Month: September 2025

At Auberge de Castille, during a consultation meeting with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that thanks to the country’s strong financial and economic performance, Malta will once again see a Budget focused on long-term initiatives that foster sustainable economic success.

The Prime Minister noted that, while challenges brought about by rapid economic growth will continue to be addressed, the Government remains committed to preparing the country for the future. He stressed that Malta’s economy is increasingly attracting capital-intensive investment based on knowledge and added value. “Our country is attracting investment in new economic sectors driven by innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability,” said Dr Abela, as he listed a number of industries that are expanding their presence in our country. He reiterated that traditional sectors such as financial services and tourism also continue to register steady growth.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of ensuring that Malta remains an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, noting that in recent years FDI has grown significantly, with the number of jobs created through such investment having doubled.

“As we have always done, we will continue to be a shield for enterprises. We will keep strengthening support from public entities such as Malta Enterprise and others, while remaining assertive on the unique needs and challenges we face as an island nation. At European level, we will keep ensuring that our enterprises and investors are not placed at a competitive disadvantage. Maintaining a level playing field is essential,” Dr Abela reiterated.

While thanking the Chamber of Commerce for their cooperation and valuable input in various public consultations, including the Malta 2050 Vision, he noted that the sustainable growth of our economy aligns with the objectives of this vision.

Also present for the meeting were the Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, Ministers Silvio Schembri, Clint Camilleri, Byron Camilleri, Miriam Dalli, Clyde Caruana, Jonathan Attard, and Chris Bonett, and the Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister Mark Mallia.

In Valletta, Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonthan Attard, inaugurated a new Court building dedicated to Inquiring Magistrates. This initiative reflects a clear and consistent vision to bring the justice system closer to the citizen, making it more modern, efficient, and accessible to all.

The new Inquiring Magistrates’ Building will house the specialised section of Inquiring Magistrates, the Registry of the Court of Voluntary Jurisdiction, and other related offices. This will ease the pressure on the main Courts of Justice building, creating more space, better organisation, and greater efficiency.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Abela stated that this inauguration represents another significant milestone in Malta’s path toward a modern and effective judicial system. He explained that this step follows the Government’s initiative to create a specialised section of Inquiring Magistrates.

The Prime Minister emphasised that this initiative complements the reform of the inquiry process, a reform designed to safeguard victims’ rights while ensuring that inquiry requests are based on justified purposes and clear facts. He recalled that the judicial sector is one of the three pillars sustaining Malta’s democracy and stressed that Government efforts are focused not only on improving infrastructure but also on strengthening incentives for those working in the judiciary. “Alongside providing the necessary resources for work to be carried out efficiently, we are committed to ensuring that the judiciary attracts the best talent and human resources possible,” Dr Abela noted.

He also highlighted ongoing investments in digitalisation, “We are continuously upgrading the Court’s digital systems. These include a €10 million investment in a new Court Case Management System, which is currently at tendering stage, and the launch of the Legal Aid Management System, through which legal aid has been fully digitalised to serve citizens across the Maltese Islands more effectively.” He further mentioned a nearly €2 million EU-funded investment for a new audio system across all courtrooms, which will ensure clear and secure recording of hearings and eliminate the need to rehear witnesses due to technical shortcomings.

Minister Jonathan Attard stated, “With the official opening of Palazzo Conte, we are formalising this legal development whereby Malta now has a specialised section of Inquiring Magistrates focused entirely on this sensitive aspect of criminal procedure, operating from a dedicated building equipped with all the necessary tools.” He noted that this specialisation is already yielding results: from the appointment of the four Inquiring Magistrates at the start of 2024 until the end of August, 1,251 magisterial inquiries were filed, with more than 830 concluded, a completion rate of over 65%.

Vanessa Grech, Chief Executive of the Agency for Court Services, remarked “The Courts, and everything they represent, are a public service. As an Agency, it is our duty to provide the best tools, modern infrastructure, and skilled human resources to meet the needs of today and the future.” She added that the Agency has seen growth on multiple fronts in recent years. “The first collective agreement signed a few years ago was just the beginning of our efforts to attract talent. Today, the Courts employ over 580 staff, including almost 100 lawyers who directly support the Judiciary.”

On Monday evening, Prime Minister Robert Abela officially inaugurated the National Football Centre, a project largely financed through the National Social Development Fund (NDSF) and supported by a loan from the Malta Development Bank (MDB). Designed with sustainability in mind, the National Football Centre will serve as the technical and logistical hub for all Malta national teams and will also host international youth tournaments.

On this occasion, which also marked the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Malta Football Association, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, UEFA Vice-President Jesper Møller Christensen and football legends Fabio Cannavaro and Christian Vieri were also present. In front of other distinguished guests including also Ministers Byron Camilleri, Miriam Dalli, Clifton Grima and Chris Bonett, Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia, as well as, the MFA President Bjorn Vassallo, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the entire Malta Football Association team in growing both the passion for football and the facilities that support the game in Malta.

“I am delighted to note that the Malta Football Association leads by example through its investment in our communities,” said Prime Minister Abela, highlighting projects such as ‘Football for Integration’ which involves children, youth, seniors, families, and persons of different abilities, and ‘Play Green,’ which promotes environmental sustainability in sport.

He described the National Football Centre as another vote of confidence in the vibrancy of Maltese football, made possible through co-funding by the National Development and Social Fund, complemented by a loan from the Malta Development Bank. “This investment, worth millions, is equipping our national game with the facilities it needs to be fit for the future. It is about giving our national teams the best possible support while also opening up opportunities for more Maltese to get involved in the game,” Dr Abela added.

The Prime Minister reflected on Malta’s journey in the football landscape, recalling milestones such as the inauguration of the National Stadium in the 1980s and the recent achievement of Ħamrun Spartans becoming the first Maltese football club to qualify for the league phase of a major European competition.

Built to UEFA best-practice standards, the Centre features a Category 1 stadium, state-of-the-art sports science laboratories, a physiotherapy clinic, a gymnasium, recovery areas for players, meeting rooms, lecture spaces, and administrative offices.

During another consultation meeting, this time, with representatives of the General Workers’ Union (GWU) at the Auberge de Castille, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasised that this Government remains committed to prioritising dialogue, as it is through open discussion that workers’ conditions and rights are strengthened.

The Prime Minister remarked that on Monday, 27 October, our country will once again see a budget without tax increases, while energy subsidies will continue to be maintained both for businesses and families. “We have done a lot, and I promise you that we will continue to do even more to improve work-life balance. This legislature has seen the introduction of unprecedented measures in favour of workers.  We have introduced parental leave, including 10 days parental leave for the second parent, which was then extended to those who are self-employed. We have introduced five days of carers’ leave, three of which are on full pay for public sector employees,” the Prime Minister said. 

He also referred to other important initiatives, including the increase of urgent family leave from 15 hours to four working days. Furthermore, under the upcoming miscarriage leave legislation, couples will be entitled to seven days of fully paid leave funded by the Government. The Prime Minister also referred to the ongoing consultation on special leave for parents whose babies are admitted to the NPICU.

The Prime Minister also addressed the situation concerning Carlo Gavazzi, acknowledging the GWU’s role in securing an adequate financial package for the affected workers. He emphasised that Malta’s labour market remains strong and dynamic, and expressed confidence that, given their skills, these workers will be successfully re-absorbed into the workforce.

Dr Abela added that the strong and constructive relationship the Government has consistently maintained with social partners has translated into positive measures and initiatives for the benefit of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

The Prime Minister highlighted how, in recent years, Malta has succeeded in building an ever-stronger economy, one that now outperforms that of other European member states. This is reflected also in the continued growth in employment and the historically low unemployment rates. He added that, thanks to a robust economic performance, the Government has been able to provide the most favourable financial packages while simultaneously improving working conditions, including through the conclusion of several collective agreements, such as those for the disciplined forces. In this context, the Prime Minister commended the work carried out by unions and expressed gratitude for their ongoing commitment to advancing the interests of workers.

Present for the meeting were Ministers Michael Falzon, Byron Camilleri, Clyde Caruana and Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretaries Andy Ellul and Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, Members of Parliament Naomi Cachia and Ray Abela, and the Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister Mark Mallia.

Maltese helicopter-maintenance company announces investment, plans for tailormade academy

RotorTechnics, a Maltese aviation company operating from Safi, is investing over €1.5 million in new equipment, tools and the development of its workers.

During a visit to their hangar, Prime Minister Robert Abela congratulated Gulf Med Aviation services for this important milestone as the company is now assuming a new identity as RotorTechnics.

The company employs around 70 people between engineers, aviation technicians and a combination of other roles.

As the first EASA-approved hub for helicopter maintenance in Malta the company has the potential to develop its facilities into a strategic hub for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of rotorcraft in the Mediterranean.

In his speech, the Prime Minister thanked Malta Enterprise, Indis Malta and Transport Malta for its support to this industry and urged the entities to continue this support in the months to come. He also welcomed the ongoing discussion between the company, and public entities, such as Transport Malta and MCAST, to set up a helicopter maintenance academy in Malta. This project aims at nurturing local talent in this sector while also attracting international students to Malta.

Prime Minister Robert Abela explained how this commitment is in line with Government’s efforts to prioritise aviation: “This is as an industry with real growth potential, as highlighted in the Malta Vision 2050. Malta is determined to be more than just bridge between Europe and North Africa. We are building an economy that focuses on innovation, skills, and international collaboration.”

Simon Camilleri, Chief Executive of RotorTechnics, said: “The history of our group — it is one that identifies the need to constantly evolve to deliver a service of excellence. It is a history of local expertise that meets expectations from global standards. Solutions born in Malta, which solve problems around different parts of the world.”

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri.