Month: October 2025

At Boiler Wharf in Senglea, Prime Minister Robert Abela went on board the MSC Explora II ship, which chose Malta to conduct tests on using shore-to-ship power technology. Once again, MSC has chosen Malta to carry out these tests during the GreenPort Congress and the ‘Decarbonising the Future’ conference, which bring together maritime sector stakeholders focused on sustainable, environmentally friendly practices.

This superyacht is the first of its kind from MSC to ever be connected to land-based electricity in Europe. Since the launch of the shore-to-ship project in Malta, MSC Cruises vessels have spent over 300 hours connected to land-based electricity at the Grand Harbour.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has emphasised the positive impact of Malta’s shore-to-ship power project, which has now been operational for over a year. The initiative is significantly improving air quality for approximately 17,000 residents living around the Grand Harbour, with ship-generated emissions to be reduced by an impressive 90% by 2030. Over the past year, the system has been used on 80 calls, supplying approximately 3.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. This represents a strong utilisation rate when compared to other major European ports, especially notable given that many vessels are still being retrofitted to support shore power connectivity.

Accompanied by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli and Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett, Prime Minister Abela underlined the progress on other shore-to-ship connections under development at the moment, including the Grand Harbour and the Freeport. He stated, “We are demonstrating how Malta is combining economic growth with environmental responsibility. The shore power system in the Grand Harbour is an investment in cleaner air and sustainable tourism, an area in which we want to continue to attract high quality. We are setting a new standard for the Mediterranean region.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of the MSC Group, said, “These developments show how technology and investment can deliver immediate environmental benefits. Malta was the first port in the Mediterranean to implement shore-to-ship power using sustainable infrastructure that supports both environmental objectives and tourism. We have a long-standing partnership with the Maltese Government, and we thank them for their continued support.”

Speaking at the International Ombudsman Conference, marking the 30th anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta, and held under the theme ‘Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times’, Prime Minister Robert Abela noted that Malta’s institutions are stronger and more independent than ever before.

“Powers that once rested solely in the hands of the Government or the Prime Minister have been distributed among Parliament and the President, reinforcing the balance of our constitutional order. The processes of scrutiny and consultation that we have introduced in constitutional appointments, in the drafting of laws, and in the governance of public office, stand as clear evidence of a democracy that has grown more robust,” noted Dr Abela.

The Prime Minister referred to a number of concrete steps the government has taken to strengthen the foundations of good governance. These include the introduction of greater transparency in public appointments; the strengthening of the independence of the judiciary through a merit-based system of appointments and promotions, safeguarded by constitutional principles, a reform which led to an increase of more than 40% in the size of the judiciary over three years; and the introduction of new mechanisms to enhance public accountability, including legislation on integrity in public life, ensuring that every service delivered by the State is rooted in ethics.

“These reforms were not undertaken to satisfy any particular institution or entity, but to fortify the bond of trust between the people and the State,” affirmed Prime Minister Abela. Adding that the reforms implemented in recent years have been recognised by European institutions, including the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, which Malta currently chairs.

Dr Abela affirmed that the Government has chosen to take a path defined by institutional continuity, a strengthened rule of law, and the conviction that transparency is the strongest form of leadership. “My commitment is clear: to continue giving true meaning to good governance. Governance that is felt in people’s daily lives, that provides stability, and that places the citizen and justice at its very centre. This is how we build a future of mature democracy and leadership rooted in service,” stated the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Government views reform not as a burden on the State, but as a means of ensuring that governance remains transparent, effective, and close to the people it serves.

Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela, akkumpanjat mill-Ministru għall-Edukazzjoni, l-Isport, iż-Żgħażagħ, ir-Riċerka u l-Innovazzjoni Clifton Grima, inawgura l-proġett tar-rinnovazzjoni tal-Iskola Primarja Adrian Borg f’Birkirkara. Din l-iskola ġiet kompletament rinnovata minn binja antika għal binja moderna u sostenibbli, f’ambjent isbaħ li jilqa’ lit-tfal u l-edukaturi.

B’investiment ta’ aktar minn €2 miljun, bħala parti mill-EDU Infrastructure Programme, sar xogħol estensiv ta’ rinnovar u modernizzar tal-ambjent tal-iskola sabiex l-istudenti u l-edukaturi jkollhom spazji aktar sbieħ, siguri, aċċessibbli u mgħammra bl-aħħar teknoloġija. Il-faċilitajiet jinkludu klassijiet ġodda, sala multi-funzjonali, żoni rikreattivi u sportivi. Apparti x-xogħlijiet ta’ tisbiħ, din ir-rinnovazzjoni inkludiet l-introduzzjoni ta’ sistemi effiċjenti fl-użu tal-enerġija u lift ġdid biex jiġi assigurat aċċess għal kulħadd.

Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela żar diversi klassijiet u ltaqa’ mat-tfal waqt il-lezzjonijiet u attivitajiet sportivi li kienu qed isiru fl-okkażjoni tal-Jum tal-Isport fl-iskejjel organizzat minn SportMalta. Waqt din iż-żjara il-Prim Ministru spjega kif din l-iskola ma tirrappreżentax biss binja moderna, iżda tixhed il-valuri tagħna bħala pajjiż li nemmnu f’edukazzjoni ta’ kwalità u futur ibbażat fuq ħolqien ta’ opportunitajiet għal kull tifel u tifla. “Dan l-investiment huwa pass ieħor fejn jiġi milħuq l-għan ta’ dan il-gvern fl-edukazzjoni, dak li jkollna aktar skejjel moderni u li jpoġġu l-bżonnijiet tal-istudenti fiċ-ċentru”, qal il-Prim Ministru jisħaq favur l-aqwa għal uliedna.

Dr Abela żied jgħid li l-investiment li qed iwettaq il-Gvern fl-edukazzjoni mhuwiex biss fl-infrastruttura iżda fl-edukaturi bl-aqwa pagi u titjib fil-kundizzjonijiet tax-xogħol tagħhom u anki fl-istudenti li qed ikollhom aktar għodda diġitali biex jużawha fil-vjaġġ edukattiv tagħhom. Hawn innota kif bdew jitqassmu l-laptops b’xejn għal 14,000 student mis-7 sad-9 sena fl-iskejjel sekondarji kollha madwar il-pajjiż. Irrimarka wkoll li fl-iskejjel primarja baqa’ jingħata t-tablet lill-istudenti mir-raba’ sena.

Il-Ministru Clifton Grima qal li dan il-proġett juri l-impenn tal-Gvern biex jipprovdi ambjenti ta’ tagħlim modern u sigur li jpoġġu t-tfal fiċ-ċentru tal-edukazzjoni. “Kull investiment bħal dan ifisser futur aħjar għall-istudenti u appoġġ akbar għall-edukaturi tagħna”, qal il-Ministru Grima.

Din l-iskola ġiet imsemmija għall-memorja ta’ Adrian Borg, student li tilef ħajtu f’inċident traġiku fi skola, fl-2003. Din l-iskola issa toffri ambjent edukattiv li jwassal  messaġġ ta’ tama favur futur mibni fuq edukazzjoni b’saħħitha. Il-ġenituri ta’ Adrian Borg kienu preżenti għal din l-inawgurazzjoni.

Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurated the Ċensu Moran Regional Health Centre, the first secondary hospital on the Maltese islands, representing an investment of around €50 million. This centre further strengthens public health services in our country while placing the patient at the heart of the Government’s vision for a modern and accessible health system for all.

The Ċensu Moran Regional Health Centre comprises six medical and three technical floors. The facility has already been operating for several weeks, offering over 50 different medical services to thousands of patients, including outpatient services such as podiatry, physiotherapy, respiratory medicine, and immunology. In the near future, the services offered by this Centre will increase to 150. Patients are now being served in a modern and comfortable environment, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. “This is not only a new building, but a declaration of our national vision, that of a country determined to provide everyone with access to modern, dignified, and effective care,” said Prime Minister Robert Abela.

He noted that Malta is currently among the countries with the highest levels of confidence in public health services. Despite this, the Prime Minister emphasised that the Government remains committed to continue investing in the health sector so that this confidence continues to grow. “When we invest in health, we are investing in Malta’s future,” added Dr Robert Abela, referring to the naming of the centre in honour of former Health Minister Ċensu Moran, who made a lasting contribution to the national health sector.

This hospital forms part of a broader vision for the modernisation of Malta’s health sector, alongside investments in primary care centres, mental health services, and digital medical systems. “Our goal is one: to build a health system that is ever stronger, more resilient, inclusive, and accessible. A system of quality, but above all, one that keeps people at its centre,” concluded Prime Minister Abela.

The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, thanked the Foundation for Medical Services and the various contractors who worked tirelessly to deliver this project, ensuring it was equipped and certified to the highest standards. Dr Abela described the Ċensu Moran Regional Health Centre as a “living project”, reflecting the dynamism of the services it provides. “This Centre is unique because it brings together collaboration across primary, secondary, and tertiary health care,” said Minister Jo Etienne Abela, adding that outpatient and day-case services are being rapidly introduced under the direction of secondary care.

The Minister stressed that the regional centre is crucial for Mater Dei Hospital to continue flourishing as an in-patients hospital. “I am confident this is only the beginning of a new and beautiful chapter for the benefit of our country’s citizens,” concluded Minister Jo Etienne Abela.

During the launch of the Food Safety and Security Authority, Prime Minister Robert Abela described the new authority as another step towards a stronger and more sustainable Malta, one that will enhance governance and the protection of food security in our country.

Established through the Food Safety  and Security Authority Act 2025, the Authority aims to ensure that all food produced, processed, or imported into Malta is safe, of high quality, and traceable throughout the entire food chain, from farmers and fishermen to manufacturers, restaurants, and consumers.

The Authority will oversee compliance with European and international laws and standards, while continuing to safeguard the safety and sustainability of Malta’s food system. Its establishment represents a long-term investment in public health, economic competitiveness, and citizens’ trust.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Authority’s work aligns with the Malta 2050 Vision, which looks towards a future built on a sustainable and innovative agricultural system that strengthens local produce and guarantees food security for future generations.

Dr Abela highlighted the Government’s investment in strengthening public infrastructure related to food, through initiatives such as the modernisation of the Public Abattoir, the introduction of modern “Farm to Table” traceability systems for fruit and vegetables sold through the ‘Pitkalija’, as well as the creation of a new agricultural market and the Food Innovation Hub, representing a total investment of around €20 million.

The Prime Minister also referred to other initiatives aimed at reducing food waste, protecting agricultural land, and promoting the consumption of local fish.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo expressed his satisfaction at the launch of the Food Safety and Security Authority, describing it as an important milestone for the country, marking the first time that all food safety functions in Malta and Gozo are being brought together under one national structure.

“This authority is the result of a clear vision and collective effort to deliver a more coordinated, transparent, and scientifically informed food system. With this step, we are placing the consumer at the centre of the system while strengthening trust between farmers, herdsmen, fishermen, entrepreneurs, and Maltese and Gozitan families”, said Minister Refalo.

He added that the establishment of this authority reaffirms the Government’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and high-quality food, while preparing the country to meet global challenges such as climate change and food supply crises. “When we protect food, we safeguard public health, our families, and the future of our country. Because ultimately, what we eat defines who we are as a people”, concluded Minister Refalo.

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen said that his visit to Malta allowed him to listen directly to farmers and understand the needs of the agricultural sector in a unique island context. “Across the EU, I have listened to farmers’ concerns and hopes, and Malta is no exception. Despite our differences across Europe, the priorities for agriculture here are just as big, from ensuring food security to offering real prospects for young farmers. Visiting a typical Maltese dairy farm today run by a young farmer, I reminded our clear commitment to keep our agri-food sector productive, resilient, and supported through EU policies that reflect their local realities”, stated Commissioner Hansen. He expressed his eagerness to work closely with the Maltese authorities, including the newly established Food Safety and Security Authority, to help translate this vision into reality.

The Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Dr Nikolaus Kriz congratulated the Government and the Maltese people on the setting up of the Food Safety and Security Authority. “This is a milestone for Malta and great news for Europe’s entire food safety system. By joining forces, we strengthen our capacity to protect citizens, animals, and the environment”, said Dr Kriz.

Before the official launch of the Authority, Prime Minister Robert Abela held a meeting with European Commissioner Christophe Hansen, during which he highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Common Agricultural Policy takes into account the specific needs and unique characteristics of Malta’s agricultural sector. The Prime Minister stressed that this approach is essential to guarantee that farmers and herders continue to receive the sustainable support they need to strengthen and safeguard the future of the sector.