VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – More than one in three people in Malta say pollution and grime affect their household, making the island the worst-hit nation in Europe, new EU data shows. Figures published by Eurostat reveal that 34.7% of Maltese reported being regularly impacted by pollution in 2023, compared to an EU average of just 12.2%. Greece ranked second with 20.5%, followed by Germany at 16.5%. At the other end of the scale, only 4.2% of Croatians said pollution affected their households, with Sweden and Slovakia close behind.

Malta has consistently topped the EU chart since joining in 2004, rarely seeing its figure fall below 30%. Rates peaked near 40% between 2010 and 2013, dropped to 26.5% in 2017, but have since climbed back, hitting their highest in nearly a decade last year. The figures underscore Malta’s ongoing struggles with emissions, traffic congestion and waste management.

While the country recently reported the sharpest quarterly drop in greenhouse gas emissions across the bloc, years of rising emissions and worsening urban pollution remain a concern. Waste disposal has also become a flashpoint. Residents in several towns have voiced frustration, with locals recently staging street protest to demand tighter enforcement against littering and illegal dumping. Environmental experts warn that unless Malta strengthens its waste management systems and curbs traffic-related emissions, its pollution burden is unlikely to ease.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

COVERCIANO (ITALPRESS) –”The truth is that in recent days I’ve heard the transfer rumours, but I’ve always stayed calm. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to join City because they really wanted me — the coach (Guardiola) really wanted me — and that flattered me. Being wanted by such a prestigious club as City makes me proud; I’m excited and happy.” That’s what Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma said during a press conference in Coverciano, where the national team is preparing for Friday’s match in Bergamo against Estonia, valid for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“Luis Enrique? I’ve always had a great relationship with the coach. I appreciated him because he was straightforward with me right from the start, even before training camp. Disappointed? I don’t know — it’s only fair that every coach makes his own choices and has the power to decide. But having the support of everyone, especially my teammates, made me realize what I have done for Paris Saint-Germain. That’s the most important thing,” the Azzurri goalkeeper added.

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has issued a damning assessment of Malta’s treatment of journalists and activists, warning of systemic hostility and unfulfilled reforms nearly eight years after the murder of investigative reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The report, published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, highlights persistent intimidation of human rights defenders, including disparaging rhetoric by senior politicians and the use of spurious lawsuits designed to silence critics.

Despite pledges to strengthen protections after the Caruana Galizia public inquiry, the OSCE concluded that Malta has failed to deliver comprehensive reforms. Instead, it found a “culture of hostility” where political figures dismiss activists as partisan or even “enemies.”

Journalists remain particularly vulnerable, with Malta recording the highest number of SLAPP cases per capita among 29 European countries between 2010 and 2021. The report warns that lawsuits and restricted access to information continue to undermine accountability.

Environmental and migration campaigners have also been branded as criminal facilitators by government officials, including Prime Minister Robert Abela. Women defenders face added risks, including sexist harassment and physical intimidation.

The OSCE condemned ineffective police protection measures and systemic denial of Freedom of Information requests, pointing to a deliberate weakening of oversight.

While noting that LGBTI rights groups receive strong state support, the report said the disparity underscores policy choices rather than capacity limits.

It urged Malta to strengthen anti-SLAPP laws, establish an independent human rights body, and implement the delayed public inquiry recommendations without further delay.

International pressure on Malta is mounting, with the Council of Europe and press freedom groups warning that the country remains one of the EU’s weakest performers on media freedom.

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Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – “What’s happening to civilians in Gaza hurts me personally. It’s impossible to see these things anymore. On the other hand, I’m not a supporter of the disqualification of athletes.” UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said this in an interview with Politico, responding to a question about the possibility of Israeli clubs being banned from European competitions due to the situation in the Strip.

“What can an athlete do to pressure his government to stop the war? It’s very, very difficult. Russian teams have been disqualified for three and a half years. Is the war over? It’s not over. I must say that with the situation in Russia and Ukraine, there was very strong political pressure. Now it’s more from civil society than from politicians, because politicians are obviously very pragmatic when it comes to wars and victims. I can’t say what will happen. Everything is being discussed, but I personally am against the disqualification of athletes,” he added.

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Source: medNews

BELO HORIZONTE (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – Jorge Sampaoli embarks on a new coaching adventure after his unsuccessful European stints with Rennes and Sevilla. The 65-year-old will coach Atlético Mineiro, the club he previously led in the 2020-21 season. Sampaoli—who replaces Brazilian Cuca—has signed a contract until 2027.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Ilkay Gundogan has landed in Istanbul and is ready to don the Galatasaray jersey. The 34-year-old German midfielder, born in Gelsenkirchen to Turkish parents, appeared beaming. “I’m very excited. I’ve always been a huge Galatasaray fan, as has my entire family. I’ve always followed the team, and this is a day of great pride for me. I’ve always wanted to wear this jersey: it’s been a dream of mine since I was a child,” the now former Manchester City player told reporters at Istanbul airport.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – With the arrival of Gigio Donnarumma, Manchester City has said goodbye to Ederson. The 32-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper, who has been with the Citizens since 2017, has officially moved to Turkey. He will play for Fenerbahce.

“I leave Manchester City incredibly proud of what we achieved together: I’m honored to have worn this shirt so many times. We dominated the Premier League and conquered Europe. It was fantastic,” said Ederson. “I thank Pep Guardiola and the head goalkeeper, Xabier Mancisidor, for making me the best goalkeeper I could be and for teaching me so much about football. I also thank my teammates. Finally, I think of the fans. Thank you for making me feel at home in a city so far from where I come from and for supporting me during what has been a fantastic time for me and my family,” the Brazilian ended.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SEVILLE (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “Love is very important to me, and money isn’t everything. Betis has always been my first choice, and that’s why I waited until the last day to return. Now I’m here and I’m happy to be in a city and a club I love.” Brazilian striker Antony said this tearfully, fresh from his signing with Betis after a long saga that saw the Andalusian club negotiate with Manchester United to acquire the 25-year-old, following his loan spell last season.

“I was eager to have this experience,” the striker added. “It was a very difficult month; I spent more than 40 days in a hotel, and they were very tough days, but my agent and all the club officials knew how much I wanted to return to Betis. I’m very happy to be here. There are many things to do, many things to fight for,” added the former United player, welcomed last night by a huge crowd of Betis fans.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Gianluigi Donnarumma is a new Manchester City player. The 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper joins from Paris Saint-Germain, signing a five-year contract.

“Signing for Manchester City is a truly special moment and a great source of pride for me,” Donnarumma said. “I’m joining a team full of world-class talent, led by one of the greatest managers in football history, Pep Guardiola. This is a club every player in the world would love to join. I have admired Manchester City for many years, so now being able to play here is a great honor and privilege. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, the staff, and the fans. Playing at the Etihad Stadium will be really special for me. I’m very excited about what lies ahead, and I can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try to help the club achieve even more success.”

Sporting director Hugo Viana also expressed his delight: “Gianluigi’s pedigree, quality, and track record speak for themselves, and we are all absolutely thrilled to have him here. He has accumulated vast top-level experience and knows what it takes to achieve long-lasting success. From a very young age, he has played at the highest levels, which is unusual for a goalkeeper. He is one of the best in the world in his role. We are all very excited to welcome Gianluigi to Manchester City and we wish him all the best during his time with us.”

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(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The number of people visiting Comino’s Blue Lagoon fell sharply this summer following the introduction of a booking system aimed at reducing overcrowding.

Known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, the Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most iconic destinations, popular with both locals seeking day trips and tourists arriving by boat from Malta and Gozo.

Figures from the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) show that the maximum number of registered visitors at one time in July and August was around 3,800 — a 68% drop compared to last year, when the bay saw peaks of 12,000 people at once.

On average, about 2,000 visitors accessed the lagoon during each of the three available time slots: morning, afternoon, or evening. The 3,000 threshold was exceeded 34 times, equal to nearly 18% of all allocated periods.

Launched in May, the booking system caps the number of visitors at 4,000 per slot. The MTA said the measure has eased pressure on the Natura 2000 site, while improving the visitor experience.

Other steps included extending the swimming zone, adding more lifeguards and police officers, and increasing waste collection.

A private firm has also been tasked with drafting a long-term ecological rehabilitation plan for Comino, with proposals expected to go to public consultation soon.

Tourism Minister Ian Borg described the changes as “the first important steps” towards safeguarding the bay. MTA chief executive Carlo Micallef said the system balances environmental protection with tourism enjoyment.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews