LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has registered the highest increase in greenhouse gas emissions in all of the EU. According to a study by Eurostat, Malta registered an increase of 7.7% in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 compared to the second and the same quarter in 2022.
The study looked into these emissions in the second quarter of 2023 and compared them to the same quarter in 2022 – it also considered quarterly socio-economic data – like gross domestic product (GDP) and employment – in conjunction with greenhouse gas emissions.
The EU registered a decrease of 5.3% compared to 2022 while its GDP remained more-or-less stable with a minor variation of a 0.05% increase in 2023.
Alongside greenhouse gases, Malta also registered an increase of 3.9% in GDP in comparison with the same quarter of last year.
Following Maltàs increase in emissions are Latvia at 4.5%, Ireland at 3.6%, Lithuania at 3.0, Cyprus at 1.7%, and Croatia at 1.0%. Meanwhile, Croatia, Cyprus, and Lithuania also registered increases in their GDP at 2.6%, 2.2%, and 0.7% respectively.
The largest reductions in greenhouse gases were reported in Bulgaria at -23.7%, Estonia at -23.1%, and the Netherlands at -10.3%.
Out of the 21 EU members that decreased their emissions, 10 recorded a decline in their GDP – Estonia, Hungary, Luxembourg, Sweden, Austria, Czechia, Poland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands.
Italy maintained its GDP at the same level as the second quarter of 2022 and decreased its greenhouse gases emissions. Ten EU countries; Denmark, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain, Romania, and Greece managed to decrease emissions while growing their GDP.

– Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is expected to register an economic growth of 4% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025 according to a forecast by the European Commission. This will put Malta as the EU country with the largest growth and the lowest unemployment during this period. In its autumn forecast for Malta, the European Commission remarked that private consumption slowed down slightly due to higher inflation and a decrease in investment. Inflation is still projected to reach 5.7% in 2023 and then moderate to 3.3% in 2024 and 3.1% in 2025. EC economists said that energy prices in Malta are set to remain unchanged until 2025 due to government measures.
The general government deficit is expected to decrease gradually from 5.7% of the Gross Domestic Product in 2022 to stand at 4.1% in 2025. Meanwhile, the public debt is forecast to reach 57% of GDP in 2025.
(ITALPRESS).
– Photo credit: Tourist Office of Malta –

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS) – The various authorities in the Mediterranean were alerted by the international NGO Alarm Phone about 11 boats full of migrants, mostly in the area between Tunisia and Lampedusa.
Alarm Phone added that eight of the boats are still in serious conditions. The NGO added that even though during the night, the authorities were alerted about the difficult situation the migrants are facing, so far there was no response for an urgent rescue.

– foto: Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is taking an active diplomatic role in the context of the Gaza war by coordinating resolutions within the ambit of the United Nations Security Council. This was stated by the Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg in Parliament, adding Malta is using its seat at the UN Security Council to try to come to a decision on a resolution.
Minister Borg declared “Malta cannot turn a blind eye when international treaties are blatantly being breached.” He said Malta expects everyone to respect the territorial sovereignty. He added that while the Maltese government condemned the Hamas aggression against Israel, it warned that the Israeli response should be in line with international law.
More than 11,000 people were killed in Gaza after a surprise attack in Israel on October 7 when Hamas terrorists killed 1,400 people.
Malta favours a two-state solution in conformity with the UN Security Council, with Jerusalem being the capital of two nations who can live side by side.

– foto: Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MPA) – During the third quarter of this year over 248,000 residents of Malta travelled abroad for holidays; an increase of 28.35% over the same period last year and the most popular destination remained Italy.
According to the National Statistics Office, close to 39% of all travelled to Italian cities. It also emerges that travel by the Maltese to European Union countries increased by 26.5%, while travel to countries beyond the continent increased by 35.1%.
Between January and September, the Maltese spent close to 539 million euros during their holidays abroad. 50.1% more than that registered during the same period in the previous year.
During the summer months of July and September, the total spending by the Maltese during their holidays abroad increased by 37.1%. This means 241.4 million euros, an average of 973 euros per person.

– foto: Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Ggantija temples, a Unesco World Heritage site in Gozo almost one thousand years older than Egypt’s oldest pyramid is attracting public outcry and scrutiny following a decision by the Planning Authority to grant the approval for a controversial 22-apartment block and 20 basement garages. The approved development will be situated less than 200 meters from the Ggantija Temples. This decision has drawn attention and criticism, especially considering the sitès proximity to the ancient temples, which hold significant cultural and historical value. The controversy has also generated hundreds of objections from concerned individuals, citing potential repercussions on the Ggantija Temples’ World Heritage status.
Despite Unescòs request for a heritage impact assessment, the decision by the Maltese planning authority has sparked criticism and concerns about the potential impact on the historic site. The Planning Board stated that the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage did not request the Planning Authority to mandate the assessment. They cited statements from the SCH and the Unesco World Heritage Sites Technical Committee, indicating no objection to the proposed building’s volume and massing. The Unesco World Heritage Centre had underlined the need for a Heritage Impact Assessment in line with operational guidelines. The Planning Commission had initially suspended a decision on the application, awaiting the assessment. Although NGOs argued that the site falls within the buffer zone of the temples, the Planning Authority said that it lies in an area of archaeological importance but outside the formal buffer zone.
(ITALPRESS).
– Photo credit: Heritage Malta –

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Pressure is piling up on the Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela and Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg to to recall Malta’s Ambassador Cecilia Attard Pirotta from Tel Aviv due to the increase of the Israeli military offensive in Gaza and for what they described as crimes against humanity by Israel. The request was made officially by more than 150 activists, including President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. They reiterated their believe that justice and equality bring peace and security, and that Malta’s traditional support for the Palestinian people is more relevant now in front of the genocide being committed by Israel. They added that their request for Malta to withdraw its Ambassador to Israel is being made in the wake of the repeated breach of international law by Israel. The activists stated that Malta has to lead by example and take a decisive position at the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, according to reports, Malta’s ambassador to the United Nation, Vanessa Frazier, has circulated a new resolution among the Council members for consideration and a potential vote, hoping to finally pass a resolution focusing on the situation children are facing during the war on Gaza.(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese traditional festa could make it to UNESCO’s world list of intangible cultural heritage if an international body approves a technical committeès positive recommendation. The final decision on Maltàs bid will be taken during UNESCO’s conference to be held in Botswana in December. Maltese Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said in Parliament, “we trust that the recommendation, which praises the work done in preparation for the bid, should be approved without difficulty.” He added, “it is good news that the Maltese festa, which is the fulcrum of celebrations in our communities and squares, and which provides a strong cultural element, is being considered for this nomination for all its positive values and attributes”.

– Foto: Autorità maltese per il Turismo (VisitMalta) –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has registered the highest increase in breast cancer screening among the EU member states between 2011 and 2021. According to statistics published by Eurostat,
Maltàs breast cancer screening rate increased by more than half, the largest increase in the EU. While in 2011, the country registered a screening rate of 51%, this had increased to 78% ten years later. The increase classified Malta in the fourth place, with only Denmark, Finland and Sweden registering higher screening rates of 83%, 82% and 80% respectively. The breast cancer screening rate is of women between 50 and 69 years. In Malta, around 300 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
The lowest rates in 2021 were recorded in Bulgaria (21%), Cyprus (25%) and Slovakia (26%). “Compared with 2011, breast cancer screening rates increased in six of the 20 EU countries with available data, with the largest increases observed in Malta, Lithuania and Estonia”, the report said.
According to the report, breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and a leading cause of death amongst the female population.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on preventative healthcare and screening programme. Official statistics presented in Parliament showed the number of breast screenings reduced from nearly 13,300 to 7,300 between 2019 and 2020.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The first concert in Malta by the international artist Ed Sheeran is scheduled to take place on June 26, at Tà Qali.
Ed Sheeran’s chart-topping hits have earned him a special place in the hearts of millions worldwide.
According to the organizers, this concert will be an opportunity for fans to witness his incredible talent live, with a performance that promises to be unforgettable.
The organizers also expressed their thrill at bringing this great talent to Malta, as well as their belief that this concert is set to be a landmark event.
The event is supported by Visit Malta and The Ministry for Tourism, highlighting the significance of this concert in showcasing Maltàs cultural and entertainment appeal on a global stage.
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo stated that Ed Sheeran’s concert is a testament that Malta has become a staple for all artists worldwide.
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews