LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has unveiled its much-anticipated ‘Reshaping Our Mobility’ plan, aiming to reduce traffic congestion over the next 18 months. The government, however, has opted not to implement any direct measures that would disincentivise the use of private cars. Instead, the strategy focuses exclusively on encouraging the use of alternative transport options.

Among the key measures revealed, the most notable is the ‘Surrender Your Licence Schemè, which offers motorists €25,000 to give up their cars and licenses for five years. While this initiative garnered media attention ahead of the announcement, its reception has been mixed.

Suzanne Maas, climate campaign coordinator at Friends of the Earth Malta, expressed skepticism, arguing that a balanced approach-combining both incentives and disincentives-is essential to effect meaningful change in transport habits.

However, the government’s strategy appears to prioritize incentives over punitive measures, likely driven by political considerations with the next general election approaching within two years. Critics argue that without any disincentives to private car use, such as road pricing or stricter parking regulations, the impact of these measures could be limited. They contend that many motorists will continue to rely on cars as the most convenient option, particularly as public transport remains affected by the same traffic congestion.

The plan itself is structured around seven pillars: vehicle incentives, a 24-hour economy, parking, public transport, road works, alternative mobility, and remote working.
Key components of the vehicle incentives pillar include the ‘Surrender Your Licence Scheme,’ as well as schemes offering €6,000 over four years for young people (17+) to forgo a full driving license until the age of 21, and for those who opt to use a scooter instead of a car. The plan also proposes grants for purchasing low-powered motorcycles and reforms to vintage vehicle licensing to reduce abuse.

Other measures focus on easing traffic congestion and promoting off-peak activity, including extending public service hours, introducing park-and-ride services in various locations, and expanding the bus network with new routes and increased frequencies. Additionally, the government will explore initiatives to boost cycling and walking as alternative mobility options, including the completion of a National Cycling Strategy and the development of a National Walking Strategy.

Meanwhile, the Maltese government, through its Transport Minister Chris Bonett, is actively trying to prevent a European Union directive that would lower the driving age to 17, allowing 17-year-olds to drive if accompanied by an adult. However, Bonett acknowledged that the directive is likely to pass through qualified majority voting, meaning Maltàs opposition may not stop its implementation. While Malta could be required to comply, the government is seeking ways to secure an exemption or derogation, though such exceptions are rare in EU law.

– photo: DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A newly released Eurobarometer survey reveals that young people in Malta are the most optimistic about the future of the European Union, with 92% expressing a positive outlook on the bloc, well above the EU average of 61%.

The survey, which captures the views of young Europeans on EU challenges and priorities, shows that Malta’s youth are not only hopeful about the EU’s future but also highly positive about its impact on their lives.

The survey, which focuses on young people aged 16 to 30, found that nearly half of Maltese youth (48%) are “very optimistic” about the EU’s future, while 44% are “rather optimistic.” This marks the highest percentage of optimism in the EU, with only 15% of young people across the bloc sharing the same sentiment. In stark contrast, 31% of young people in the EU express pessimism about the future of the Union, while only 5% of Maltese youth are “rather pessimistic,” and none are “very pessimistic.”

Maltese young people are also among the most likely to view the EU as having a positive impact on their society. According to the survey, 86% of Maltese youth believe the EU has a positive effect on their community, with 50% seeing it as “very positive.” This is the highest percentage in the EU. In comparison, only 19% of young people in the EU at large feel the Union has a very positive impact.

While optimism is a defining feature of Maltese youth’s view on the EU, the survey also highlights their belief in the tangible benefits the EU brings to their daily lives. A significant number (48%) associate the EU with opportunities like Erasmus+, DiscoverEU, and the European Solidarity Corps, far exceeding the EU-wide average of 30%. In contrast, Maltese youth are less likely to connect the EU with the freedom to travel—27% of them associate it with this aspect, compared to 39% of their EU peers.

As for the EU’s priorities, the survey shows that Maltese youth are most concerned about irregular migration (27%), followed by climate change (25%) and economic issues (23%). In contrast, security and defense is the top priority for EU youth overall (31%), followed by climate change (27%) and public health (26%).

The survey also reveals that while inflation is the greatest concern for young people across the EU (41%), only 26% of Maltese youth share this worry. Instead, climate change (29%) and EU security (27%) are their primary concerns for the future.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE) has expressed serious reservations regarding the potential acquisition of HSBC Malta by Hungary’s largest bank, OTP. In a statement released on Saturday, the union stated that it would seek to be involved in the sale process once the preferred bidders are identified. MUBE made it clear it was skeptical about the deal and urged the Maltese government to intervene if necessary to safeguard the country’s interests.

MUBE emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the transaction, calling on the state to step in and protect the reputation and stability of the country’s banking sector. “The sale must be conducted with the utmost transparency and fairness in the broadest sense of the terms,” the union said in its statement.

OTP, which serves 17 million customers across 11 countries, was recently revealed to be among the bidders for HSBC Malta, according to an exclusive report by the Times of Malta. The bank’s potential involvement has sparked concerns in political circles, especially due to its operations in Russia, raising questions about possible reputational risks for Malta.

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has acknowledged the concerns, stressing the need to protect Malta’s reputation, especially after its recent greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). He also highlighted the issue of competition in Malta’s banking sector, cautioning that another local bidder, APS, could exacerbate the already limited competition.

In response to these concerns, OTP issued a letter to the Times of Malta on Saturday, asserting that it maintains professional relationships with governments in all its operating countries, while remaining politically neutral. The bank emphasized that it upholds Western standards in its dealings and does not engage in relationships that deviate from those standards.

HSBC Malta has confirmed that it has received multiple acquisition offers, and shareholder approval has been granted to allow potential buyers to access the bank’s books as negotiations continue.

MUBE has also backed the minister’s concerns, acknowledging that the sale of HSBC Malta is a complex matter that extends beyond corporate interests. “For the interested bidders and the HSBC Group, it may be just another business deal, but for MUBE and the employees it represents, it is much more,” the union concluded.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Pop music icon Lady Gaga is back in Malta, sparking excitement among fans as she reportedly films a new mystery project. The global superstar, known for her chart-topping hits and avant-garde style, has been spotted visiting historical landmarks in the picturesque Mediterranean island, which holds a special place in her heart.

This morning, the “Bad Romance” singer shared a glimpse of her visit to Mdina, the ancient walled city, where she was seen taking selfies with fans just outside the iconic gates. The photos quickly made their way to social media, confirming her return to Malta after years of fond memories tied to the island.

Adding to the intrigue, popular TikTok personality and makeup artist Henry Galea teased a collaboration with Lady Gaga, hinting at an upcoming video featuring the singer herself. In a playful post, Galea shared that he had jokingly told Gaga, “no paparazzi,” before wishing his “mystery guest” a happy birthday. Galea had earlier shared that he was honored to meet one of his biggest inspirations while she was in Malta filming, sparking further curiosity about the nature of her project.

Malta has long been significant to Lady Gaga, with the island marking the site of her first international performance at the Isle of MTV festival in 2008. The following year, she returned to Malta, visibly emotional as she thanked the country for playing an essential role in her rise to international stardom. It appears the island continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection for the pop legend.

As fans eagerly await more details about her latest venture, Lady Gaga’s presence in Malta has already made a significant impact, adding to the island’s appeal as a destination for global stars and cultural milestones.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

DAMASCO (SIRIA) (ITALPRESS)- Emad Al-Trabelsi, the Interior Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) and head of the High Committee for Monitoring Illegal Immigration and Border Security, met with Ines Tchouma, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya, to discuss the pressing issue of illegal immigration. The meeting focused on the multifaceted impacts of illegal immigration on Libya, including its security, economic, and social repercussions.

The discussion, which also addressed the difficulties faced by migrants in Libya, was attended by representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and UNICEF.

A key point of concern raised by Tchouma was the restrictions placed on humanitarian organizations working with migrants and refugees. She urged the Libyan government to engage in dialogue to address these restrictions and ensure that these organizations can operate safely and in accordance with Libyan law.

The meeting also reviewed the Interior Ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration, particularly the importance of strengthening voluntary return programmes for illegal migrants or facilitating their resettlement in third countries. These measures are seen as crucial in addressing the migration challenges facing Libya.

The discussion comes amid growing public discontent in Libya over the rising number of migrants and fears about their permanent settlement in the country. The UN mission expressed alarm over what it described as a “misinformation campaign” in Libya, which has contributed to escalating tensions and hate speech against refugees and migrants.

Al-Trabelsi also highlighted the Interior Ministry’s readiness to establish a specialized security force to protect Libya’s southern borders, following an emergency meeting of the High Committee on Illegal Immigration and Border Security.

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated the repatriation of 960 Nigerian migrants from Libya in the first three months of 2025. This operation, in collaboration with IOM Nigeria and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, underscores ongoing efforts to address irregular migration. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, cautioned against the dangers of irregular migration routes through Libya, urging Nigerian citizens to seek legal and regulated migration options. Over the past few years, IOM has assisted in the repatriation of more than 15,000 stranded Nigerians from Libya and neighboring countries.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A surge of interest has followed the launch of the Preliminary Qualification Questionnaire for Malta’s first offshore renewable energy initiative. In response, Interconnect Malta, the national entity overseeing the process, has decided to extend the submission period, allowing more time for interested companies to express their interest in the project.

Interconnect Malta Ltd, established as a government body under the Ministry for the Environment and Energy, is responsible for spearheading major energy infrastructure projects in the country.

Engineer Christian Spiteri, the manager of Interconnect Malta, noted that numerous economic operators had formally requested additional time to finalize their participation, whether independently, through partnerships, or broader collaborations. “Given the scale and strategic significance of the project, the Contractual Authority has agreed to extend the submission deadline,” he explained.

With this extension, prospective participants now have until 21 July 2025 to submit their proposals, providing them with ample time to prepare their applications.

The Ministry for the Environment and Energy, via Interconnect Malta, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing this pivotal offshore renewable energy project. The ministry also expressed its appreciation for the ongoing engagement of all stakeholders as Malta pursues its goals in the offshore renewable energy sector.

In 2023, a national policy identified six potential areas beyond Malta’s 12-mile territorial waters, earmarked for floating renewable energy projects.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – President Kais Saied met with Minister of Transport Rachid Amri and acting Director-General of Tunisair Halima Khouaja to address the worsening state of the national airline. During the meeting, Saied emphasized the need for immediate measures to overhaul Tunisair at all levels, as its current condition is deemed unacceptable.

The President pointed out significant issues with both the quality of services onboard and the airline’s failure to adhere to scheduled takeoffs and landings. According to a statement from the Presidency, Saied highlighted that improvements in services are well within reach, but substantial changes are needed to restore the airline’s reputation.

A major concern raised by Saied was the dramatic decline of the airline’s fleet, which once boasted 24 aircraft, but now operates with only 10. Additionally, he noted the severe delays in technical inspections, which, under normal circumstances, should take no more than 10 days. However, these inspections have extended to over 123 days in Tunisia, resulting in losses amounting to tens of billions of dinars—funds that could have been better invested in acquiring new aircraft.

Saied also criticized the practice of hiring personnel based on loyalty and favoritism, despite a clear lack of need for additional staff. He described this as a wasteful practice that has contributed to the airline’s financial instability.

In his remarks, the President emphasized that Tunisair, along with Tunis-Carthage International Airport, will not be abandoned.

Highlighting the strategic location of Tunis-Carthage Airport, Saied noted that it holds unique advantages not found in many other airports. He stressed the potential for expanding the airport’s capacity to improve Tunisia’s aviation infrastructure.

Saied concluded by directing officials to develop a comprehensive rescue plan aimed at restoring Tunisair’s prestige and ensuring the airline’s future success.

-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has expressed doubts about the offer received from Hungarian bank Otp to acquire HSBC Bank Malta, the Maltese subsidiary of British multinational banking and financial services company HSBC. Malta needs “more banking competition, not less,” Caruana told the Times of Malta, adding that it is essential to close the deal with a bank that has a “good reputation”.

Yesterday, the Times of Malta also revealed that Otp was among the “favorites” in the race for the acquisition. The only other known bidder to date is a local operator, Aps Bank, which confirmed its interest late last year. At the moment there is no confirmation of interest from other banks. The Hungarian OTP was included in 2023 by the Kiev Anti-Corruption Agency in the list of “international sponsors” of the war because it continued to operate in Russia even after the beginning of the conflict.

The Budapest banking group released a statement yesterday in which it clarified that it had been included in that list for “reasons that have proven to be completely false,” and that it had subsequently been removed from the list. Minister Caruana also appeared to raise doubts on the second option, relating to the local bank Aps. Again according to the Times of Malta, to a “veiled” reference to Aps the minister responded by insisting that Malta’s financial sector needs “more banking competition than there is today, not less”.

– photo Flickr via CC 2.0 –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, has announced that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is working on a legal framework aimed at ensuring that only individuals “who deserve asylum” are permitted to remain in the European Union.

Abela’s statement came amid mounting criticism of his commitment to reforming the European Convention on Human Rights, which is a key issue as Malta prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of Europe from May to September. Despite the backlash, Abela insisted that Malta will continue to champion human rights but emphasized that these rights should be granted only when they are “merited”.

In response to questions about the rights of unsuccessful asylum seekers, Abela questioned whether Maltese and Gozitans also do not have rights, and argued that the European Union should have the authority to decide who is allowed to enter its territory. “If you do not deserve asylum, you should be returned to your country,” he stated. Abela also pointed out that international law often complicates the repatriation of failed asylum seekers, particularly those who have committed crimes. While stressing that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and humanity, Abela clarified that the right to remain in a country is not automatic.

He further revealed that several EU member states, including Denmark, Italy, Cyprus, and Greece, share Malta’s position on the need for reforms to make it easier to deport unsuccessful asylum seekers. Official figures show that Malta granted 33,455 residence permits in 2024, driven by a surge in demand for skilled labour. In 2023, foreign nationals made up 28.1% of Malta’s population, with the number of foreigners increasing by 15.3% in just one year, while the Maltese population grew by only 0.1%.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Yesterday evening, the rescue ship Aurora, aided by Seabird operated by the civil rescue organization Sea Watch and the NGO Alarm Phone, responded to a distressed boat in treacherous conditions, with strong winds and high waves.

The crew provided life vests and secured the 85 migrants on board until the Italian coastguard arrived to complete the rescue. Meanwhile, the fate of 60 migrants remains uncertain after they were reported in distress off the Libyan coast.

The NGO Alarm Phone stated that authorities were alerted to the situation when the migrants’ boat began taking on water approximately 15 kilometers from shore.

– photo Sea Watch –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews