LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A Maltese surveyor has been allowed aboard the humanitarian vessel Conscience following a suspected drone attack, Prime Minister Robert Abela informed Parliament on Monday. In a briefing ahead of the afternoon plenary session, Abela said officials from Transport Malta and representatives of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition held discussions on Sunday to address the situation after the ship was left disabled by what activists described as a drone strike.

The Conscience, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was en route to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid when it reportedly came under attack on Friday. The strike left the ship severely damaged, without electricity, and taking on water. Activists aboard have said the vessel is unable to navigate and in urgent need of repairs.

According to Abela, representatives of the vessel initially demanded automatic entry into Malta as a condition for allowing a Maltese surveyor aboard — a request that was refused. A second proposal, to permit a surveyor on board if the ship was allowed to enter Maltese waters, was also denied.

A third proposal involved the boarding of three unrelated individuals in exchange for the surveyor’s access, but that too was not accepted. Ultimately, the vessel’s representatives agreed to allow the surveyor aboard under conditions set by the Maltese government.

– photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has seen a significant increase in tax revenue, with Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announcing that €650 million more in income tax was collected last year compared to the previous year. Of this, €400 million was attributed to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in the fight against tax evasion.

During an interview on the national tv station, Minister Caruana highlighted how the AI system has helped streamline tax collection efforts and crack down on those attempting to evade taxes. He explained that the system is capable of identifying potential tax evaders, both individuals and businesses, before they can exploit any loopholes. The minister emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to ensure that all due taxes are collected.

– Photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The United Nations Human Rights Office has called for an independent investigation following a reported drone attack on a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ship in international waters near Malta early Friday morning.

The vessel, named Conscience and organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza Strip when it was allegedly struck, sparking a fire onboard and prompting a distress call. However, according to the Saudi Al Arabiya news channel, which cited a Western security source, the ship was arranged by the Palestinian group Hamas.

The authorities in Malta, Greece, and Turkey had subsequently warned that they would seize the Conscience if it attempted to dock in their ports, citing concerns about its alleged affiliation with Hamas. Meanwhile, the captain of the vessel has approved the Maltese Government’s request, made through Transport Malta, to permit a Maltese maritime surveyor on board to evaluate any damage. The surveyor will conduct the inspection while the ship stays outside Maltese territorial waters.

-Photo Department of Information Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Italian composer Maestro Pietro Cangiano has officially presented the publication of his groundbreaking musical performance, Il Grande Assedio di Malta to the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono.

The work, a symphonic poem, is the first musical composition to recount the dramatic events of the Great Siege of 1565 — a pivotal moment in Maltese and Mediterranean history when the island’s population, alongside the Knights of the Order of St. John, repelled the invading Ottoman forces.

During the formal presentation, Maestro Cangiano was accompanied by Fabrizio Romano, the Italian Ambassador to Malta, his wife Nancy Milesis Romano, and officials from the Italian Embassy in Malta. The musical project marks a cultural milestone in the relationship between Italy and Malta, highlighting shared historical memories through the universal language of music.

– Photo Malta Presidential office –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

PALERMO (ITALPRESS) – The exhibition “Palermo Blossoms Again with Saint Rosalia” will arrive in Malta in the coming days, marking the second stop of its international tour. It will be on display from May 8 to 18 at the prestigious Parliament building, an initiative by the Municipality of Palermo in collaboration with the Parliament of Malta, under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Malta and in partnership with the Italian Cultural Institute of Valletta.

The 27 photographs—taken by professional photographers and photojournalists during the Festino on July 14, 2024—were selected as part of a photography contest organized by the Municipality of Palermo.

The jury included prominent figures such as Roberto Gueli, President of the Order of Journalists of Sicily; Gianfranco Marrone, Professor of Semiotics at the University of Palermo; and Maria Francesca Martinez Tagliavia, Director of the Gallery of Modern Art in Palermo.

The exhibition, organized by the Municipality of Palermo, is curated by Sandro Follari, Deputy Chief of Staff; Maria Francesca Martinez Tagliavia, Director of the GAM; Valentina Falletta, National Relations; and Claudia Giocondo, Head of Communications for the institution, in collaboration with the Department of Culture. It is presented by Civita Sicilia with the support of the Western Sicily Sea Port System Authority.

– Photo Ufficio stampa Civita –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has offered to fund repairs for a Gaza-bound vessel currently stranded, but continues to refuse the ship entry into Maltese territorial waters and ports until certain conditions are met, including an inspection of the ship’s cargo.

Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed Sunday that Malta would cover the cost of repairs, but only after verifying that the ship is indeed carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. “We are offering to pay for the repairs after we confirm the ship is, indeed, carrying humanitarian aid,” Abela told reporters.

However, the prime minister emphasized that the government requires the crew to provide a detailed list of the ship’s contents before making any further decisions.

Malta’s government is also demanding confirmation that the damage to the vessel aligns with the aftermath of an attack, as claimed by the ship’s crew. “The damage sustained by the ship must be compatible with the damage from an attack,” Abela explained.

He added that the government has been in communication with Israeli officials at the ministerial level, although he declined to elaborate on the specifics of those discussions.

As of now, the government remains cautious, asserting that the drone attack on the vessel is still an allegation and not a verified fact. “The moment we confirm it’s humanitarian aid for Gaza, we will take care of the repairs,” Abela reiterated.

Malta’s position underscores its commitment to ensuring that any aid reaching Gaza is legitimate and properly documented. The ship, which is reportedly carrying critical supplies, has yet to reach its destination as it waits for the situation to be resolved.

The ongoing standoff has sparked discussions about the complexities of humanitarian aid delivery and the scrutiny of vessels heading to Gaza amid heightened security concerns. Malta, a member of the European Union, has long navigated a delicate balance between supporting humanitarian efforts and adhering to international regulations and security protocols.

-Photo Department of Information Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has confirmed that an Israeli military aircraft seen circling near Hurd’s Bank on Thursday did not breach the country’s territorial airspace, despite speculation sparked by flight tracking data and media reports.

In an official statement, the government said that Malta’s Maritime Security Committee (MMSC) had convened urgent meetings over the past 24 hours following a reported drone attack on the humanitarian aid vessel Conscience.

The vessel, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was located 14 nautical miles off the Maltese coast—just outside the nation’s territorial waters—when the incident occurred. The vessel, which departed from Bizerte, Tunisia, was headed toward Malta, although the government had already denied it permission to dock. Authorities have emphasized that they will not allow local activists to join the mission or participate in any related operations.

While no direct link has been officially established between the drone strike and the Israeli aircraft, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has publicly accused Israel of being behind the assault. The group claims the attack was unprovoked and aimed at disrupting their mission to deliver aid to Gaza.

The Maltese government reiterated its stance that its sovereignty had not been violated. “The committee clarifies that at no point in time, during the past 48 hours, any aircraft or vessel, currently mentioned in local and foreign media in relation to the case of the vessel Conscience, entered Maltese Sovereign Airspace or the Territorial sea,” the statement said.

Contrary to reports from online flight tracking platforms suggesting the aircraft circled above the southern and eastern regions of the island, the government maintained that “the territorial integrity of the Republic of Malta was never compromised at any stage.”

The aircraft in question was identified as a KC-130H Hercules, registration 4X-FBZ/545, operated by the Israeli Air Force’s 131 Squadron out of Nevatim Air Base.

Following the aerial activity, the Conscience issued a Mayday alert claiming it had been struck by a drone while anchored at Hurd’s Bank. No injuries were reported, but the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) dispatched a patrol boat and tugboat to provide assistance. A rescue vessel remains in the area.

The MMSC, which includes senior officials from the Home Affairs, Transport, and Foreign Affairs ministries, as well as the Security Service and police, stated it will continue monitoring the situation. “Assistance will be provided to the vessel, according to what is stipulated under international law,” the government affirmed.

The incident has heightened tensions in the Mediterranean and raised fresh questions about military activity near Malta’s maritime borders.

-Photo Department of Information Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Today, the Gaza Freedom Flotilla sent out an SOS signal about a fire on board the Conscience, which activists say was caused by a drone attack. The Freedom Flotilla’s efforts are aimed at ending the blockade and delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip through non-violent actions.

Activists in Malta waiting to board the Gaza-bound ship include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and retired US Army Colonel Mary Ann Wright. A military plane left Israel yesterday and flew over Malta for a few hours, before the Gaza Freedom Flotilla reported a drone attack on their vessel just outside Maltese waters. There is no confirmed link between the Israeli warplane and the attack on the flotilla, but activists fear it is a repeat of the May 2010 incident, when Israeli forces attacked the Freedom Flotilla with speedboats and helicopters, killing nine activists.

Speaking to the Times of Malta, Thunberg said the incident was “yet another clear example of international law and human rights being completely trampled upon”. She added that “too many people in Gaza are being intentionally starved by Israel” and that it is everyone’s responsibility to do everything in their power to try to stop it. The group in Malta waiting to board said they were “incredibly worried about our comrades” on board the ship, with many shocked that the attack occurred so close to an EU country, she added.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has made modest progress in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, rising six places to 67th out of 180 countries. However, despite the improvement, the Mediterranean island remains among the worst-ranked EU member states, placing 23rd out of 27.

The rankings, compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reflect a slight improvement for Malta, which moved up from 73rd in the previous year. But the country’s ranking within the EU remains concerning.

“Despite the increase in the Index, Malta remains among the worst-ranked EU countries,” said Pavol Szalai, Head of RSF’s EU-Balkans Desk. He pointed out that the relative progress in Malta’s rank could be attributed to a broader decline in press freedom in other European nations, particularly Bulgaria and Cyprus. The report also highlighted the mixed results of Malta’s press freedom landscape. RSF acknowledged some positive steps, such as the adoption of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) by the EU and the introduction of anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) measures by the Maltese government. However, these reforms have not been enough to lift the country to a higher standing among its European peers.

Earlier this year, a report from the Council of Europe criticized Malta for failing to provide comprehensive protection against SLAPPs, limiting protections to only cross-border cases. This decision was seen as an opportunity missed to lead by example in safeguarding journalistic freedoms. Szalai also emphasized that despite the modest improvement, Malta’s press freedom situation remains far from ideal, especially when compared to the pre-2017 environment.

The assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 continues to cast a long shadow over the country’s press freedom environment. While the alleged mastermind behind the murder has been released on bail earlier this year, Malta’s press freedom has yet to recover to its former levels. “The 2017 killing continues to impact press freedom and journalist safety in the country,” Szalai said. He also expressed hope that the ongoing trial of the alleged bomb suppliers in the case would bring Malta closer to justice, though he noted that full justice will not be achieved until the mastermind is convicted.

RSF also raised concerns about the restrictions on media coverage of the judicial proceedings related to the alleged mastermind’s case. The ban on journalistic reporting has been heavily criticized for limiting press freedom, a stance that RSF has vocally denounced.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (MNA/ITALPRESS) – The skies over Malta lit up like never before on Wednesday night, as the nation marked the 21st anniversary of its European Union membership with a jaw-dropping display that has made history across the continent. In a first for Europe, 550 drones equipped with fireworks took flight in a breathtaking fusion of technology and tradition, bringing the Malta International Fireworks Festival to a triumphant close.

The record-breaking event left thousands in awe as synchronized drones painted the night sky with explosive bursts of colour and choreography, creating a spectacle never before seen on European soil. The historic display wasn’t just a celebration it was a milestone. Transport Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate proudly announced that Malta is officially the first European country to authorize the launch of fireworks from drones, setting a precedent for future aerial spectacles across the continent.

“Malta continues to lead in innovation and creativity,” said a spokesperson from the Directorate, noting their ongoing collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to pioneer new concepts like pyrotechnic-equipped drone swarms. The mastermind behind the dazzling show was Pyroemotions, a Maltese-registered pyrotechnics company making waves across Europe. Known for pushing the boundaries of aerial entertainment, Pyroemotions has recently staged similar shows in Italy and Sicily, and is set to ignite the skies in Montenegro and other parts of Europe soon.

As the final embers faded from Malta’s night sky, one thing was clear ù the small island nation had just made a big mark on Europe’s technological and cultural map.

– photo The International Fireworks Festival in Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews