VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela received warm congratulations from several European leaders as he attended the European Union and Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on Friday.

A video shared on Abela’s Facebook page showed him greeting and embracing fellow leaders upon arrival at the summit, which focused on strengthening cooperation between the EU and Western Balkan countries.

Leaders were heard congratulating the Maltese Prime Minister on his recent electoral success, with some asking for his advice after he noted that a fourth consecutive electoral victory in Malta was unprecedented.

Among those who briefly spoke with Abela were European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

In his first international summit after again winning the General Election, Prime Minister Abela said the stability of energy prices remains as Malta’s main advantage in times of geopolitical tension and international uncertainty.

During the summit, leaders discussed expanding cooperation with Western Balkan nations as part of broader efforts to address security and economic challenges linked to geopolitical tensions involving Russia and China.

Abela stressed the importance of dialogue and concrete partnerships to strengthen Europe’s security, stability and resilience.

He said ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Arabian Gulf, have increased the complexity of challenges facing the continent.

Abela reiterated Malta’s support for the Western Balkans’ path to EU membership, stating that accession should follow once all required reforms and membership criteria are fully met.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Lamine Yamal had a star season with Barcelona, ​​being named La Liga’s best player for the 2025/2026 season. The young Blaugrana star led the team on a triumphant journey, culminating in the title victory with 94 points. An extraordinary result, thanks in part to the consistency of the youth team talent, who scored 16 goals and 12 assists in the league, decisive numbers for the tournament MVP award and the best assist-provider award. The Spanish international succeeds his teammate Raphinha.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – Expectations are high for Neymar. The Santos striker is continuing to recover from a grade two injury to his left calf. He will miss tomorrow’s friendly against Egypt, but Carlo Ancelotti expects to have him back soon. The player will undergo an MRI scan on Monday to assess the progress of his recovery and, if the outcome is positive, Neymar will finally be able to train with his teammates in the following days. The goal is to have him available for the World Cup debut on June 13th against Morocco.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has registered significant progress in its correctional system over the past 15 years, particularly in inmate support and rehabilitation services at the Corradino Correctional Facility, according to a senior Council of Europe official.

Hugh Chetwynd, Executive Secretary of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), made the remarks during a conference being held in Malta on correctional facilities across Europe.

For two days, Malta is hosting directors of correctional institutions and probation services from 46 Council of Europe member states to discuss challenges facing prison populations, including elderly inmates, women and foreign nationals.

Chetwynd said Malta has made substantial strides in modernising its correctional framework and strengthening rehabilitation programmes that help prisoners prepare for life after release.

He noted that the support currently provided at Corradino demonstrates “real improvement” and described Malta as a country that can offer valuable lessons and good practices to other European prison systems.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of investing in housing and employment opportunities for former inmates, warning that homelessness and unemployment increase the risk of reoffending.

Correctional Services Agency CEO Christopher Siegersma said Malta’s prisons continue to evolve through educational and social initiatives tailored to inmates’ needs. He noted that the Corradino facility houses around 750 prisoners, about half of whom are foreign nationals.

Siegersma added that growing awareness of vulnerable groups, including transgender women and foreign inmates facing cultural and communication barriers, has helped shape a more responsive correctional system.

He described the conference as an opportunity for member states to exchange best practices and further strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration efforts across Europe.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Having parted ways with Lewandowski, Barcelona continues to search for a striker. Julian Álvarez remains their dream, but the Blaugrana are a coveted destination for several players. According to “Sport,” Victor Osimhen has been offered to Barça by several intermediaries. However, this is likely to remain a transfer possibility because, while recognizing the former Napoli player’s value, currently at Galatasaray, he isn’t the striker Deco is targeting.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Roberto De Zerbi has received a highly experienced signing. Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced the signing of Andy Robertson, “a leader on and off the pitch, the decorated captain of the Scottish national team, who will join the club on July 1st, when his contract with Liverpool expires.” These are the words with which Spurs announced the arrival of the full-back, who left Anfield after nine years.

“Andy is a player I have admired for years, and he will bring exceptional technical ability, experience, leadership, and mentality to our team,” said Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi. “He is a proven winner at the highest level for a long time and can be a key element for us, both on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to start working with him and see the positive impact he will have on everyone around him.”

He won everything with Liverpool, and now he’s preparing to captain Scotland at the World Cup, before embarking on a new adventure with Tottenham. In the past there had also been talk of Juventus’ interest in the defender, born in 1994.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – While one candidate continues to promise the arrivals of Haaland and Rodri despite repeated denials, the other avoids naming names but raises the stakes. Taking a slightly different approach from rival Enrique Riquelme, veteran Florentino Pérez is confident of being re-elected as Real Madrid president on Sunday.

“On Tuesday, I will submit an offer to a Champions League club. I will put forward the highest transfer fee ever paid by Real Madrid for a player. It will be at least €150 million,” said the club’s current president.

Pérez ruled out four potential targets, although one of them, according to Madrid-based newspaper As, should not be completely dismissed.

“It is not Olise, who is a great player, but it is not him. It is not Doku, it is not Haaland, it is not Kane, and he does not play in the Premier League. We are talking about a true Galáctico.”

According to As, the mystery signing could be one of three players: Michael Olise of Bayern Munich, Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain, or João Neves, also of PSG. The latter two are Portuguese, like José Mourinho.

The other Madrid daily, Marca, rules out Olise and believes the shortlist consists solely of Vitinha and João Neves.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s debt burden is expected to return to levels last seen three decades ago within the next four years, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said.

Speaking at a news conference marking Malta’s exit from the European Union’s excessive deficit procedure, Caruana said strong government revenues are projected to continue despite external economic challenges.

He said the healthy revenue outlook would enable further reductions in both the deficit and debt-to-GDP ratios.

“I expect that, over the next four years, the debt burden will go back to what it was 30 years ago,” Caruana said.

The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it was closing the excessive deficit procedure against Malta after the country reduced its deficit to 2.2% of GDP, below the EU threshold of 3%.

Malta had been placed under the procedure in 2024 when its deficit stood at 4.9% of GDP.

Caruana noted that Malta was the only EU member state removed from the procedure this week, while the Commission expects 14 countries to remain under it next year.

“The trends also show that while deficits in Europe will worsen, the European Commission’s forecasts are different for Malta,” he said.

Prime Minister Robert Abela attributed Malta’s fiscal performance to progressive economic policies and a rejection of austerity measures.

He argued that austerity would have led to weaker economic growth, lower consumption and greater pressure on families and businesses.

Abela said Malta’s economic strategy had helped shield the country from external shocks, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as energy and logistics disruptions.

He also cited recent Eurostat figures showing Malta recorded the lowest inflation rate in the eurozone, describing it as evidence of policies designed to protect households and businesses from global challenges.

– Photo DOI –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Andoni Iraola has been appointed as Liverpool’s new head coach.

The Premier League club has officially confirmed the signing of the 43-year-old Basque manager, who arrives after a three-year spell at Bournemouth and succeeds the dismissed Arne Slot. Liverpool did not disclose the length of the contract, although British media reports suggest it is a two-year deal.

“I’m really excited,” Iraola said in his first comments as Liverpool manager. “The atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the opportunity to coach world-class footballers and compete for trophies — it’s hard to find anything more attractive. I can’t wait to get started.”

Iraola faced Liverpool seven times during his tenure at Bournemouth and recalled in particular a match from last season, won 4-2 by the Reds thanks to a late goal from Federico Chiesa.

“It was 2-2 and we thought we could take something from the game,” he said. “Then he scored and the stadium exploded. It was incredible. Now I want to experience those emotions from the other side.”

He added: “Liverpool gives me the chance to coach great players, and great players give you the chance to compete for and win titles. When you arrive at a new club, you can’t promise everything, but I fully understand where I am and what the expectations are.”

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Juventus face competition from Turkey in their pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani.

After parting ways with Dusan Vlahovic, the Bianconeri are keen to bring the French striker back to Turin. Kolo Muani is owned by Paris Saint-Germain but spent the last season on loan at Tottenham. However, Galatasaray have also reportedly set their sights on the forward.

The Turkish club, having lost Mauro Icardi and seeking a backup for Victor Osimhen, are in the market for attacking reinforcements. According to local media, Galatasaray could offer Kolo Muani the opportunity to play in the Champions League, an advantage over Juventus.

As for the transfer fee, PSG are said to have set their asking price at between €25 million and €30 million.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews