VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – According to a Eurobarometer survey, most Maltese reported no change in household income over the past year, while nearly a third believe 2026 will bring an improvement.

The survey highlights a strong sense of economic stability. According to the data, 62% of Maltese reported unchanged income in 2025, seven points higher than the previous year and second only to Portugal’s 68%.

The eurozone average stands at 54%. Only 17% reported an increase in income, slightly below the 2024 figure and well below the eurozone average (22%). Croatia (40%) and Lithuania (33%) recorded significantly higher increases. Meanwhile, 21% expect a decline, slightly higher than the eurozone average (20%) but lower than Greece (31%) and Italy (28%).

The findings suggest that, despite last year’s tax cuts, income growth in Malta remains limited, with inflation continuing to erode any benefits. Looking ahead, 30% of respondents expect income to rise in 2026, one of the highest levels of optimism in the eurozone. Only Lithuania, Estonia, Croatia, and Ireland report higher levels.

However, 18% fear a decline—above the eurozone average (14%)—placing Malta among the most cautious countries, alongside Luxembourg and behind Greece and Italy, both at 23%. A slim majority, 52%, expect no change. Inflation expectations remain mixed: 43% of Maltese expect prices to rise this year, stable compared to the previous survey but lower than the eurozone average (50%).

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Sergio Ramos has ended his time in Mexico with Monterrey, but not his career. At 39, he could restart in the Premier League. According to Spanish portal “Fichajes.net,” Manchester United are reportedly considering the former Real Madrid and PSG player, who have been working on an offer for a few weeks. Despite strong interest from Boca Juniors, Ramos would like to return to Europe, and the Red Devils option would be more than welcome, with the Spanish center-back ready to lend his experience to a rebuilding team.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS) – “Salah would be welcome. It’s up to the clubs to handle negotiations with the players, but Salah is certainly one of their targets.” Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, at the World Football Summit in Riyadh, opened the door to the arrival of the 33-year-old Egyptian striker, who had previously been pursued and is now at odds with Liverpool.

Not all clubs, however, appear to be interested: Ben Harburg, president of Al-Kholood, has expressed opposition to the move. “He’s 33 years old, paid a fortune at Liverpool, and since then he’s performed far below expectations,” he said, as reported by the BBC at the Riyadh event. “I understand those who appreciate his media appeal and the fact that he comes from the Arab region, but I don’t think he’s suited to our league. If I had to choose between him and Vinicius, I’d take Vinicius. I hope we focus on young players, 25-year-olds, representing the new generation, rather than players like Salah, for whom this would certainly be the last step in their careers.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Whether or not yesterday’s defeat will definitively impact Xabi Alonso’s future will be revealed in the coming days, but one message the club can’t ignore has certainly come from the Bernabeu: the team is behind the coach.

While the manager had some positive words for his players after the match (“I have nothing to reproach the lads for, I thank them for their attitude”), the players, for their part, demonstrated through their actions and words that they are on his side. Rodrygo ran to the sidelines to hug him after the goal: “It’s a difficult time, for him and for us. Things aren’t going well, and I wanted to show that we are united, with our coach.”

Bellingham, who in recent days has been named among the “rebels,” also emphasized that “the coach is fantastic. Personally, I have an excellent relationship with him. And I know many of my teammates do too. No one gives up, no one complains or feels sorry for themselves.”

“We didn’t treat the City game as a test for the coach,” Courtois added. “I think we showed we’re behind him, that we played well, and gave 100%.” ​​Asencio also confirmed: “The dressing room knows the message Xabi Alonso is sending; the dressing room is behind him 100%. The only thing we players can do is change our attitude, and against City we saw that change.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MONTERREY (MEXICO) (ITALPRESS) – “Saying goodbye is never easy. It’s closing a chapter that began with enthusiasm in February and has now come to an end, a story that allowed me to discover a country, a city, a style of football, and that leaves me with many new experiences and, above all, many friends.” With these words, Sergio Ramos bids farewell to Monterrey, the Mexican club where he played this year.

“I will always be proud to have worn the Rayados captain’s armband, to have led the team in the first Club World Cup in its new format, to have fought in the Clausura, the Apertura, the Copa de La Liga, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and to have courageously defended the Estadio BBVA Bancomer by your side in every game we played at home,” added the former Real Madrid, PSG, and Sevilla player, who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain.

“I gave everything on and off the pitch: 34 games, more than 3,000 minutes, 8 goals, and so many emotions that cannot be described in numbers. To the club, to my teammates, to the technical staff, to the employees, thank you. Above all, thank you, the fans, who have shown me your warmth and affection from the first moment. I will always remember this phase of my career with nostalgia and will always say with pride, ‘Long live Monterrey!’”.  According to the Spanish press, Ramos could return to play for a European club.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Researchers and professionals from across Asia, the United States, and Europe are in Malta this week for the International Congress of the Society for Design and Process Science, where the growing role of artificial intelligence across key sectors is taking centre stage.

The four-day conference brings together specialists in healthcare, business, science, cybersecurity, sustainability, and even policing, offering a platform to exchange ideas and explore international collaboration on AI-driven solutions.

Among the outcomes of this year’s congress is stronger cooperation between the University of Malta and a university in Florida. Their partnership aims to launch joint projects, particularly in public health, where AI is increasingly being used to improve research and decision-making.

Prof. Neville Calleja, Head of the Department of Public Health at the University of Malta, said such exchanges are crucial for building trust and expertise around the technology. “We need to build confidence in this technology. It’s like using a knife in the kitchen—a knife is very useful, but it can also hurt you,” he noted, emphasising the importance of discussing both innovation and regulation.

Founded to advance scientific progress through traditional engineering and emerging disciplines, the Society for Design and Process Science continues to position AI as a transformative tool across industries.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese companies are leading the European Union in investment optimism, according to the latest European Investment Bank Investment Survey.

The survey shows Malta registering a net balance of 37% of firms expecting to increase investment, far above the EU average of 4%. Investment activity remains strong, with 81% of companies reporting recent investment, close to the EU’s 86%.

Financial conditions have also improved. Only 3.7% of firms reported finance constraints, compared to 6.1% across the bloc. Dissatisfaction with borrowing costs dropped sharply to 3%, down from 18% last year.

However, skills shortages remain the country’s most pressing challenge. Some 76% of companies consider the lack of skilled workers a major barrier, and 93% say they are affected by it. High energy costs are another concern, cited by 84% of Maltese firms.

Climate-related investment is gaining ground, with 56% of firms strengthening their resilience to climate impacts, slightly above the EU average. Most companies are also taking steps to cut emissions, though investment in energy efficiency fell to 42% from 53%.

Maltese firms continue to outperform in innovation and digital adoption. More than a third innovate internally, while 77% use digital technologies. The uptake of generative AI is notable, with 41% using it systematically—well above EU trends.

The survey also highlights Malta’s global integration: 79% of firms engage in international trade, including nearly all manufacturers and service providers.

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The “Moroccan Caftan: Arts, Traditions, and Know-how” has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The decision was adopted Wednesday in New Delhi by the Intergovernmental Committee meeting for its 20th session. This international recognition recognizes the historical and cultural richness of the caftan, considered one of the most representative symbols of Moroccan identity.

Refinement, creativity, and craftsmanship are intertwined in this traditional garment, passed down for centuries and present in all regions of the country. UNESCO also emphasized Morocco’s active role in protecting intangible heritage and its contribution to promoting intercultural dialogue.

-Photo Map-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The United States has granted $4.75 million in financing to Sondiale SA, a subsidiary of GPM Holding, for the development of a large industrial project in Tan-Tan for the production of high-purity polysilicon, a key material for semiconductors and solar panels.

The plant, estimated at $870 million, is part of Washington’s strategy to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China, which dominates over 90% of the global market. According to Bloomberg, quoted by Le360 website, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) may increase its commitment to up to $550 million. The factory, expected to be operational by 2029 with a capacity of 30,000 tons annually, will supply the United States and partners such as the EU, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

The project benefits from Morocco’s free trade agreements and $100 million in public support. Energy-intensive, production will be fueled 90% by local renewable sources. In a context of growing rivalry between Washington and Beijing, Morocco is thus consolidating its role as an alternative industrial hub for advanced technologies.

-Photo www.le360.ma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

WEST MED RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco is accelerating its energy security efforts. The Ministry of Energy Transition has launched two crucial international tenders for its future gas infrastructure: the leasing of a FSRU for the Nador West Med LNG terminal and the construction of a national pipeline corridor connecting the port to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline (GME) and the industrial zones of Kenitra and Mohammedia.

The Nador West Med FSRU, whose investment is estimated at $273 million, will be directly connected to the GME. The unit’s owner will also be able to contribute to the topside installations, which will then be transferred to the State before entry into service. At the same time, the Ministry is beginning prequalification for a large-scale gas pipeline project valued at $681 million.

The network, developed through a public-private partnership, will connect the new terminal to the GME and extend the backbone to the country’s main industrial hubs. More than 80 operators have already expressed interest. The LNG terminal is scheduled to enter service in 2027, when Moroccan demand is expected to rise to approximately 8 billion cubic meters, up from 1.2 billion currently. By 2030, demand could reach 12 billion cubic meters, paving the way for a second import point on the Atlantic and a future platform in the south, near the port of Dakhla.

With a total investment of $954 million, this first phase marks a turning point in the creation of a national gas backbone, designed to power the industrial sector, support the energy transition, and reduce dependence on coal and heavy fuels.

-Photo www.le360.ma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews