VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s central government debt climbed to €11.44 billion by the end of February 2026, up €509.3 million from a year earlier, even as public finances posted a sharp surplus in the opening months of the year. Figures released by the National Statistics Office show the government’s Consolidated Fund recorded a surplus of €229.6 million in January and February, reversing a €95.1 million deficit in the same period of 2025. The turnaround was driven by stronger tax revenues, particularly income tax and VAT.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SEVILLE (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Matias Almeyda is no longer the coach of Sevilla. The defeat against Valencia and a record of just two points in the last four games, which have slipped the Andalusians to 15th place, just three points above the relegation zone, have put an end to the tenure of the Argentine coach, who was hired last summer. In total, he managed 32 matches, with 10 wins, 7 draw, and 15 defeats between La Liga and the Copa del Rey, where Sevilla were eliminated in the round of 32 by Alaves.

This brings the number of substitutions on the bench this season in the Spanish league to eight: Previously, they were Real Oviedo (Carrion for Paunovic), Levante (Castro for Calero), Real Sociedad (Matarazzo for Sergio Francisco), Oviedo again (Almada for Carrion), Real Madrid (Arbeloa for Xabi Alonso), Mallorca (Demichelis for Arrasate), and Alaves (Flores for Coudet).

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco has confirmed its position among the world’s safest countries according to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, which ranks the Kingdom among the nations with the lowest level of terrorist threat globally.

According to a report by the Moroccan website Hespress, in an international context marked by persistent outbreaks of violence and growing instability in several regions, Morocco stands out for the absence of terrorist attacks in recent years, thus consolidating its security position.

The report highlights how this result is the fruit of an effective preventive strategy, based on an integrated approach that combines security vigilance, international cooperation, and policies to counter radicalization.

While several areas, particularly in the Sahel, continue to experience an increase in terrorist activity, Morocco is emerging as a model of regional stability, Hespress notes, strengthening its role as a reliable partner in the global fight against terrorism.

-Photo fr.Hespress-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The Trump administration is moving forward the UN Security Council’s April deadline on the Sahara issue by announcing a review of the UN mission.

“We are conducting a strategic review of the peacekeeping force deployed in Western Sahara for 50 years,” said Mike Waltz, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during his congressional hearing on UN reform.

According to the Moroccan website Yabiladi, the position is part of the US foreign policy guidelines for the period 2026-2030, presented at the end of February by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The document calls for the State Department to lead efforts to end peacekeeping and special political missions deemed costly and ineffective globally. In recent months, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has already begun a progressive reduction in its staff.

This development marks the beginning of a broader restructuring, which is expected to be presented in April during a briefing by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31.

At that meeting, the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to present, within six months of the mandate renewal, a strategic review of MINURSO’s future, taking into account developments in the negotiation process.

According to emerging indications, the mission should focus primarily on monitoring ceasefire violations in the Sahara and supporting the political process launched by the United States and the UN on the sole basis of the Moroccan autonomy proposal. The option of holding a referendum is no longer included in the Security Council resolutions.

-Photo Yabilladi-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, General Carmine Masiello, took part in the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS), organised by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), focusing on the theme “Strengthening Shared Security through Intelligence, Innovation, and Industry.”

The event brought together army commanders from numerous African, European, and U.S. countries, alongside representatives from academia, institutions, and the defense industry, aiming to jointly address key security challenges.

During his speech, General Masiello emphasised that today’s international landscape is increasingly complex, characterised by the growing integration of technological and informational dimensions, which demands coordinated, timely responses rooted in a shared strategic vision.

“Cooperation among allied and partner nations is essential: only through close coordination, the development of common capabilities, and structured collaboration can we build an effective and resilient collective security system, contributing to stability in the wider Mediterranean and supporting a safe, prosperous Africa that plays a leading role in global security,” he stated.

Regarding partnerships with African countries, General Masiello reiterated the need for a profoundly renewed cooperation model based on trust and mutual respect. “A ‘peer-to-peer’ approach that recognises and promotes the extraordinary strengths and potential of African peoples. A model that values local priorities and fosters the co-creation of solutions, guided by humility, respect, and shared responsibility,” he added.

Photo: Press Office of the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS) – The Ballon d’Or donated to the Casa Milan museum could be a sign of the club’s desire to move forward together, but it could also be a farewell gift. According to “Mundo Deportivo,” Luka Modric—who turns 41 next September—hasn’t yet decided what to do next season.

The Rossoneri are reportedly delighted to be able to count on the Croatian midfielder—who has missed only one league game so far—for another year, but the former Real Madrid player hasn’t made any official announcement yet.

When he signed, Modric’s sole objective was to reach the World Cup in America, but he’s reportedly still considering what to do after that. Furthermore, upon joining the Rossoneri, the Croatian accepted a significant salary reduction, going from €5 million gross to €2.5-€3 million compared to his last contract at Real Madrid.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – After the next World Cup in America, Nicolas Otamendi will end his time with the Argentina national team. The Benfica captain himself confirmed this during the team’s training camp.

“After the World Cup, my time with the national team is over, that’s a fact,” the 38-year-old center-back said. “I’m living this moment to the fullest. What if this is also Messi’s last World Cup? We don’t talk about that. When we get together, we live in the moment, we enjoy the opportunity to be together once again, and nothing more. After the World Cup, I’ll be an Argentina fan like everyone else.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Antoine Griezmann is set to spend his final months as an Atletico Madrid player. According to L’Equipe, the forward has decided to continue his career in MLS and, taking advantage of the international break, will fly to Florida – with the club’s permission – to finalize an agreement with Orlando City.

It is a long-standing mutual interest that now appears ready to materialize, with Griezmann prepared to become one of the standout players in MLS starting next summer, once the season with Atletico is over. Orlando City had hoped to bring his arrival forward to this month – with the U.S. transfer window closing on March 26 – but the player, with Atletico still competing in the Champions League and set to play in the Copa del Rey final (April 18 against Real Sociedad), has secured permission to remain in Madrid until June.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Arsenal forward Eberechi Eze will miss England’s friendly matches due to a calf injury: he will not feature in the games against Uruguay and Japan, scheduled for March 27 and March 31 respectively at Wembley. According to English media, head coach Thomas Tuchel – who has called up 35 players – could replace him with Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has recorded the highest employment rate in the European Union for the first time, reaching 83.6%, according to new figures released by Eurostat.

The figure places Malta at the top among all 27 EU member states, around seven percentage points above the bloc’s average.

Employment Minister Byron Camilleri welcomed the results, describing them as clear evidence of the country’s economic and social progress over the past decade.

Camilleri attributed the rise to a dual strategy combining economic growth with social policy reforms. He said measures such as the tapering of social benefits and the introduction of in-work benefits helped make employment more accessible and financially viable.

“Work gives dignity,” he said, emphasising the role of job creation alongside targeted support for those entering the labour market.

Eurostat data also shows strong gains in female workforce participation. From trailing the EU average by 13 percentage points in 2012, Malta has now surpassed it by more than five points. The minister said this shift reflects policies promoting inclusivity and improved work-life balance.

Looking ahead, Camilleri said the government will shift focus from job creation to improving job quality and skills development under the Malta 2050 Vision.

He added that future efforts will prioritise better working conditions, career progression, and support for balancing professional and personal life.

The government, he said, remains committed to sustaining high employment while ensuring the benefits are shared across society.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews