It was reported this week that the Labour Party is preparing a wide-ranging listening exercise over the next two years, aimed at gathering public views to inform future policy discussions. It plans to reach around 350,000 voters with various political views, using volunteers, community hubs and technology, although there has been no information on how much it will cost to collate and analyse the data.

The exercise will centre around three questions: “What would you most like to see improve?”, “What should we preserve?” and “What would you like PL to understand?”.

Is all this really necessary? I think they could save themselves a lot of time, manpower and money if they scrapped the whole idea and just monitored social media and went outside to speak to people. One would have to be completely oblivious not to know which areas need improvement, what needs to be preserved and what the Labour Party (for which read, the party in government) needs to understand.

But perhaps the reason the party wants to embark on this exercise is precisely because the man leading the country is really living in his own little dream world, if his recent statements are anything to go by. Maybe they need hard, cold statistics to prove to him that there is a blinding contrast between the direction he wants to take the country, and what the average person wants.

This dichotomy could not have been more starkly amplified than in these two choice quotes from Abela’s speech in Parliament, which were reported with great prominence. “Construction sector must keep moving, possibly even accelerate, Abela insists”. After the alarmed backlash it received, this headline was later altered to read, “Construction sector must keep moving, adjourning itself, Abela insists”. What he meant by adjourning is anyone’s guess, although I suspect the English translation should have been “updating itself”.

If that sentiment were not enough to confirm where Abela’s heart lies, a second report was headlined, “Government will continue defending construction sector, Abela tells Parliament.” Is the man OK? Could he have possibly gone out on such a limb and uttered these very words? I was reluctant to rely solely on media reports so I listened to his statement myself and, yep, that is exactly what he said.

It is obvious that with his position assured for another four years, Abela is now comfortable enough to tell us exactly which side he is on, and it is certainly not on our side. His obligations towards the construction lobby and developers could not be more blatantly thrust in our face and we all know why …he’s hardly going to bite the hand that feeds him. The fact that he is so confident in speaking like this, however, just underscores that he is living in a parallel universe, floating on some Cloud 9 where his only discussions are those with like-minded people who are making money, hand over fist, at our expense.

If he is so cut off from the common citizen, may I suggest that he takes a look at the comments underneath each of these pronouncements and he will get a crystal clear picture of what people really think. Not only are they angry and frustrated by the never-ending construction sites on every corner which have ruined their peace and destroyed the landscape of their neighbourhoods, but they are completely fed up of the economic model which relies on importing foreign workers. Over-population is the one major concern of the Maltese people. The two are inextricably connected.

It is the construction industry which is feeding the need since nothing can be developed without the necessary manpower. These workers then need accommodation, they will ride the buses, be entitled to healthcare, which will in turn require more staff and so the cycle continues. By making construction the kingpin of the economy, this administration has created a monster. Those with a disposable income are buying property as a rental investment, hiking the prices up to be able to cover the mortgage they took out to buy the property, which in most cases means renting out to those in gaming who have high salaries or a group of TCNs who split the rent between them.

Meanwhile, in case no one within his circle has noticed, the resentment towards foreign workers, specifically TCNs, has escalated so much that commentators are not even bothering to hide their vicious, racist hatred any more.

This week, what I presumed to be a satirical FB page came out with a silly poll asking the public whether they think foreigners should be allowed to obtain a driving licence and have a car in Malta. To my astonishment, people took it seriously. It had around 3700 reactions, and all of them said No.

This is not something to be taken lightly because no matter how unscientific it might have been, I believe it has measured the pulse of public reaction to a fairly accurate degree. The comments were even more disturbing; here are just a few examples:

“No licence and no free public transport either. Only give the licence to those whose job is that of a driver.”

“It’s not the licence. We don’t need them here. Forget those who are making money out of them because they are not going to complain. Life has become too stressful, everywhere you look, all you see is them; at night all you see is them. Is this my children’s future?”

“You know what’s next for us Maltese, we can just give them the keys to our homes so that we leave and they can be comfortable.”

“The next step is for the Maltese to leave their country so that Malta becomes theirs. We are sick of this.”

“We need to throw them out because you cannot even move in our streets, everywhere is jammed.”

There were hundreds of comments in the same vein, pointing to a national visceral reaction which is palpable and extremely worrying.

If Robert Abela and his cabinet are not going to seriously sit down and examine the way this country is headed and weigh the respective pros and cons of this economic policy, I dread to think what will happen if words typed online are translated into action.

It is not as if violence has not already reared its ugly head – as I write, the trial of the soldiers who killed Lassana Cisse in 2019 is underway. Lorin Scicluna and fellow former soldier Francesco Fenech are charged with shooting Cisse in the head as he walked along Triq il-Ġebel in Birżebbuġa, in a racially motivated attack. Two other migrants, Mohammed Jallow and Ibrahim Bah, were shot and injured during the same incident. Scicluna is also accused of attempting to murder May Malimi, who was injured in a hit-and-run on the same road two months earlier.

While this is an extreme case, which we can only pray won’t be repeated, the tensions between locals and “il-barranin” since 2019 have only increased. We have to be very careful because we are treading on very tenuous ground with many undercurrents stirring the pot. In an ideal world there would be no such hate or racism, but when you force a small island to accept an influx of thousands of people from other cultures to fill a never-ending list of vacancies in non-essential sectors, you are asking for trouble.

Like our buses, the country is “full up” and ignoring the fears and concerns of the common man because you are only interested in defending the construction sector, is like driving a ten-tonne truck at breakneck speed into a brick wall, despite all the red warning flags to slow down. Although I loathe to say it, I’m afraid that one day some incident will spark nationwide unrest with devastating consequences, and if that happens, the blame can only be laid at the foot of the person who is simply not listening and his many Ministers who, apparently, do not have the spine to stand up to him.

The initiative forms part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with shareholders and the wider investment community, enhance shareholder communication and provide stakeholders with greater access to the Bank’s leadership. The events will provide an opportunity for existing and prospective investors to hear directly about the Bank’s recent performance, strategic priorities and outlook, while engaging in open discussion with those leading the organisation.

Hosted by the Bank’s Chairperson, Dr Gordon Cordina, and Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth Farrugia, both sessions will also feature members of the Bank’s executive management and Board of Directors. Their participation will provide attendees with direct access to the Bank’s leadership and an opportunity to gain further insight into the Bank’s strategic direction, financial performance, governance priorities and longer-term ambitions.

The Investor Days are part of the Bank’s broader commitment to open, transparent and consistent communication with its shareholders and investors. Participants will receive an update on BOV’s recent progress and performance, the strategic priorities guiding its next phase of development, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the environment in which the Bank operates. The sessions will also consider how the Bank’s strategy and performance support its longer-term ambitions and the creation of sustainable value for shareholders.

Speaking ahead of the events, Dr Cordina said: “The response to our first Investor Days confirmed the value of engaging directly with our shareholders and the wider investment community. This second edition is another step in strengthening that relationship. We want to provide clear and transparent communication on the Bank’s direction and performance, while also creating the opportunity to listen to our shareholders, exchange views and understand the matters that are important to them.”

Kenneth Farrugia added: “Investor Days provide us with an important opportunity to explain the progress being made across the Bank, the priorities shaping our next phase and how we are positioning BOV for the opportunities ahead. Equally important is the opportunity for shareholders and investors to engage directly with our leadership team, ask questions and share their perspectives with us.”

The Gozo session will be held at Villa Fiorita, Triq Tal-Merżuq, Iż-Żebbuġ, on Friday 30 October 2026. The event will start at 17:00, with doors opening at 16:30. The Malta session will take place at The Xara Lodge, Sqaq Taċ-Ċawla, Triq It-Tiġrija, Ir-Rabat, on Tuesday 3 November 2026. It will start at 17:30, with doors opening at 17:00.

Anyone interested may attend either session in person. Those unable to attend the Malta event on 3 November may follow the session online via webinar. As seating at both venues is limited, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a seat or request the webinar link for the Malta session, participants are invited to complete the BOV Investor Days expression of interest form or email bov.invest@bov.com.

Of the 929 students who received support through The Malta Trust Foundation’s counselling service, 54 per cent were experiencing family-related stressors, including conflict between parents, difficulties surrounding separation and strained family relationships.

Blossom’s counsellors highlighted the impact of long working hours, financial hardship and housing insecurity, with some children spending long days in school and after-school care, or returning to empty homes where digital devices are often their only companion.

Compiled and authored by Dr Mary Grace Vella, the report also found that 112 children (12.06 per cent) had been referred with fears about their safety and welfare, including possible abuse or neglect. In 25 of these cases, more than one form of harm or vulnerability was identified.

Veronica Ellul Federici, The Blossom Project psychologist and clinical lead, said some of her most painful experiences involved children repeatedly disclosing emotional abuse or neglect while waiting for child protection intervention.

“You listen, you validate their feelings, and you work hard to ensure they feel safe enough to speak. Yet, when the child continues to wait for child protection intervention, you are painfully aware that providing emotional support is not the same as ensuring their safety,” she said.

These findings form part of a report, themed “…Can you hear me?”, examining the mental health and wellbeing of schoolchildren in 15 State schools across seven colleges. It was presented at the annual Blossom conference held at the Salini Hotel today.

Ms Ellul Federici called on authorities to invest heavily in early intervention, particularly during the primary school years, and to equip educators and schools to build emotionally and sensory-safe environments.

Blossom, which last year helped 1,019 individuals, including students, parents and teachers, is also under tremendous strain as its small team of 15 practitioners struggles to meet the demands, resulting in high caseload burdens and practitioner burnout.

“School-based counselling alone cannot compensate for wider gaps across education, health, and social care. Supporting children’s mental health must be a shared, multi-agency responsibility, with the child’s voice kept firmly at the centre,” Ms Ellul Federici urged.

The report, authored by Dr Mary Grace Vella, also found that almost seven in 10 students referred to Blossom were experiencing emotional distress, particularly anxiety, worries and difficulties managing their emotions.

Counsellors said these difficulties tended to manifest themselves through disruptive behaviour, aggression or problems with relationships and socialisation. Equally concerning, however, were children who internalised their feelings and risked going unnoticed because they displayed no obvious signs of distress.

The report also highlighted the challenges children from different cultural backgrounds were facing. Foreign nationals, refugees and asylum seekers accounted for 25.4 per cent of students, with 63 nationalities represented overall.

Apart from language barriers, isolation and the trauma of displacement, practitioners reported instances of racism and stereotyping involving both pupils and adults within school communities.

Ms Ellul Federici said the findings showed how complex children’s needs had become, with emotional difficulties often overlapping with family problems, safeguarding concerns and neurodevelopmental needs.

She also pointed to the high number of referrals among schoolchildren in Years 4 to 7, who accounted for more than half the students who sought help, at an age when academic expectations, developmental changes and social pressures became more demanding.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, The Malta Trust Foundation executive chair and founder of this essential project, said the findings sent a very clear message about the difficulties children faced.

“Too many of our children are carrying burdens no child should carry alone. Behind every statistic is a young person struggling with anxiety, family difficulties, exclusion, trauma, or uncertainty about the future.

“Despite the complexity of many of the cases, improvement was recorded in 51 per cent of students supported by Blossom, highlighting the value of making counselling available within schools and the urgency to grow this service.

“The wellbeing of our children must become a national priority. The cost of inaction is simply too high. Every child deserves to be heard, supported, and given the chance to reach their full potential,” she said.

The conference, intended to put children’s voices at the heart of mental health was closed by Lydia Abela, mental health advocate and the Prime Minister’s wife who emphasised the collective responsibility to remain committed to this cause.

“If we truly hold our children’s wellbeing to heart, it’s crucial we give them a voice, listen to their experiences and understand their emotions. It’s crucial for us to create a space where every boy and girl feel safe, understood and free to express what they are feeling,” Dr Abela said.

“Through greater collaboration with stakeholders, and increased investment in prevention, early intervention and initiatives that strengthen emotional support in schools, the country can continue to build a more inclusive society that empowers our children to reach their potential.”

The conference included the participation of Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia; Local Government Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli; Shadow Health Minister Stephen Spiteri; and Foundation for Social Welfare Services CEO Alfred Grixti, as well as other stakeholders and experts.

The recommendations come from GOAL – Growing Outstanding Athletic Leaders, an Erasmus+ Sport Small-scale Collaborative Partnership co-funded by the European Union (Grant Agreement No. 101245308). Swieqi United FC (Malta) leads the project in partnership with HAN University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands) and Union Plaani (Finland).

GOAL’s starting point is that Malta does not yet have a structured system for identifying and developing young sporting talent. Selection often depends on informal, club-level judgement. In a small island state with a limited talent pool, every young athlete who is overlooked or released too early is a loss to the national sport system.

The policy paper sets out 12 recommendations for Malta and 8 for the European Commission. It proposes a framework that: assesses future potential as well as current performance, so that early physical maturity does not decide who gets selected, addresses the relative age effect and differences in growth and maturation, which can disadvantage later-developing children, uses longitudinal tracking, performance profiles and objective observation tools alongside coaches’ judgement, trains coaches and scouts to recognise and reduce bias, and adds nutrition education and builds in athlete wellbeing, safeguarding, gender equity and data protection from the start.

Football is the pilot sport, but the recommended framework should serve as a blueprint that other sports in Malta can adapt. The recommendations draw on international research on talent identification in emerging football nations, and on Dutch and Finnish practice. They are adapted to Malta’s scale and resources rather than copied from larger countries.

The recommendations also call for stronger links between schools, clubs and national sport bodies, so that talent is not missed simply because a child is not yet part of a club academy. Building on this, Swieqi United FC believes that physical education teachers should be involved in the framework and trained to recognise potential and to guide young people towards the right pathway.

Dr Justin Fenech, President of Swieqi United FC, said: “These recommendations are the outcome of an EU-funded project, and they show what European cooperation can bring to Maltese sport. Through GOAL, we are investing in education in sport: better-trained coaches and scouts, better use of data driven evidence, and better decisions about young players’ futures. I believe sport is the third pillar of society, after health and education. If we want it to play that role, we need fair, structured and long-term ways of recognising and developing talent, so that no child is left behind simply because they matured later or never caught the right person’s eye.”

The Hon. Graham Bencini, Shadow Minister for Sport, welcomed the initiative. He said: “I welcome this initiative and recognise the forward thinking shown by Swieqi United Football Club. This is a club that looks beyond its own borders, learns from European partners and challenges the status quo, pushing for greater equity in sport and for sport to be given the priority it deserves for the wellbeing of society.”

Swieqi United FC has also requested meetings with the Minister for Education and Sport, the Hon. Byron Camilleri, and with the Malta Football Association. The club looks forward to presenting the initiative to both and to working together to take the recommended framework forward at national level.

Held each year as one of the Bank’s most anticipated people-focused events, the ceremony brings together colleagues from across the organisation to recognise commitment, loyalty and the relationships built over years of service.

This year’s celebrations highlighted a remarkable mix of experience and new generations of talent. While four employees marked an exceptional 40 years with the Bank and 83 celebrated 30 years or more of service, 165 colleagues reached their first five-year milestone, reflecting a workforce that continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its values.

Over the last two years, BOV has continued to welcome new joiners across the organisation. Yet, despite a rapidly changing world of work, hundreds of employees continue to build lasting careers with Malta’s largest bank.

Addressing those present, BOV Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Farrugia said the event serves as an important reminder of what lies behind every achievement and milestone the Bank reaches.

“Behind every BOV achievement are our people; serving customers, supporting one another and bringing our Strategy to life each day. These milestones reflect our culture and the careers generations have built at BOV. Above all, this is a thank you to our colleagues and their families. Their dedication has shaped the Bank we are today.”

Chief People & Culture Designate Lawrence Schembri said the stories behind the milestones are what make the annual event so meaningful. “Careers are built one day at a time. Every milestone reflects someone who has learned, adapted and contributed. By helping our people grow and thrive, we build the skills and culture needed to deliver our Strategy.”

The employees recognised this year reached milestones ranging from five to forty years of service and came from teams across the Bank, representing the diverse skills, expertise and dedication that continue to drive BOV forward.

While the figures are impressive, the evening was ultimately about recognising the people behind them. They are the colleagues who have helped shape the Bank’s story through years of service, commitment and contribution.

As BOV continues to invest in its people, technology and future growth, its annual Long Service Celebration remain a powerful reminder that the Bank’s greatest strength continues to be the people who choose to build their careers there.

The Association had first proposed the use of compulsory helmets seven years ago, as part of its recommendations to the government’s 2019 public consultation on micromobility.

At the time, IAM had warned of the increased risk of injury to riders moving between roads and pedestrian areas, stating: “Since switching between footpaths/pavements and the road is permissible under this proposed set of regulations, the Association recommends that the use of helmets becomes mandatory considering the increased chances of injury.”

The Association was reacting to Sustainable Mobility Minister Chris Bonett’s announcement following an accident in Żebbuġ last week that left a 15-year-old girl seriously injured.

IAM welcomed the minister’s proposal, which followed a similar call by emergency doctor Jonathan Joslin, and expressed hope that the government would also revisit the other concerns it had raised.

These included the need for more dedicated cycle lanes and safer infrastructure, greater protection for pedestrians, and only allowing scooters on footpaths and pavements of a specified minimum width to reduce the risk of collision with pedestrians.  

 The Association had also questioned the proposed 10km/h speed limit on footpaths, recommending that this be reduced to 6km/h.

“While compulsory helmets are an important safety measure, they are only part of the solution. The wider concerns we raised at the time remain relevant and should be considered as part of the proposed changes,” the Association said.

The Association also stressed the importance of enforcing existing regulations, particularly those prohibiting e-scooters on designated arterial and distributor roads and requiring riders to be licensed and at least 16 years old.

“Public consultations are intended to identify potential problems before regulations are introduced, and it is important that the concerns raised by stakeholders are given due consideration.

“We hope the minister’s initiative will lead to a wider review of e-scooter safety. Encouraging alternative forms of transport is important, but ensuring the safety of riders, pedestrians and other road users must always come first,” the Association said.

While Minister Miriam Dalli’s statement provides clarity on financial responsibility, questions remain over the practical arrangements for dismantling accident-damaged vehicles, safe handling of their batteries and procedures for scrapping these vehicles.

“There are still several matters that have yet to be resolved, particularly relating to the safe storage, handling, and transportation of EV batteries. Malta currently lacks suitable facilities for treating these batteries, while restrictions apply to shipping them overseas,” IAM said in a statement.

The Association was responding to Dr Dalli’s clarification in Parliament this week that, under European legislation regulating vehicles and batteries, the responsibility for the costs of dismantling a vehicle and treating its battery fell on the manufacturer, importer or distributor who originally placed the vehicle on the market.

The Association pointed out that although some importers were now agreeing to take back EV batteries for free, vehicle owners and insurers were being asked to pay for dismantling accident-damaged vehicles and removing their batteries before scrapping.

“We are seeking legal clarification on whether these charges are permitted under the law, particularly in light of the minister’s clarification,” the Association said.

A further difficulty arises when an EV is delivered to an authorised end-of-life vehicle treatment facility after its battery has already been removed. The Association has been informed of cases where facilities have refused to accept such vehicles or issue the Certificates of Destruction required for deregistration. 

This is happening even though EU and Maltese legislation confirms that the relevant producer or authorised operator is responsible for the disposal of vehicles once their batteries have been lawfully removed and appropriate documentation is in hand.

“These practical difficulties demonstrate that who is legally responsible is only part of the solution. Clear and consistent procedures are equally important to ensure that accident-damaged vehicles can be safely and properly disposed of without unnecessary delays or additional costs,” the Association said.

The Association called on the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Transport Malta, vehicle importers and authorised scrapyards to establish clear and workable procedures for dismantling, handling and disposing of end-of-life EVs and their batteries.

It also stressed the importance of providing clear guidance to vehicle owners, insurers and other stakeholders on their respective responsibilities and the procedures to follow.

“If Malta is serious about encouraging greater EV ownership and meeting its environmental targets, consumers must have confidence in the entire life cycle of these vehicles. This goes beyond the availability of charging infrastructure and includes arrangements for their maintenance, repair and eventual disposal.

“Ensuring that safe and effective disposal arrangements are in place is essential, both for protecting the environment and for building public confidence in electric vehicles,” the Association said. 

Malta must move beyond funding innovation projects and focus on ensuring that promising ideas become commercially viable solutions that improve citizens’ quality of life. This was the central message emerging from the Sustainable Mobility Mixer – Demo Day & Matchmaking, held recently at Salini Resort, which brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and European innovation representatives.

The event provided a platform for connecting Malta’s innovation ecosystem with European expertise, networks and opportunities, while identifying practical measures to support the country’s long-term development. It was organised by EIT Urban Mobility’s Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) Hub in Malta, represented by Deep Tech Foundry, together with the Malta Innovation Forum and was co-hosted by the Ministry for Sustainable Mobility, Xjenza Malta and the EIT Community Hub Malta, which is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

The programme also featured an address by Minister Dr Chris Bonett, highlighting Malta’s sustainable mobility agenda, including Malta in Motion and the UrbanMinds initiative co-funded by EIT Urban Mobility. It also included the EIT Regional Innovation Booster Malta showcase, featuring presentations by mobility innovators and start-ups, the NCP4EIT project and an overview of European innovation support opportunities.

A central feature of the event was The Innovation Exchange panel, “From Vision to Venture: Building and Funding Malta’s Innovation Ecosystem”, hosted by the EIT Community Hub Malta and moderated by Diana Miceli, EIT Community Officer for Malta.

Bringing together Dr Jonathan Spiteri, advisor to Malta Vision 2050; Lluis Puerto, Head of Regional Innovation and EIT Community at EIT Urban Mobility; Dr Stuart Firman of Ganado Advocates; Brigitte Tanti, Board Member of the Malta Innovation Forum; and Geoffrey Farrugia, CEO and Founder of HandsOn Systems, the discussion examined the obstacles preventing promising research, start-ups and innovative solutions from achieving commercial and societal impact.

Five Priorities for Malta’s Budget 2027

The panel discussion and its conclusions identified five areas for consideration in the forthcoming national budget and the wider implementation of Malta Vision 2050.

1. Government as a customer of innovation. Public authorities should move beyond financing research and innovation towards actively identifying challenges and procuring innovative solutions. Innovation-driven public procurement could enable Maltese start ups, researchers and businesses to test, validate and deploy technologies that improve public services.
2. Greater investment readiness and access to venture capital. Supporting innovation must also mean preparing start ups to attract investment. Participants highlighted the need for stronger entrepreneurial and soft skills, increased engagement with international venture capital investors, and greater momentum for Malta’s venture capital fund. Malta should position itself as an attractive starting point for ventures seeking to scale internationally.
3. A genuine one stop shop for innovation funding. Participants called for a more coordinated and accessible funding support system, reducing fragmentation across multiple organisations and programmes. A unified approach would make it easier for entrepreneurs and researchers to identify relevant opportunities, obtain guidance and navigate the journey from concept to market.
4. Integrated sustainable mobility infrastructure. Greater priority should be given to safe, accessible and connected pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, rather than treating individual mobility improvements as isolated interventions. Effective mobility planning must accommodate different forms of transport and provide realistic alternatives to private-car dependence.
5. Incentives that encourage sustainable behaviour. Among the proposals discussed was a green mobility wallet, through which citizens could earn rewards for environmentally responsible commuting choices, potentially linked to tax incentives. Such approaches could encourage behavioural change while allowing individuals to contribute directly to Malta’s sustainability objectives.

These recommendations underline the importance of directing national investment towards measures that make innovation easier to develop, finance, test and adopt.

Strengthening Malta’s European Innovation Connections

The Sustainable Mobility Mixer formed part of the wider EIT Urban Mobility Country Representation engagement in Malta, connecting national stakeholders with representatives of European innovation ecosystems and demonstrating the potential of international cooperation in addressing shared mobility challenges.

The event also showcased projects and start ups including metaCCAZE, HandsOn Systems, NEVAC, Bruntor, Greenroads and Recycllux, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange, matchmaking and the exploration of future partnerships.

Proceedings continued with the Malta Innovation Forum Annual Event and Networking Reception, co-organised by the Malta Innovation Forum and Xjenza Malta, bringing together Malta’s wider innovation community and EIT Urban Mobility representatives from across Europe.

The collaboration between EIT Urban Mobility through its Country representative in Malta, Deep Tech Foundry, the Malta Innovation Forum, the Ministry for Sustainable Mobility, Malta Public Transport, Xjenza Malta and the EIT Community Hub Malta — complemented by the wider contribution of B2B Malta, BusinessLabs and Hatch to The Innovation Exchange — demonstrated the value of coordinated action in connecting innovation with public policy, economic development and European opportunities.

As Malta prepares its Budget 2027, the recommendations emerging from The Innovation Exchange offer practical considerations for strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem, improving the commercialisation of research and ensuring that public investment generates lasting economic, environmental and societal benefits.

This article first appeared in Malta Today

When protests erupted in Madrid after an 87-year-old woman was evicted from the home she had been renting for decades, it was not just about her particular case alone.  

Her rent, which had been previously capped under the laws at the time, was suddenly raised from €500 to €2650 because a new company bought the building.  The woman, María del Carmen Abascal could not afford the increase on her pension and courts had already blocked three previous attempts to evict her, with her case gaining extensive media coverage.  When she was taken out of her home on a stretcher, flanked by police, people took to the streets.  It is even sadder that Maria del Carmen, who had become a symbol of the housing protests, has died in the meantime.

“This whole housing situation is heartbreaking. Mari carmen has been, in a way, the last straw that sparked this social unrest, but we’ve been dealing with this whole issue for a long time now,” said protester Simón de la Riva, 43, a teacher. “It’s unacceptable that vulture funds are buying up homes, that people can’t afford to live, that entire families are being evicted, and that an elderly woman has been evicted.”

I was reminded of this when people kept questioning activists, “why are you picking on Stivala? What about all the other establishments which have taken over our public pavements with tables and chairs and erected similar permanent awnings?”  Yes, obviously, it goes without saying that all those who have broken the law over the years and got away with it should have their awnings, tables and chairs removed.  But much like the case of the elderly woman in Madrid, the Stivala case was simply the last straw. 

Overnight he extended his restaurant, erected a permanent awning, paved over the pavement and took over public land with tables and chairs as if it were his. I don’t understand why some members of the public are fixated on claiming that he is not the only one – that is not the point.  The point is that this cannot continue and Moviment Graffitti are now very justifiably in action mode. Going through the right channels, through the law courts, through the Planning Authority, through the Lands Authority is time-consuming and only allows offenders to play for time. They laugh in our faces while knowing full well that they can sneak their tables and chairs back out again when another obscene infringement somewhere else becomes a focal point.  

So while it is true that the PA issued an enforcement action to remove the awning, Stivala kept playing cat and mouse before the structure was finally removed. The Lands Authority served him with an eviction notice to clear the stretch of public land, but gave him 30 days to do so, and as I write this, the illegal paving is still there.  Resident groups and NGOs are furious at this arrogance because it has become a symbol of how the powerful just do what they like with what is, in effect, our country. 

As pointed out by Moviment Graffitti, “The reality on the ground is clear: Carlo Stivala’s illegal occupation of public land continues, and he continues to profit from it with impunity. This is emblematic of much wider problems: the rampant occupation of public spaces by commercial establishments, whether legal or illegal, and the authorities’ complete failure to enforce lands, planning and environmental laws.”

Those who seem to see action groups such as Graffitti as the enemy also make me wonder what it is they do not understand. As long as developers continue to do what they like, it is us who will suffer. This is not about the PN or about those who “hate Labour” or “who are jealous” or who want to “overthrow the government” or who have a “political agenda”.  I read comments such as this and want to weep at the inability to comprehend just how much harm this brainwashing has caused. It is similar to those who hate NGOs such as the Malta Rangers Unit, which is there to protect our environment and heritage – yet to see the comments one would think the MRU are enemies of the people.  Do those who always react with their sarcasm, their jibes and their snide remarks even love Malta? Or is their mission simply to ensure the Labour government is not criticised and is defended at all costs?

I guess I know enough about this type of mindset to answer my own question. 

Violence and drugs – a lethal combination

Every week seems to bring us news of a violent incident or murder. What used to be a rare occurrence in Malta, which would be the talk of the town for weeks, has now become so commonplace that we are in danger of becoming desensitised.  Understandably, we often ask each other, ‘what is happening?’ as every headline seems to bring us yet more shocking news.  

When a society starts to disintegrate like this it is easy to look around and point fingers at what we might perceive to be the causes, which almost always feature the usual targets.  Anxiety, stress, traffic, road rage, property prices, overcrowded hospitals and buses packed like sardines are blamed on overpopulation and hence, that has become the explanation for all our ailments.  But if people are flipping so quickly to the extent that they are causing grievous bodily harm, or at the extreme end of the scale, murder, we cannot keep placing the culpability on others.  

We are right to be worried but I think we are looking in the wrong direction. I believe what we are witnessing is a nation which is being fuelled by an undercurrent of alarming drug use coupled with a heavy drinking culture.  Add the stressors of everyday life into the mix and you have a whole swathe of people ready to lash out because substance abuse removes the last vestiges of any inhibition.  

This is not to say that the curve balls which life throws at us are always easy to cope with.  Like anyone else, I can have a very bad day which fills me with fury – but I’m hardly going to take a crowbar from the boot of my car and start smashing car windows or use it to cave someone’s skull in.  That doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes fantasise about slapping someone silly, but it stays there, in the realm of my imagination. 

It is the understanding of social norms and civilised behaviour which separates those who can control their anger from those who let loose and act on it impulsively, turning aggressive and dangerous.  Granted, there are those born with a chemical imbalance who are unable to contain their emotions and who have never learned how to regulate themselves;  the type of people we describe as short-tempered or having a short fuse.  But there are also varying levels of intensity which range from simple frustration to blind rage. When people who are already prone to being aggressive turn to drugs or alcohol, it can be a lethal combination which is either directed towards others or even more tragically, towards harming themselves. 

The fact that violence has increased across the board is a troubling sign of a troubled society which, despite all its material luxuries, is clearly dissatisfied and has to turn to mind-numbing drugs for escape.  Rather than grasping at straws to explain “what is happening”, we first need to admit this to ourselves.

TradeMalta invites Malta-based businesses that are exporting, growing, expanding into new markets, innovating, or diversifying internationally to put their achievements in the spotlight and participate in the fourth edition of the Malta International Business Awards (MIBA) 2027.

Held under the theme “Exporting. Growing. Expanding. Innovating. Your international journey deserves to be recognised,” MIBA 2027 celebrates the achievements of Malta-based businesses as they navigate their internationalisation journeys, from entering new markets and growing exports to expanding their international footprint, innovating, and diversifying across markets.

In his opening address Daniel Galea, Chairperson of TradeMalta, said:

“I am pleased to welcome the launch of the fourth edition of the Malta International Business Awards. MIBA reflects TradeMalta’s commitment to supporting Malta-based businesses in pursuing international opportunities and recognising their achievements in overseas markets. Through these Awards, we aim to showcase their success, inspire others to follow their example and encourage more businesses to take their next steps internationally. Today’s launch brings together organisations and partners who share a common goal of strengthening Malta’s presence in global markets.”

Announcing the opening of applications, Tania Brown, CEO of TradeMalta, said:

“The Malta International Business Awards recognise the ambition and achievements of the businesses driving Malta’s international success. TradeMalta continues to support businesses in taking their products, services and expertise beyond Malta, and these Awards provide an important platform to celebrate those making that journey. Whether entering a first international market or building an established global presence, every step towards international growth strengthens Malta’s competitiveness. If your business is building its future beyond Malta, we want to hear your story. Put your achievements forward, showcase your international success and be recognised among the businesses shaping Malta’s presence in global markets.”

During the same Press Conference, Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, said:

“Malta’s international economic success depends, in no small measure, on the ability of our businesses to compete, grow and establish themselves in markets beyond our shores. Supporting businesses in their internationalisation efforts is therefore an important part of strengthening Malta’s international economic presence.

The Malta International Business Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the ambition, innovation and commitment of businesses that are successfully taking their products and services into international markets. By highlighting their achievements and experiences, we also encourage a culture of international ambition and enterprise.”

The Press Conference was also addressed by Marthese Portelli, CEO of The Malta Chamber, and Joyce Grech, Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC Bank Malta, who shared their perspectives on the importance of international growth and the opportunities available to Malta-based businesses.

Dr Marthese Portelli, CEO of The Malta Chamber, said:

When we talk about the future of Maltese business, we are invariably talking about our horizon,” said Dr Portelli. “As an island state with an open economy, domestic growth will always reach physical boundaries. If our businesses want to scale, internationalisation is not merely an alternative path – it is an economic imperative.” Dr Portelli highlighted that operating on an international level incentivise local companies to raise their standards, compete on high value-add rather than volume, and adopt cutting-edge digital and sustainable practices. She congratulated companies that are on an internationalisation path and said “these companies prove every day that geographic size is no barrier to world-class achievement.

Joyce Grech, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC Bank Malta, said:

“At HSBC Malta, we are committed to supporting the growth and internationalisation of Maltese businesses. We have supported TradeMalta since its inception in 2015 and our commitment remains unwavering. For this reason, we are very pleased to be a strategic partner for the Malta International Business Awards for the fourth time. These prestigious Awards provide an excellent platform to celebrate and recognise the achievements of our local exporters. They serve to showcase the diversity and ambition of local businesses that trade internationally and align with our mission to help businesses thrive on the global stage. I had the privilege of serving on the judging panel for the last two editions. On both occasions, was impressed by the quality of local products and services, and by the determination and passion behind our exporters’ success beyond our shores. I encourage Maltese companies to submit their nominations. Your achievements inspire other local businesses to explore opportunities beyond Malta.”

Four categories celebrating international business

MIBA 2027 features four award categories designed to recognise businesses at different stages of their international journey:

• Micro and Small Exporter Excellence Award
• Medium and Large Exporter Excellence Award
• Emerging Exporter Award
• Export Innovation and Diversification Award

One winner will be selected in each category, with the four category winners then competing for the Overall Export Excellence Award, recognising outstanding achievement in international business.

Applications are now open.

Applications for MIBA 2027 are now open and will remain open until Monday, 16 November 2026.

Malta-based businesses engaged in exporting their products or services internationally are invited to put themselves forward and share their international journey, achievements, and ambitions.

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The Malta International Business Awards are organised and administered by TradeMalta, in collaboration with HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. as Strategic Partner and with the participation of Grant Thornton. The Awards are endorsed by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry.

There is no registration fee to participate.

For more information and to apply, visit TradeMalta.org/MIBA or contact the MIBA team at miba@trademalta.org