The agreement was signed during a press event held at the Planetarium Hall at Esplora, followed by the official opening of the AMARE-MED 2026 Summer School, an Advanced School on Multispecies Modelling Approaches for Ecosystem-Based Marine Resource Management in the Mediterranean Sea, which is being hosted in Malta for its 2026 edition.

The MoU builds on an already established partnership between the two organisations through several European and Mediterranean initiatives, including JPI Oceans, the 5+5 Dialogue on Research, Innovation and Higher Education, BlueMissionMed, the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, the ONE Water Alliance and Horizon Europe activities.

Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening scientific ties between Malta and Italy. “I am pleased that this occasion centres on international scientific collaboration. It demonstrates how strong partnerships can create tangible opportunities for researchers, institutions and society alike”, said Minister Grima. 

He also stated that, “This partnership is closely aligned with Malta’s National Research and Innovation Strategic Plan, which places strong emphasis on research excellence, internationalisation, talent development and the strengthening of our national research and innovation ecosystem. It also contributes directly to the ambitions outlined in Malta Vision 2050, where knowledge, innovation and human capital are recognised as essential drivers of long-term prosperity, resilience and sustainability”.

In his introductory speech Prof. Nicola Casagli, President of the Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografiae di Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS) said, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Xjenza Malta marks an important step in strengthening scientific cooperation across the Mediterranean. Through this partnership, OGS and Xjenza Malta will promote joint research, capacity building, access to research infrastructures, and the development of new opportunities within European and international programmes. Together, we are investing in knowledge, innovation, and the sustainable future of our shared sea.”

In his opening speech, Xjenza Malta CEO Silvio Scerri explained how the agreement formalises a relationship that has already delivered significant value through shared projects and common objectives. “International cooperation is essential to scientific excellence. This partnership strengthens research capacity, broadens access to expertise and infrastructure, and creates new opportunities for participation in European and international programmes,” he remarked.

Dr Maria Azzopardi, Director of Xjenza Malta’s Internationalisation Unit, highlighted the importance of investing in researchers and fostering international networks. “At Xjenza Malta, we strongly believe that investing in people is one of the most important investments we can make. Supporting researchers, particularly those at the early stages of their careers, is essential if we are to build the expertise, skills and leadership that will drive future scientific and technological advances”.

Bank of Valletta has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality insurance and pension solutions for customers through its ongoing collaboration with Mapfre Msv Life, following a visit to Madrid for high-performing representatives from across the Bank’s distribution network.

The short visit brought together representatives from BOV’s Investment Centres, Personal Banking Channels, Business Development and Customer Value, and Private Banking teams. The initiative recognised strong performance in Insurance Services and Pensions during 2025, while also giving participants direct exposure to one of the Group’s leading international operations.

During the programme, participants visited Mapfre’s head office in Majadahonda, where they met senior management and gained first-hand insight into the company’s business model, life insurance strategy and investment management operations. The visit also gave them the opportunity to broaden their product knowledge, understand Mapfre’s approach to customer service, and exchange ideas with colleagues and experts from across the Group.

Beyond recognising individual and team achievement, the visit highlighted the value of continuous professional development in helping BOV representatives strengthen their understanding of the solutions offered to customers in Malta. It also reinforced the Bank’s commitment to investing in the expertise needed to provide customers with informed guidance across insurance, protection and long-term financial planning.

Alex Bezzina, Head of Insurance Services and Pensions Office at the Bank, accompanied the group. Commenting on the trip, he noted that, “This initiative recognised the strong contribution of our teams while also giving them valuable exposure to Mapfre’s wider expertise and operations. Opportunities like this strengthen knowledge, encourage the sharing of ideas and help us continue supporting customers with greater confidence and insight when it comes to insurance and pension solutions.”

BOV remains committed to working closely with Mapfre Msv Life to build on this partnership and continue enhancing the quality of service and solutions available to customers seeking protection, savings and retirement planning options.

After years of nothing much to celebrate since Trump took over, the US is rekindling its joy as a result of two momentous sporting events.

First, the New York Knicks won the NBA for the first time in 53 years and, understandably, the city went with wild with excitement. Grown men broke down in tears, and everyone, from adults to little kids, was jumping up and down in pure, unadulterated happiness. The vibe was infectious and even for someone like me who does not know much about basketball, watching those reels brings a smile to my face each time. There is something about watching passionate sports fans celebrate a win which is hard to beat.

On Thursday, New Yorkers all turned out for the massive celebration parade with Alicia Keys belting out her iconic anthem “Empire State of Mind” and everyone singing along to the famous lyrics, including the Mayor of New York himself. The best thing to watch were the Knicks’ smallest fans, the kids, who are so lucky to have experienced this in their lifetime. Children need heroes and it is indescribably touching to see them being so ecstatically happy and cheering for their favourite players.

The second event is, of course, the FIFA World Cup. As football fans from all over the world descended en masse on to the United States, sporting their team colours and inimitable football chants, Americans have embraced them wholeheartedly and the feeling seems to be mutual. The Scots have basically taken over Boston with their “Super John McGinn” and “No Scotland, no party” chants and the song which they have made their own “Freed from Desire”. Meanwhile, the Dutch, dressed in a sea of orange have their own pre-game traditions and chants as they move in unison from left to right. Obviously, there are so many other nations with their football rituals but these two in particular seem to be all over my feed; it’s simply impossible to watch these scenes without feeling happy. With so much depressing news all the time, for once the stories were uplifting and positive.

We definitely need some more happiness in this world and it’s a relief to see sports unifying different cultures when so many other forces are determined to try and tear us apart. Of course, this comes with a caveat: nations competing against each other can break down divisive barriers but only as long as order is maintained. When hooligans spoil it all as they did in Paris when Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League and yet hundreds of supporters rioted anyway, that speaks of an underlying unrest and a phenomenon which is inexplicable to me.

This week we also witnessed people of different political ideologies coming together with mutual respect during the inauguration of the Obama Presidential Centre. The image of four former Presidents, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton standing along side each other, so dignified and poised, represented something which has been sorely lacking in American politics for the last few years: decorum. The presidential office deserves gravitas and these men, together with their wives who were an essential driving force behind their careers, showed the American people, and the world, that it is possible to not agree on many issues and still behave with grace.

We should not under-estimate the strong symbolism of seeing leaders who behave appropriately and respectfully; the very fact that we even have to draw attention to it signals just how much we have veered away from proper conduct. It is so easy to fall into a nonchalant way of doing things, where rules are there to be broken, ethics fly out the window and laws are simply something scribbled on a worthless piece of paper – an attitude which we unfortunately live with every day of our lives here in Malta.

On the local front

Meanwhile, speaking of proper conduct why do prominent figures linked to the Labour Party insist on trying to discredit Alex Borg and Sarah Bajada? One would think that after a fourth electoral victory, they would be happy with the outcome and continue to live their lives. And yet, I keep reading posts which make me wonder if the aim is simply to topple the PN leader because they are afraid of him since he is the only real threat to Labour. I doubt they would exert so much energy on someone who is not a serious rival. It is all so unnecessary and when you drag personal issues into the mix, it becomes an unkind and cruel approach which the electorate on the whole has rejected. Let’s not forget that this is a tactic which the PN has often tried to use in the past and which has always backfired miserably.

Government ban vs parental responsibility

This week the UK Prime Minister announced that social media would be banned for those aged under 16s. Inevitably this led to two questions: how will it be enforced and is it really the Government which should be dictating what children have access to?

The first question is still being debated especially since Australia imposed this ban 6 months ago and the jury is still out as to whether it is working or whether those under 16 have simply found a loophole to get around it.

The second question is more problematic. Ideally, of course, it is parents who should be taking the reins by controlling and supervising their children’s online access. After all, they are the adults and that is the role of a parent until the children reach 18: to keep them safe, teach them right from wrong, and guide them to make the right choices. I find myself writing this and wondering, do these duties and obligations really need to be stated? Shouldn’t it be obvious that when you bring a tiny, defenceless baby into the world it is you, the parent, who has to be their guardian and guiding light as they grow up and make their way into the great unknown?

Well, sometimes I guess what is obvious for one person is not so obvious for the other. We can see the fallout all around us of adolescents who have not had the fortune of being born into a family where people care enough about their wellbeing to enforce discipline and rules. It is because of these types of parents who abdicate their responsibility that sometimes the Nanny state has to step in and do their job for them.

The British government took this draconian step after considerable pressure from the majority of parents themselves. The social media platforms include TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X. YouTube Kids however is exempt from the ban as is What’s App. It remains to be seen whether this ban will have the desired result and give parents more peace of mind about what their children are being exposed to. Perhaps it could also encourage this generation of parents to be ‘braver’ and realise that it never killed anyone to be told “no, you can’t have that.”

The marathon will be inaugurated by H.E. Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, on Thursday 16 July at 6.30pm and will conclude at 11.00pm on Saturday 18 July 2026. Forty players, selected after six weeks of training, will form five teams and play continuous volleyball for over 53 hours, not for personal gain but to support a worthy cause. The BOV Volleyball Marathon is not only a sporting event but also a powerful expression of solidarity through sport.

Addressing those present at the Pembroke Training Grounds, Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, highlighted the need for funds to enable the Home to continue providing residential services to its 115 residents. He described the move to the MFCC as a significant undertaking that offers tremendous potential for growth and visibility. Mgr Micallef encouraged the public to attend the event, support the players taking on this challenge and, above all, contribute to the cause.

Speaking to the media, Mr Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer of Bank of Valletta, said that BOV is proud to once again support an event that promotes dignity, inclusion and opportunity for persons with disabilities. He noted that the Bank has been a longstanding supporter of the Volleyball Marathon and looks forward to continuing its commitment in the years ahead. Also present were Charles Azzopardi, Head of CSR, Events & Business Alliances at Bank of Valletta, and CSR Manager Samantha Abela Caruana.

Visitors attending the event at the MFCC can expect a family-friendly atmosphere, with the new venue providing an excellent opportunity for the BOV Volleyball Marathon to reach new heights. Arts Council Malta is also supporting the event and is working with the organisers to ensure a high-quality entertainment programme featuring established headline acts on all three nights. Lara & The Jukeboys will perform on Thursday evening, Versatile Brass & Ensemble on Friday, while the Spiteri Lucas Band will headline a Classic Rock Night on Saturday.

This year also marks the launch of a dedicated online platform for updates about the fundraising campaign and related initiatives. The website, sabihlitaghti.org, will complement Id-Dar tal-Providenza’s social media channels by providing regular updates and serving as an online donation portal.

Members of the public may support the initiative by calling the dedicated donation numbers, using BOV Mobile Banking or PayPal, donating online through the new portal, or making contributions directly to the Home’s bank accounts.

€15 5170 2012
€25 5180 2013
€50 5190 2070
€100 5130 2044
Pledge Line: 2146 3686
BOV Mobile: 7932 4834

The international walking football tournament marked the culmination of several months of activities delivered in Malta and Italy under the Erasmus+ Sport initiative. Bringing together older adults from both countries, the event showcased how sport can promote healthy lifestyles, friendship and community participation well beyond traditional competitive football.

Team Black emerged as tournament winners, receiving the trophy from Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat, while Team White finished as runners-up and were presented with their award by former Maltese international footballer Carmel Busuttil, who attended the event in support of the initiative.

Walking football is a modified version of the game that eliminates running and significantly reduces physical contact, making it accessible to older adults and others who may no longer feel able to participate in traditional football. The sport is growing rapidly across Europe as an effective way to promote physical activity, improve wellbeing and combat social isolation.

The tournament concluded a programme of activities delivered by Swieqi United Football Club in Malta and A.S.D. Real Sala Bolognese in Italy as part of the WALK FIT project. Over recent months, the initiative has included coach and referee training sessions, community outreach activities, open days and regular walking football sessions designed to encourage participation among adults aged 50 and over.

Training sessions held in Malta and Italy provided participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to organise and deliver walking football activities safely and inclusively. Open days in both countries subsequently gave members of the public the opportunity to experience the sport first hand, with the Maltese event also welcoming younger vulnerable adults, further reinforcing the project’s commitment to inclusion.

• The second interconnector project has reached another milestone, as the manufacturing and factory testing of the 220kV/132kV autotransformer and two 220kV shunt reactors in Türkiye were completed this week.
• This infrastructure will play an important role in strengthening Malta’s network and improving security of supply.

Testing of the key electrical equipment in Türkiye was completed successfully, as Interconnect Malta’s project reaches another milestone.

This includes an autotransformer that will reduce the voltage from the interconnection’s 220kV to 132kV, in line with the operation of the Maltese grid, as well as shunt reactors that help control voltage by absorbing the reactive energy generated. This reduces losses in the interconnection and improves transmission efficiency.

“The second interconnector is a strategic investment in our future. This project will double our country’s interconnection capacity and will also strengthen our ability to accommodate more renewable energy in our energy mix. It is an important pillar in our ambitious plan to continue increasing renewable energy, both onshore and offshore, while further strengthening resilience and flexibility in this sector in our country.” Minister for the Environment and Energy Dr Miriam Dalli said. 

The dismantling and packaging process of the Transformer and the two Reactors is currently underway, with these components scheduled to depart from the factory around mid-June. From there, they will be transferred to the terminal in Türkiye to be loaded onto a vessel and commence their journey to the port of Pozzallo in Sicily and the Grand Harbour in Malta, respectively.

The installation process of the 220kV reactor in Ragusa, the 220kV/132kV transformer and the 220kV Reactor in Malta is planned to be completed by the end of this summer.

“The completion of manufacturing of an autotransformer and two variable shunt reactors all operating at 220kV, and their successful testing at the factory in Turkey is another step forward for the IC2 project. ICM looks forward to having them delivered, installed and commissioned at Maghtab and Ragusa terminal stations ahead of their energization in due course.” Dr. Inġ. Joseph Vassallo, Divisional Manager at ICM, said.

The works related to the transformer and the reactors form part of a broader chain of activities within the IC2 project. These works involve several companies, including the main contractor, AG Installations, which was awarded this contract following an open call procedure and engaged various subcontractors to support its execution. Among the principal companies involved is BEST, which is responsible for the design, manufacturing, and testing of the respective transformer and reactors’ components, as well as ‘SIMI Trasporti’, which is responsible for the transportation of the equipment from BEST’s factory in Türkiye to Ragusa and Magħtab respectively, in addition to the positioning of the transformer and the reactors in their final locations.

IC2 serves as a cornerstone of Malta’s energy vision, designed to double Malta’s interconnection capacity and significantly enhance security of supply whilst transitioning to sustainability. 

This €300 million investment has been approved for ERDF funding under the priority “Promoting a clean and just energy transition” and contributes directly to smart and stable energy systems. The project has been recognised as an “Operation of Strategic Importance” in the 2021–2027 Programme, with €261 million allocated in European funding.

Concept Stadium is entering a new phase of growth that sees the company expand beyond its agency roots and deepen its investment in technology and artificial intelligence.
Known for its work in branding, web, digital communications, and advisory services, the Malta-based company is now adding a technological arm through AI-enabled solutions that complement its existing expertise and respond to the evolving needs of modern businesses, building on the momentum of its rebrand last year.
While branding, web, digital and communications services remain central to its offering, the company says it has never been solely focused on tactical execution. Over the years, Concept Stadium has evolved into a strategic partner supporting organisations through brand development, communications advisory, digital transformation and commercial decision-making. Its latest investment in technology represents a natural progression of that journey.
As part of this evolution, Claude Mifsud will assume a dual leadership role as Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI Officer. The appointment reflects the growing importance of technology within the organisation and provides dedicated leadership for Concept Stadium’s continued investment in AI and innovation.
Central to this evolution is Concept Stadium’s AI-fed, human-led philosophy. The company views artificial intelligence as a tool that enhances human capability rather than replacing it, using AI to support research, analysis, ideation and efficiency while ensuring that strategic thinking, creativity, decision-making and final outputs remain under human ownership and accountability.
“We see technology as a natural extension of our advisory role,” said Claude Mifsud, Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI Officer at Concept Stadium. “Many of the challenges organisations face today involve data, systems, processes and decision-making. Our role is to help clients solve problems more effectively while maintaining the human insight, creativity and strategic thinking that remain essential to success. AI-fed, human-led is more than a phrase for us. It is how we work in practice across the organisation. Our team continues to play the leading role in shaping ideas, making decisions and delivering outcomes, while technology helps us work more efficiently and uncover new opportunities. Technology helps us improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities, but creativity, judgement and accountability remain human responsibilities.”
Alongside its investment in technology, Concept Stadium continues to invest in developing a highly skilled workforce capable of combining creativity, strategic thinking, commercial understanding and emerging technologies. The company believes that future success will depend not only on access to AI tools but also on the ability of people to use them responsibly and effectively.
Jonathan Dalli, Founder and CEO of Concept Stadium, said the company’s evolution reflects both changing market realities and a long-standing commitment to helping clients navigate complexity and change.
“For many years, clients have come to us not just for creative execution, but for guidance, perspective and problem solving. Technology is a natural progression of that role. Our knowledge of brands, people, culture and stories did not become less valuable when AI arrived. If anything, it became even more important. Creativity is not being replaced. Strategic thinking is not being replaced. Human connection is not being replaced. The organisations that will succeed are those that embrace innovation while continuing to invest in people, skills and human expertise.”
As part of its commitment to responsible innovation and transparency, Concept Stadium has also introduced a public-facing transparency framework outlining how artificial intelligence is used across the organisation. Through a dedicated webpage and video, the company explains where AI supports its processes, where human expertise remains essential, and how quality, ethics and accountability are maintained throughout its work.
To learn more about Concept Stadium’s AI-fed, human-led approach, including its commitment to transparency and responsible innovation, visit https://conceptstadium.com/how-we-use-ai/.

The issue was identified promptly, and immediate action was taken to prevent further occurrences. The Bank’s Operations and IT teams are working closely to identify all impacted transactions and to reverse the duplicate entries in a controlled and orderly manner.

Customers are assured that:

• Only the duplicate amount(s) will be adjusted;

• Original stipend payments remain unaffected; and

• No action is required from the customers.

Reversals will be processed over the coming days and may be reflected as account adjustments during this period.

Bank of Valletta remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its services and is taking all necessary steps to resolve the matter swiftly and minimise any inconvenience caused.

For further information, customers may contact the Customer Service Centre on 2131 2020 or via email at customercare@bov.com.

The Bank thanks customers for their understanding and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The HSBC Malta Foundation will continue its support for this year’s event, building on a partnership that has backed the programme since its early editions and so underlining its ongoing commitment to youth-focused community initiatives in Gozo.

The initiative is designed for school-aged participants, combining educational sessions with interactive activities aimed at promoting wellbeing. This year’s program will include hands-on experiential learning activities such as a basic first aid and life skills session for children, and interactive team-based challenges designed to build communication, cooperation, and confidence in real-life situations. Schools, educators and young people are encouraged to participate and make the most of this fun and educational experience.

Speaking about the renewed support, Glenn Bugeja, on behalf of the HSBC Malta Foundation, said the initiative remains closely aligned with the organisation’s community focus. “We are proud to continue supporting the OASI Foundation’s Youths 4 Youths initiative. Empowering young people and investing in prevention and education programmes is central to our community strategy, and this event continues to make a meaningful impact year after year,” said Glenn Bugeja.

OASI Foundation CEO Noel Xerri said the continued partnership plays an important role in sustaining the programme’s reach and impact among young people in Gozo. “This support from the HSBC Foundation enables us to keep expanding the initiative and ensures we can continue offering meaningful, practical experiences that help young people build awareness, resilience and life skills in a safe environment,” he said.