VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS) – European Commissioner Jessika Roswall visited WasteServ facilities in Malta, praising significant progress in the country’s waste management reforms and its transition toward a circular economy.

The visit, held with Minister for Energy and the Environment Miriam Dalli, and WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca, included a tour of major operational sites such as the ECOHIVE Complex in Naxxar.

During the visit, officials outlined key infrastructure projects already completed and others in development, with particular focus on the ECOHIVE Project. Once fully implemented, the project is expected to transform Malta’s waste management system by significantly reducing reliance on landfilling and turning waste into valuable resources.

The delegation reviewed how ongoing investments and operational improvements are reshaping the sector, combining advanced facilities with long-term planning to support sustainable practices nationwide.

Roswall described the reforms as “inspiring,” noting that circular economy strategies are critical for Europe’s resilience amid growing global competition for raw materials. She pointed out that the EU depends heavily on imports for critical resources and stressed the importance of increasing recycling rates.

She also confirmed that the European Commission will present a Circular Economy Act later this year, aimed at creating a stronger single market for circular materials across the bloc.

Minister Dalli said Malta’s recent investments and policy direction are delivering tangible results, positioning waste as a resource while improving efficiency and environmental outcomes.

Bilocca added that WasteServ remains focused on delivering the country’s long-term waste strategy through continued investment and innovation.

The visit also highlighted progress on a €37 million project to convert a former waste facility into 24,000 square metres of public green space.

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Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Former Labour Party general secretary Jimmy Magro has had a four-year and eight-month prison sentence confirmed by the Court of Appeal, bringing a definitive close to one of Malta’s most high-profile corruption cases.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera, marks the first case in Malta’s modern political history in which a senior party official will serve prison time over corruption linked to EU-funded projects.

Magro, who served as Labour Party general secretary for 12 years until 2003, was found guilty of soliciting kickbacks and attempting to influence a public tender involving €250,000 in European Union funds for waste collection equipment.

The court upheld findings that, while acting as a consultant to the Local Councils Association and project leader on the tender, Magro sought personal financial gain in exchange for steering the contract.

Evidence presented included email exchanges and testimony from bidder Victor Bonello, who refused to pay €25,000 as requested by Magro and reported the incident to authorities.

Although no payment was ultimately made, the court ruled that the solicitation itself constituted a serious abuse of public trust.

Magro had argued on appeal that he was not a public official and that evidence against him was insufficient, but the court rejected these claims, affirming that his role placed him under strict obligations governing public and EU funds.

The judgment stressed that his actions risked damaging Malta’s credibility with the European Union and undermined the integrity of the tendering process.

In addition to the prison term, Magro has been permanently barred from holding public office.

The ruling confirms an earlier conviction handed down in April last year and ends Magro’s legal challenge in full.

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Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Vinicius is out of the question. According to “Marca,” the Brazilian will be one of Real Madrid’s key players for next season: Florentino Perez considers him an asset to the club, both now and in the future, and is confident about his contract renewal. Perez blames two mistakes for the Blancos’ disappointing season: the signing of Xabi Alonso and the rushing of Alvaro Arbeloa’s arrival as first-team coach, who ultimately proved unfit.

Therefore, the summer will see a new coaching revolution, but whoever arrives will have the task of making the most of Vinicius, in whom Perez remains fully confident.

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Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The crisis is now profound. Last night’s defeat to Brighton threatens to create an irreparable rift between manager Liam Rosenior and the dressing room, with the manager having been forthcoming. “It was an unacceptable performance in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude,”

Rosenior vented. “I keep coming here and defending the players, but this performance is indefensible. The way we conceded goals, the number of duels we lost, the lack of intensity in the team: something has to change, drastically and immediately. I think the players need to take a hard look at themselves for what they put in on the pitch. You can talk about tactics, but tactics come after the basics: you need to be more courageous in your play, win duels, headers, tackles, and avoid conceding certain goals. It was an unacceptable performance.”

The Blues have lost their last five games, all without scoring—a similar streak dates back to November 1912—and won only one of their last nine. And the first boos have also been heard at the Amex Stadium, with Rosenior’s position—hired in January to replace Maresca—inevitably in jeopardy.

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Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Bernardo Silva will end his glorious spell at Manchester City at the end of the season, but his future could still lie in the Premier League. The 31-year-old Portuguese has been linked in recent weeks with clubs such as Barcelona and Juventus, but according to ESPN, Arsenal are also monitoring the situation.

Bernardo Silva undoubtedly wants to continue playing at the highest level after the next World Cup, hence his rejection of lucrative offers from the Middle East. There’s still time to end his career at Benfica.

Currently, the idea of ​​adding La Liga to his list of achievements, in addition to playing for a team like Barça that aspires to the Champions League, seems to be the one that most appeals to him.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Franklin J. Aquilina, Malta’s ambassador to Libya, held talks with Khalifa Haftar at the General Command in Benghazi during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Both sides underscored the strong historical relationship between Malta and Libya, reaffirming a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors.

The meeting focused on the importance of advancing Libya’s political process under the roadmap of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, with emphasis on safeguarding the country’s unity, sovereignty and stability.

Aquilina also welcomed a unified spending agreement mediated by the United States, describing it as a significant step toward financial coherence and accountability.

Migration and wider Mediterranean challenges were also discussed, highlighting areas of mutual concern.

Malta reiterated its readiness to contribute to Libya’s development, particularly in security, infrastructure, education and research.

Both sides expressed optimism that continued engagement would deepen cooperation and support stability in the region.

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Source: medNews

BOURNEMOUTH (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “I think the club will be in excellent hands. He’s a great coach,” said Andoni Iraola, the manager who achieved great things at Bournemouth, but who will be replaced by Marco Rose at the end of the season.

Without a club since March 2025 after his split with Leipzig, the former Borussia Dortmund player has never managed in the Premier League, but Iraola is convinced he’s made the right choice.

“I spoke highly of him a few years ago. I’ve always appreciated his teams, and I hope that will be the case here too. He’s an excellent coach,” said the Spaniard, “he also has extensive experience in European competitions. I don’t know him personally, but I’ve always appreciated his teams, and I think he’ll be able to contribute to the club’s growth here too.”

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela met European Commissioner for the Environment Jessika Roswall in Valletta to discuss Malta’s environmental challenges and long-term sustainability strategy.

During the meeting, Abela underscored the country’s structural constraints, including water scarcity, limited land space and insularity, noting their continued impact on national development and infrastructure planning.

He highlighted Malta Vision 2050 as a key framework to tackle these issues through practical sustainability measures. The strategy prioritises environmental protection, water security, the circular economy and efficient resource use, aiming to enhance quality of life, resilience and economic competitiveness.

Addressing water scarcity, Abela said Malta has invested in strengthening its water system, pointing to initiatives such as the New Water programme designed to support the agricultural sector.

The Prime Minister also outlined efforts to expand the circular economy, including waste separation initiatives, a beverage container refund scheme and investment in facilities like the EcoHive Complex, alongside increased public awareness campaigns.

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and the Prime Minister’s adviser on European affairs, Leandro Borg, were also present for the meeting.

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Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Closing the La Liga issue as soon as possible, renewing his contract, and then pursuing his dream of the Champions League. These are Hansi Flick‘s goals, today at a press conference on the eve of the home match against Celta Vigo, the 33rd matchday of the Spanish top league. “La Liga is the only competition we have left. We’ve had a couple of days off to clear our heads. The atmosphere is fantastic, but we need to transmit it on the pitch and give our all. We need to learn from defeats and from every match. I feel the team is in great spirits,” Flick said, indicating that the disappointment of the Champions League elimination in the derby against Atlético Madrid has at least been partially overcome. “The team is young. The elimination was painful. But we have to give our best in the next matches and also in next season. I’m proud of my team. We’re focused on La Liga; we have an advantage, but it’s not over yet. It won’t be easy. We want to play our best and give everything. The elimination was painful, but everyone is proud of the team because they gave everything.”

The future, having said that he speaks “with Deco every day, on the pitch or on the phone” and that planning for next season is already being discussed, Flick focuses on his future, starting from the present. “I had a fantastic time with the national team and with Bayern… but here I feel that everything around me is top notch. Looking around, if I think about my career and my family, I’m very happy. The feeling is fantastic: the atmosphere in the dressing room is wonderful. The Champions League is a motivation. It’s the club’s and the fans’ dream. We need to stay united and try again and again; I hope it will come soon.” The German, therefore, is ready to remain at the helm of the club. “My plan is to renew. I’m very honest; it will be the last step of my career, and I feel great here. I’d like to renew, but this isn’t the time to talk about it now. For me, winning the Champions League with Barça is a huge dream. I want two things: the first is to win the Champions League. And I think we can do it by making the right decisions, including in the transfer market. We have the potential to improve, but we already have a good structure. The second thing I want is to be in charge of the team when the stadium work is completed. I’m very happy and satisfied with how Barça is working; it’s like being part of a big family. Now we have to focus on what remains to be done.”

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta will stop accepting new applications for all-inclusive resorts, most hostels, and lower-tier hotels under sweeping tourism reforms set to take effect in June.

A legal notice outlines the new framework, following a public consultation launched last November. The changes also scrap a controversial rule allowing hotels to exceed local height limits by two floors.

Tourism Minister Ian Borg said the reforms aim to improve quality across the sector. “These regulations will raise standards across all accommodation categories, ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed our visitors’ expectations,” he said.

Under the new rules, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) will no longer consider applications for one- and two-star hotels or all-inclusive resorts, particularly those proposed in Outside Development Zones (ODZ). Hostels will only be approved if linked to educational institutions and limited to 40 beds in residential areas.

Borg cited misuse of hostels to house foreign workers as a key driver behind tighter restrictions.

Caps have also been introduced: hotels will be limited to 200 rooms, guesthouses to 20 rooms, and short-term rentals to a maximum of 10 guests per property or two per bedroom. Dormitory-style accommodations will be refused outright.

The reforms introduce a new “diffuso” label, allowing accommodation providers to operate across multiple converted buildings within the same locality, sharing centralised services.

Short-term rental operators face stricter obligations, including mandatory signage with licensing details, 24/7 contact availability, and waste management plans. Air conditioning is now required, while sofa beds and underground rooms are banned.

Operators without a valid MTA licence risk a three-year disqualification and additional penalties. Properties failing to meet the new standards will not be licensed.

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Source: medNews