VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission’s autumn forecast shows Malta’s economy set to maintain robust growth over the next five years, though at a gradually slower pace. Growth is projected at 4% this year, easing to 3.8% in 2026 and 3.5% in 2027.

According to the Commission, this year’s expansion is driven mainly by strong public and private consumption, sustained investment, tourism, gaming and financial services. Investment is expected to rise by 6% this year, fall to 1% in 2026, and rebound to 3% in 2027.

Employment is forecast to grow by 3.7% in 2025, partly supported by immigration, though inflows are expected to moderate under stricter rules. Worker shortages, however, are set to persist.

Economic growth is projected to ease to 2.9% in both 2026 and 2027. Wages are expected to rise by 5.9% this year, slowing to 2.9% in 2027.

The unemployment rate is forecast at 4% this year, dropping to 2.9% in 2026 and remaining steady in 2027. Inflation is expected at 2.4% this year, falling to 2.1% next year and 2% the year after.

On public finances, the Commission notes the government deficit is set to decline to 3.2% in 2025, supported by higher tax revenue and strong tourism. Tax cuts for families next year will reduce income tax revenue, while public spending continues to rise.

The deficit is expected to narrow to 2.8% in 2026 and 2.6% in 2027. Public debt is projected to remain stable at around 47.3% of GDP.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Maybe things will go as expected, but right now there are no certainties that Kenan Yildiz’s future will still be at Juventus. The Turkish international has the Bianconeri in his heart; it’s where he grew up, broke out, and established himself, following the example of his idol Alex Del Piero, who, among other things, sees in him a potential heir.

Yet negotiations for a contract renewal are progressing anything but smoothly and, according to the British outlet CaughtOffside, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid want to seize the opportunity. According to the specialized English site, Yildiz is asking for a salary of €6 million per season—too much, according to the Juventus management, which nevertheless does not intend to give up and continues working to find a solution and secure the 20-year-old who developed in Bayern Munich’s youth system before continuing his path at Juve.

If no agreement is reached, Comolli and the others would demand €100 million for the player’s transfer fee, and Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid would reportedly be willing to discuss it.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – The battle between PSG and Kylian Mbappé continues, and the stakes are very high, with hundreds of millions. According to L’Equipe, during a hearing before the Paris Labor Court, the club has filed a claim for compensation of approximately €240 million against the player.

According to the French champions’ lawyers, the player is guilty of financial damages to the club when he refused a 2023 transfer to Al-Hilal, who had offered €300 million. PSG’s request is in response to the €260 million requested by the Real Madrid striker due to his contractual situation and for alleged moral damages.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The door remains open. Neymar’s name will follow Carlo Ancelotti from now until the official call-ups for the 2026 World Cup, with the former PSG star starting again at Santos to earn a place in the Seleção, from which he has now been absent for two years due to the many physical problems that have affected him in recent seasons.

On the eve of the friendly match against Tunisia, the Brazilian coach reiterated that “Neymar is on the list of players who could be at the World Cup. Now we have six months before the final list. We simply need to monitor him, as we do with the others, to see whether to make any changes to the final squad.” Ancelotti admits that he already has a rough list in mind. “We are working to arrive at the World Cup in the best possible condition. We are on the right track. Until March I can change the players, but I have full confidence that those who are selected will be ready for the event.”

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (MNA/ITALPRESS) – Three Polish football supporters were arrested upon arriving in Malta after reportedly causing an alcohol-fuelled disturbance during their flight ahead of Monday’s World Cup qualifier.

According to Polish outlet Kanał Sportowy, the men repeatedly ignored crew instructions and shouted throughout the journey, creating a disruption in the cabin. Flight staff alerted authorities before landing.

When the aircraft touched down at Malta International Airport, officers boarded the plane, handcuffed the trio, and escorted them directly into police custody. The supporters were allegedly still carrying alcohol when approached by police.

The arrests took place as hundreds of Polish fans are travelling to the island for Monday’s 20:45 kick-off at the National Stadium. Police have not yet confirmed whether the men will face charges.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona is returning home. The club has announced that it will play its 13th La Liga match, scheduled for Saturday, November 22, at 4:15 p.m. against Athletic Bilbao, at the new Spotify Camp Nou. The club has obtained a license for a partial reopening limited to 45,401 spectators. “We dreamed of the return. Now we live it. We’re going home. We’re going back to Spotify Camp Nou,” Barça announced on social media.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – A thousand matches as a coach, 716 of them won, for a 71.6% win rate, which, according to data reported by the Madrid-based newspaper AS, puts him ahead of great colleagues like Ferguson (58.1%), Mourinho (61.6%), Ancelotti (59.8%), and Luis Enrique (61.3%). This is Pep Guardiola, the Catalan coach who, in an interview with Rac-1, sent a message of support and apology to the Palestinians (“We left them alone, we did nothing, and we allowed a people to be destroyed”) and then spoke about the club of his life, Barcelona.

“I never turn down Barça. This club has given me everything, both as a player and as a coach. But life is made up of phases. There are many young coaches who now have the ambition to do what we did,” explained Guardiola, who hasn’t even considered the idea of ​​returning one day as president or director, simply because he’s in another phase of his life at Manchester City.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, an Ivorian by birth, a Malian international, and a French national, fears his “Super Eagles” were victims of “black magic” during yesterday’s penalty shootout in Rabat, which sent the Democratic Republic of Congo to the World Cup playoffs and eliminated Lookman and his teammates.

After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, no goals were scored in extra time, and then the shootout, with the Congolese substituting goalkeeper (Fayulu for Lionel Mpasi). Four goals in six attempts for the “Leopards,” only three for the “Eagles,” but in the midst of the protests and nervousness from Nigerian coach Eric Chelle, who explained post-match: “During the entire penalty shootout, a boy from Congo did some kind of voodoo; I could see him throwing water or something. With every shot, that’s why I was a little nervous,” he said.

-Photo Image-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s six-month Presidency of the Council of Europe has come to an end, closing a term marked by political initiatives and cultural engagement on the international stage.

The Maltese flag was lowered in central Strasbourg to symbolise the conclusion of the presidency, which began in May. Moments later, Moldova’s flag was raised as the country takes over leadership of the Committee of Ministers for the next six months.

The formal handover took place at the Council of Europe headquarters, where Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, passed the ceremonial mallet to Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi.
Cutajar highlighted key achievements, including Malta’s support for Ukraine through backing a Special Tribunal on Crimes of Aggression.

He emphasised that child protection was a priority, noting unanimous support for a Maltese declaration to strengthen measures against sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
The presidency also advanced initiatives against hate crime and discrimination, promoted equality, and urged stronger youth participation in democratic life.

Justice Ministers gave unanimous support to a declaration against organised crime, with 16 countries signing the Valletta Protocol to boost judicial cooperation.

Cutajar said Malta’s efforts were met with “unanimous appreciation” from member states.
The Maltese Presidency also showcased local culture in Strasbourg, culminating in a concert featuring tenor Joseph Calleja, to be broadcast on Television Malta soon.

This was Malta’s fourth time leading the Council of Europe in its 60 years of membership.

-Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is on track to emit more greenhouse gases in 2030 than it did in 2005, making it the only EU member state projected to see an overall increase, according to the European Commission’s 2025 Climate Action Progress Report.

The report estimates Malta’s emissions will rise by 30% from 2005 levels by 2030, and could exceed 40% if no new policies are adopted. This contrasts sharply with the country’s EU-mandated target to cut emissions by 19% under the Effort Sharing Regulation, which governs sectors including transport, buildings, agriculture, small industry, and waste.

Malta is forecast to miss its target by 49 percentage points—the largest shortfall in the bloc.

Authorities noted that Malta’s initial goal of a 36% reduction was eased to 19% after negotiations with the European Commission. The Climate Action Authority highlighted progress in efficiency, stating that emissions per capita have fallen 44% since 2005, outperforming an EU average decline of 34%. Emissions relative to GDP have dropped 81.6%, compared with 61.9% across the EU.

“Malta aims to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, driven largely by a planned 77% reduction from power generation,” the authority said, while acknowledging persistent challenges in transport and buildings.

EU emissions overall are 20% below 2005 levels, with a 40% reduction targeted by 2030. The report also found Malta implemented the fewest climate policies of any EU state, though it cautioned that policy count does not necessarily reflect ambition.

Despite lagging performance, Malta and Estonia were the only countries to identify all projects under the EU’s Just Transition Fund.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews