TRIPOLI (LIBIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – In March 2025, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a 28% decrease in the number of migrants arriving in Italy by sea compared to earlier months.

Despite this decline, Libya remains the dominant country of departure, with over 2,400 migrants arriving in Italy during the month.

Approximately 92% of these migrants departed from Libya, underlining its crucial role in the Central Mediterranean migration route. The majority, nearly 80%, reached Italy’s Lampedusa Island.

Though Tunisia also served as a departure point, it accounted for a much smaller proportion of arrivals. The report highlighted that Bangladeshis represented the largest group of migrants, followed by nationals from Pakistan, Egypt, and Syria.

Despite the reduced number of arrivals, the Central Mediterranean remains one of the most perilous migration routes, with six deaths and 43 people reported missing in March.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has refrained from commenting directly on US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement imposing a 20% tariff on products imported from the European Union, a move that has reverberated across Europe. 

Prime Minister Robert Abela’s government took a neutral stance, choosing not to criticize the tariffs and instead emphasized that trade negotiations are the responsibility of the European Commission, as outlined by European Council President António Costa.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister quoted by the Times of Malta, noted that the issue remains a key topic of discussion at the European level, with the primary aim of safeguarding the interests of all EU citizens, including those in Malta. The spokesperson assured that the Maltese government remains committed to protecting businesses and families from the potential impacts of global economic challenges, continuing to provide support and stability during uncertain times.

The move to remain neutral comes amid rising concerns in Europe over the economic fallout of Trump’s trade policies.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has reiterated its commitment to supporting the people of Malta, responding to the Opposition leader Bernard Grech’s comments regarding the newly announced US tariffs. The Labour Party highlighted its historic tax cuts and government initiatives to help citizens cope with inflation, while accusing Grech of failing to rise above political partisanship. The party also took aim at the Nationalist Party’s stance on energy subsidies, calling it an attack on efforts to help the public.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The government’s contentious reforms to magisterial inquiries, which significantly limit individuals’ ability to request inquiries and impose a strict two-year time limit, have passed their final vote in Parliament, despite a protest taking place outside the building while the Opposition Leader Bernard Grech led his party out of Parliament in protest, calling the vote a “democratic disgrace” and refusing to participate in what he described as “a direct attack on citizens’ rights.”

The motion, approved by 37 votes to 30, paves the way for the bill to amend the Criminal Code and become law once it receives assent from the President.

The reforms were introduced shortly after a high-profile inquiry, initiated by private individuals, led to the arraignment of former prime minister Joseph Muscat on charges of corruption, money laundering, and criminal association. The changes come at a time when lawyer and former MP Jason Azzopardi was submitting multiple requests for inquiries into alleged corruption.

The Nationalist Opposition strongly opposed the bill, demanding a vote even on its first reading, a typically procedural step in Parliament. Following a lengthy and contentious debate, the bill was approved in its second reading last month.

On Tuesday, the Consideration of Bills Committee discussed the bill further, with the government introducing amendments to address one of its more controversial provisions. The revised bill no longer places magisterial inquiries under the supervision of the attorney general, a move that had been criticized for potentially undermining the independence of the judiciary. Under the new provisions, the appointment of experts will be managed by the inquiring magistrate and the chief justice.

Although the Nationalist Party welcomed this change, it still voted against the bill in committee, arguing that the revisions failed to address the most contentious elements of the legislation.

Outside Parliament, the civil society group ‘Repubblika’ staged a protest against the reforms. Robert Aquilina, honorary president of Repubblika and representative of the Fondazione Falcone in Malta, stated that history would ultimately condemn those responsible for making the bill law.

Prime Minister Robert Abela was met with jeers from the crowd as he arrived at Parliament for the vote. Aquilina accused him of being the “prime protector of the mafia” in Malta.

– photo Net News –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The leader of the Maltese Nationalist Party (PN), Bernard Grech, has urged the government to take “a firm stance” on the issue of the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. According to the Times of Malta, the leader of the opposition force called on the government to defend consumers and the national industry. The tariffs, he added, are “a step backwards for everyone”.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Civil Protection Department is extending its expertise to the Libyan municipality of Al-Asabaa, following a series of mysterious fires that engulfed numerous houses in the area. The origins of the fires remain undetermined, but the situation has prompted a response from local authorities and international humanitarian teams.

Four officers from Malta’s Civil Protection Department will assist Libyan authorities in investigating the cause of the fires, as well as in efforts to ensure the safety of the affected families. The operation is being coordinated through the European Civil Protection mechanism, with Malta once again providing vital support to nations in need, following previous assistance to countries such as Libya, Greece, and Turkey.

Interior Minister Byron Camilleri emphasized that Malta’s Civil Protection Department is not only dedicated to assisting those in need locally but also plays a key role in offering its expertise internationally. “Through this assistance, we are reaffirming our commitment to humanitarian efforts worldwide,” Camilleri stated.

Peter Paul Coleiro, Director of the Civil Protection Department, reiterated that the department’s mission is to aid those in need, both within Malta and abroad, and this operation represents a continuation of that vital work.

The fires erupted in Al-Asabaa, located approximately 120 kilometers from Tripoli, where several houses and vehicles were consumed by flames under mysterious circumstances. Due to the unusual nature of the fires, some local residents have speculated that the town may have been attacked by supernatural forces, such as jinn. However, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Ministry of Interior has launched a full investigation into the incident, with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) leading the efforts.

Authorities have urged local residents to cooperate with firefighting teams and follow safety guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. The Ministry has also called for any individuals with information about the cause of the fires to report to the nearest police station to assist in the investigation.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, has argued that ramping up defence spending within the European Union could lead to the creation of more jobs across the bloc. 

Speaking in an interview on the current affairs programme ‘Xtra’, aired on Malta’s national television station, Micallef highlighted the potential for job growth, not just in the military sector, but in areas such as ports, which, while not directly military, are still closely linked to defence efforts.

Micallef emphasized the importance of considering all perspectives on defence, particularly as different countries within the EU hold varying views on the issue.

He also made a strong statement on Ukraine, expressing his belief that the country has a place within the EU. “Even in times of war, our priority should always be European citizens and their wellbeing,” he said.

Regarding Europe’s relationship with the United States, Micallef stressed the need for continued collaboration, pointing out the EU-US partnership, which has thrived for over 80 years, was vital in addressing global challenges like climate change. He noted, however, that climate change was not a priority during the Trump administration.

On the Middle East, Micallef underscored the EU’s focus on humanitarian aid to Gaza, improving infrastructure, and securing the release of hostages as central to the region’s ongoing crisis.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta saw the highest per capita influx of migrants in the European Union in 2023, with approximately 76 immigrants arriving for every 1,000 residents, according to the latest Eurostat data. This marks a 75% higher rate than any other EU member state.

The island nation outpaced Cyprus, which recorded 43 new immigrants per 1,000 people, and Luxembourg, which saw 40. Spain and Ireland followed, each with around 26 migrants per capita. On the other end of the scale, Slovakia, France, and Italy experienced the lowest levels of immigration.

The Eurostat report provides data for all EU member states, though it cautions that some results are based on provisional figures or exclude certain groups such as asylum seekers or Ukrainian refugees.

Malta, however, provided complete data for the year, with 80% of its new immigrants coming from outside the European Union, a group often referred to as ‘third-country nationals’ (TCNs). This proportion is slightly below the highest in the EU, which was reported by countries like Czechia, Lithuania, and Ireland, where over 80% of their immigrants arrived from non-EU countries.

A significant portion of Malta’s migrants, around one-fifth, came from other EU member states. However, this was far lower than the 86% of Luxembourg’s immigrants who hailed from within the EU, and Slovakia’s 58%. In total, the EU saw over 4.3 million non-EU migrants in 2023, compared to 1.5 million migrants moving between EU countries.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA)- The NGO Alarm Phone has raised the alarm over the well-being of around 34 people believed to be stranded at sea. The individuals, who departed from Tunisia late last night aboard a makeshift iron boat, are now facing extreme conditions as rough weather exacerbates the perilous situation.

Alarm Phone, an organization that tracks and alerts authorities about distress calls from migrants, urgently informed relevant authorities about the boat’s departure and its likely distress. The group is believed to be caught in a dire situation, with reports of dangerous weather worsening their chances of survival.

Tunisian authorities, despite launching a search operation, have reported no success in locating the vessel. The search is continuing, but the chances of rescue grow slimmer with every passing hour. Alarm Phone has strongly urged authorities to intensify efforts, stressing that time is running out for the migrants who are at grave risk.

The incident underscores the ongoing peril faced by many attempting dangerous sea crossings in a bid for better lives, often in the face of uncertain or hazardous weather conditions. Humanitarian organizations are calling for stronger international coordination to address the risks and improve rescue operations in such high-risk areas.

Alarm Phone has appealed for immediate and sustained search operations, urging all relevant authorities to take action before it’s too late.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has confirmed that he has begun internal discussions regarding the potential legalization of euthanasia in Malta. 

Speaking on the national television station, Abela revealed that he had engaged in talks earlier this week with the Youth Advisory Forum, a group of nine young individuals who offer confidential, paid advice to the Prime Minister.

“These youths are brilliant, and they’re giving me so many ideas,” Abela said during the interview. “I discussed euthanasia with the Youth Advisory Forum before raising the topic with the Cabinet.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged that euthanasia is a sensitive issue but emphasized its significance. He explained that he wanted to first gather the perspectives of the Youth Advisory Forum before formally presenting the matter to the Cabinet.

Abela did not specify his personal stance on whether euthanasia should be legalized, but noted that the Labour Party’s 2022 manifesto called for a discussion on the issue, recognizing the challenges faced by individuals with terminal illnesses. The government will now consider the ideas from the Youth Advisory Forum as part of the next steps in the debate.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Tunisia’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Obeid, has unveiled a new collaborative initiative with Libya and Algeria aimed at tackling illegal trade, smuggling, and developing the economies of border regions. This announcement came in response to a parliamentary inquiry about the rise of the informal economy and the establishment of free trade zones in Tunisia.

Obeid emphasized that the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the detrimental effects of the parallel economy on Tunisia’s national financial stability. A key component of this effort is engaging young people, who are seen as pivotal in driving regional economic growth.

Central to this initiative is the border town of Ben Guerdane, located near the Libyan border. The Tunisian government plans to transform Ben Guerdane into a dynamic investment hub, generating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth. This aligns with broader efforts to revitalize border areas and create sustainable economic zones that provide dignified living conditions, particularly for youth.

Ras Ajdir, a crucial border crossing between Tunisia and Libya situated about 30 kilometers from Ben Guerdane, has long been a focal point for informal trade. The crossing is vital to the trade route between the two nations and plays an important role in the local economy. However, it has also become a hotspot for smuggling, with goods like fuel, electronics, and food often being illegally traded.

In recent months, Libyan authorities have ramped up anti-smuggling operations at Ras Ajdir, leading to a rise in tensions between the two countries. Libyan security forces have detained numerous individuals and confiscated vehicles involved in the illicit trade. In response, Tunisia has sought diplomatic solutions to ease the strain.

Libya’s interim Government of National Unity recently dispatched an envoy to Tunisia, resulting in diplomatic talks that led to the release of detainees from both sides. Several individuals and their vehicles were freed, while Tunisia also released three Libyans accused of smuggling subsidized food products.

This new regional initiative, backed by Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria, seeks to create a more secure and economically stable environment for the border communities, providing both sustainable growth and stronger ties between the neighboring countries.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews