. The submarine line will be buried up to 175 metres below sea level and will include fibre optic strands for enhanced monitoring. Once operational by late 2026, the project is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 13.5 million tonnes and deliver Ç712 million in long-term economic benefits.

European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi called it Malta’s largest ERDF-funded project, saying it would guarantee “a secure, resilient and sustainable energy future”. The new interconnector follows the first Malta-Sicily link built in 2015. That 200MW cable ended Malta’s energy isolation but will be switched off temporarily next year for upgrades needed to connect the second line.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged that next month’s budget will introduce “unprecedented” measures to ensure that financial pressures do not discourage Maltese families from having children.

Speaking during an interview, Abela said the government’s aim was to empower people “to have as many children as they wish,” stressing that the state must step in when financial obstacles hold families back. The pledge comes amid growing debate about Malta’s low birth rate, with concerns that rising living costs are discouraging larger families. Abela hinted that the upcoming budget will include significant new investment to address these concerns, but he gave no details of the measures being considered. The prime minister underlined that the budget would also cater for families hoping to have three children, saying it would help them “fulfil their wish”.

The opposition Nationalist Party has proposed a new tax band for parents with more than one child, arguing that raising a child costs between Ç7,000 and Ç9,000 per year. Abela did not indicate whether this idea forms part of the government’s plans, insisting instead that people should “not feel constrained” when making family choices. Details of how the government intends to deliver on its promise are expected to be revealed when the budget is presented next month.

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Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – More bad news for Real Madrid after their derby defeat. Dani Carvajal, who picked up an injury in the 40th minute following a challenge with Nico Gonzalez but stayed on until the 59th, underwent tests that revealed a soleus muscle injury in his right leg.

He is expected to be sidelined for 4–5 weeks, meaning Xabi Alonso will be without him for at least two Champions League matches, including the one against Juventus at the Bernabéu (October 22), as well as two LaLiga fixtures, against Villarreal and Getafe. Real’s hope is to have Carvajal back in time for the Clásico against Barcelona on October 26.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Thanks to the royal vision, Morocco has made energy transition a strategic choice,” said Youssef Balla, Morocco’s Ambassador to Italy.

Speaking at a roundtable held this past weekend as part of FestMed in Olbia, Sardinia, on the theme “Shared Challenges and Interests in the Mediterranean: Energy, Tourism and Connectivity,” Ambassador Balla underlined Morocco’s central role in helping transform the Mediterranean into a space of opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity in the 21st century.

He highlighted “major structuring projects, among the most important in the world at both national and regional levels,” carried out by Morocco, such as the Noor solar complex and the wind farms in Tarfaya and Tangier. Currently, around 42% of Morocco’s energy mix is green, with the goal of reaching 52% by 2030. The Ambassador also stressed Morocco’s ambition in the field of green hydrogen, with a roadmap that foresees producing 14 TWh by 2030 and launching six large-scale projects worth a total of €30 billion. He noted that, thanks to its geographical position and competitive costs, the Kingdom is well positioned to become a natural supplier for Europe. In the same spirit, he cited the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project—spanning more than 5,600 km and crossing 13 countries—as a strategic corridor serving energy security, South-South cooperation, and regional geopolitical stability.

Turning to tourism, he emphasised Morocco’s unique offering, which combines imperial cities, the Sahara, mountains, and coastlines, while also expanding into new segments such as medical, digital, and film tourism. The 2030 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted with Spain and Portugal, will, in his view, be a historic opportunity to enhance the attractiveness and visibility of the entire Mediterranean region. In this context, Ambassador Balla called for the adoption of a Mediterranean Charter for sustainable and responsible tourism that preserves the region’s shared heritage.

On the issue of connectivity, he pointed to the success of the Tanger Med port, now the leading port in Africa and the Mediterranean with 10 million containers handled annually, as well as key infrastructure projects including the Morocco-Spain underwater tunnel and the Euro-African digital highway.

He concluded by urging that the Mediterranean be seen as “a resource that unites us” rather than a space of division, stressing the need for cooperative responses to common challenges such as climate change, irregular migration, and geopolitical tensions.
“Morocco is ready to work with all its partners to make the Mediterranean basin a space for dialogue, innovation, and shared prosperity,” he said, underscoring the need for a pragmatic Mediterranean agenda and a fair partnership built on three pillars: Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe.

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Source: medNews

ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Qatar will host the final three matches of the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup: “the Derby of the Americas and the Challenger Cup, followed by the showcase match against PSG to crown the champions,” announced FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Instagram.

“This wonderful country has been an excellent host of major FIFA tournaments in the past and will once again bring the world together by welcoming teams from four continents,” Infantino said.

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta marked a significant milestone in its tourism strategy with the inauguration of a new Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) office in Manhattan, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ian Borg. The office, located within Maltàs Permanent Mission to the United Nations, will serve as the hub for promoting the country across North America. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Maltàs Permanent Representative to the UN, Natasha Meli-Daudey, Maltàs Ambassador to the U.S., Godfrey Xuereb, and several industry stakeholders. Borg was joined by MTA CEO Carlo Micallef, North America Representative Michelle Buttigieg, Marketing Director Arthur Grima, and Marketing Manager Yasmine Scorfna. Borg described the U.S. travel market as the “ultimate benchmark” for any destination, noting that Maltàs presence in New York reflects a long-term commitment to the region. Maltàs Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg linked the office launch to recent announcements, including Delta Airlines’ new direct flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Malta, starting in June, and the U.S. premiere of Hidden Malta, a documentary by Emmy-winning journalist Peter Greenberg. Micallef praised the progress made since MTA’s entry into the North American market 11 years ago, crediting Buttigieg’s efforts in raising Maltàs profile among U.S. tour operators and luxury travel networks. “This new office marks an important milestone in our long-term strategy,” he said. Buttigieg highlighted the growing collaboration with Us industry leaders, stressing the officès role as a bridge between Malta and the North American travel sector.(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Doi

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Laurent Blanc’s spell in charge of Al-Ittihad is over: the 59-year-old former France national team coach, who also played for Inter during his career, has been dismissed following the 2-0 defeat against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on Matchday 4 of the Saudi Pro League.

Champions of Saudi Arabia last season, Al-Ittihad – whose squad features stars such as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté – had started the campaign with three wins in their opening three matches.

While waiting for a new head coach, the team has been placed under the interim charge of Hassan Khalifa, Blanc’s assistant since the summer of 2024, with Ivan Carrasco as his deputy.

– Photo IPA Agency –

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Source: medNews

VATICAN CITY (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Kamel Ghribi, President of GKSD and Vice President of the San Donato Group, met with Pope Leo XIV.
“It was a true privilege”, said Ghribi, “which adds to that of having taken part in his enthronement Mass”.
During the conversation with the Pontiff, they addressed some of the most urgent challenges of our time, beginning with the tragedy in Gaza. “We spoke about the children, the families, all the innocent victims of a conflict they did not choose and for which they bear no blame”, Ghribi added.
It was an intense and moving meeting, in which references were also made to Pope Francis: “From him I received the gift of friendship”, Ghribi recalled.
At the conclusion of the private audience, the President of GKSD and Vice President of the San Donato Group expressed his conviction that “the Catholic Church has found in Leo XIV an enlightened, inspired leader, theologically solid and capable of guiding us through an era marked by pain, complexity, and daunting challenges”.
Finally, Ghribi emphasised: “I am certain that interreligious dialogue will be at the heart of his pontificate, and that all people of faith, whatever their religion, will be able to recognise in him a spiritual and human point of reference”.

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Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Graham Potter is no longer West Ham’s head coach. The English club announced the decision in a statement, explaining that “the results and performances from the second half of last season and the start of the 2025/26 campaign (three points in five matches, ed.) have not met expectations, and the Board believes a change is necessary to help improve the team’s Premier League position as soon as possible.”

“The Board wishes to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wishes them every success in the future. The process of appointing a successor is underway. At this time, the club will not be making any further comments,” the statement continued.

Meanwhile, according to the English press, Nuno Espírito Santo is the leading candidate to replace Potter. The BBC reports that the Portuguese coach is expected to be on the bench before Monday’s match against Everton.

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is ready to welcome the world’s warring parties to facilitate a path to peace, Prime Minister Robert Abela told delegates at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Positioning Malta as “a unique platform for peace,” Abela renewed his open offer for dialogue. “Malta stands ready to welcome you, to facilitate, and to support you in finding ways forward,” he said, referencing both the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While he avoided the terms “genocide” and “Israel,” Abela condemned the devastation in Gaza, describing forced hunger and mass killings as “morally wrong” and “inhuman.”

He recalled the story of Ibrahim, a Palestinian child treated in Malta after losing both legs in a drone strike, as he demanded: “These atrocities must stop now.” Abela called for a two-state solution, rejecting suggestions it would reward Hamas. “It is the only way to finally banish the evil of Hamas,” he said. Turning to Ukraine, Abela named Russia directly, condemning its “unprovoked and illegal” invasion. He urged continued economic pressure on Moscow to bring about dialogue and saluted Ukrainians with “slava Ukraini.”

On the role of the United Nations, Abela said the institution was “not perfect but indispensable,” calling for reforms to the Security Council and the secretary general selection process to make them more transparent and inclusive. He argued that small states bring “innovation, credibility, and moral authority” to global action.
Abela also highlighted migration as a pressing issue, warning that the current level of irregular migration was “unsustainable.” He urged a coordinated international response that is both humane and effective, while defending Malta’s controversial cooperation with Libya to prevent departures by sea. “Although Malta may be one of the UN’s smallest members in terms of geography, we have always been determined to be one of the UN’s biggest voices,” Abela said.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews