819 Skin Cancer Cases Recorded By Mid-2025

Jun 26 2025

In response to a parliamentary question, Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, confirmed that the number of people diagnosed with skin cancer in Malta has risen significantly in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Minister revealed that between January 2025 and 15 June 2025, 819 cases of skin cancer were diagnosed, compared to 576 cases recorded during the same timeframe last year. He added that reports for both years are still being submitted and are currently undergoing verification and validation.

To reduce this risk, individuals are advised to use sunscreen with a high SPF and seek shade especially between 11 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest, and wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses.

Taking these preventive measures seriously can help minimise the risk of skin cancer, particularly during Malta’s intense summer months.

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Alarms Raised Over Dolphin Welfare At Mediterraneo Marine Park

Jun 26 2025

Petitions have been launched as concerns have re-emerged over the welfare of dolphins at Mediterraneo Marine Park.

‘NEW footage of Mediterraneo Marine Park in Malta depicts captive dolphins living in murky tanks, with no shade’, footage by Dolphin Project and Empty The Tanks Worldwide shows.

‘Based on local reports it is believed that the filtration system may be broken’, the post explains.

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‘With temperatures in Malta currently reaching 30°C, lack of shade is an alarming concern (in the wild dolphins are able to dive deep to escape direct sunlight and sunburns).’

The post reports how three dolphins, Onda, Mar and Melita, died in August and September of 2021, with an investigation by the Commissioner for Animal Welfare saying that the most likely cause of death was lead poisoning.

At least two petitions have been launched to release and/or relocate the dolphins to where they can live safer and freer.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Defends Fifth Place At European Athletics Team Championships In Maribor

Jun 26 2025

Team Malta concluded the European Athletics Team Championships in Maribor, Slovenia, securing fifth place.

The Maltese squad competed in the Third Division, which featured fifteen nations, including most GSSE countries as well as larger nations such as Bosnia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Iceland topped the final standings and will be promoted to Division Two alongside Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Highlights from the second day included Gina McNamara doubling her success by winning the 1500m in 4:27.22, following her victory in the 800m. Rachela Pace, who had already claimed first place in the long jump, contributed further points with a third-place finish in the triple jump, continuing her impressive season.

Other notable performances were delivered by 18-year-old Benjamin Salnitro, who secured third place in the 110m hurdles with a time of 14.98 seconds; Nicolai Bonello, who took third in the pole vault clearing 4.35m; and Luke Micallef, who also finished third in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:16.16.

In the competition’s final event, the 4x400m mixed relay, Team Malta set a new national record. Nick Bonett, Martha Spiteri, Matthew Galea Soler and Gina McNamara crossed the finish line in 3:26.79.

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Ian Borg Meets Zelenskyy For Special Tribunal Agreement Signing

Jun 26 2025

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, in his role as President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, presided over the signing of an agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

The signing took place in Strasbourg, where Ian Borg met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset.

The agreement, described as a significant legal development, aims to address the crime of aggression committed in the context of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

It follows three years of legal and diplomatic work led by a Core Group of nearly 40 states and institutions, with Ukrainian Ambassador-at-Large Anton Korynevych playing a central role.

Dr Borg noted Malta’s involvement in multilateral forums and reiterated a commitment to international law.

He stated that the tribunal would serve to ensure accountability and that the rule of law is applied fairly, even at the highest levels of power.

The agreement complements existing international mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court, focusing specifically on aggression as a prosecutable offence.

It also forms part of the Council of Europe’s broader efforts, including the Register of Damages and future plans for a Claims Commission and Compensation Fund to support Ukraine’s recovery and justice process.

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