AFM Officers Join Cyber Security Talks in Italy

Jun 20 2025

Officers from the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) took part in the 5+5 Cyber Commanders’ Committee held in Italy, highlighting Malta’s ongoing commitment to improving its cyber defence capabilities.

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The meeting brought together defence leaders from five southern European and five North African countries to discuss key cyber security challenges and opportunities for closer cooperation.

Armed Forces Malta, reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing operational effectiveness, building resilience against digital threats, and ensuring strong representation across all areas of security and defence.

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Chiara Releases Maltese Version Of Eurovision Classic ‘Angel’

Jun 20 2025

Popular Maltese singer Chiara, known for her angelic voice and three-time Maltese Eurovision winner, has released a new song titled ‘Kuljum’, a Maltese version of her iconic 2005 hit ‘Angel’.

Marking 20 years since Angel first captured Malta’s heart and earned Malta its best ever Eurovision result, Kuljum is a heartfelt tribute to that legacy.

With lyrics co-written by Chiara and singer-songwriter Kurt Calleja, and a fresh production by Edward Abela of Midnight Studio, Kuljum shifts the focus from fairytale romance to the quiet strength of everyday love, grounded in loyalty throughout the good and the bad.

Chiara remains one of Malta’s most beloved musical figures, having represented the country in Eurovision three times, and ending Malta in second place with Angel back in 2005.

With Kuljum, she breathes new life into a classic, this time in her native tongue, a gift to longtime fans and a celebration of the Maltese language.

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Malta Signs First Big Deal To Help Workers Fighting Domestic And Gender Violence

Jun 20 2025

Prime Minister Robert Abela, alongside Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, presided over the signing of the first-ever collective agreement for employees of the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence.

This five-year agreement marks a significant investment in the social sector, formally recognising the specialised work carried out by professionals operating in this highly sensitive and critical field.

During the signing, the Prime Minister also had the opportunity to meet with several Commission employees, where he listened to their experiences and the daily challenges they face in the fight against gender-based and domestic violence.

“This agreement not only reflects the Government’s commitment to better working conditions, but also our deep respect for those who work with dedication to protect victims and address this social scourge,” said Prime Minister Abela. “When you hear first-hand the realities encountered daily by the Commission’s staff, you realise how vital it is to provide ongoing attention and all necessary resources to this sector.”

The Prime Minister also noted that this agreement follows closely on the announcement of new panic alarms for domestic violence victims at the highest risk another major investment aimed at safeguarding victims.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg emphasised that the collective agreement, “This agreement will further strengthen the commitment of these workers in fulfilling their responsibilities as part of the implementation of the 2023–2028 National Strategy on Domestic Violence. It is being signed as the Commission’s team prepares the administrative and logistical groundwork for the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence campaign a campaign that continues to grow and improve in its outreach and impact each year.” said Ms Buttigieg.

The National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence (2023–2028) is built on the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention and includes 23 measures and 81 concrete actions. The Commission plays a central role in implementing this strategy, working with stakeholders to ensure effective prevention, support, and prosecution.

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Maltese Parliamentary Delegation Participates In International Conference On Interfaith Dialogue In Rome

Jun 20 2025

A Maltese parliamentary delegation is currently participating in the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, taking place in Rome from 19 to 21 June 2025. The conference is organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in cooperation with Religions for Peace, and is being hosted by the Italian Parliament under the theme “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for Our Common Future.”

Deputy Speaker David Agius, along with Members of Parliament Davina Sammut Hili and Ryan Callus, attended the opening session. The session featured keynote speeches by Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies; Ignazio La Russa, President of the Italian Senate; Dr Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; Dr Francis Kuria, Secretary General of Religions for Peace; Reverend Rino Fisichella, Archbishop and Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation; and Pier Ferdinando Casini, Senator and Honorary President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Following the opening, a high-level panel discussion addressed the issue of countering hatred based on religion or belief. In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Agius noted that religious hatred, hate speech, discrimination, and violence are sadly a daily occurrence around the world. He emphasised the crucial role parliamentarians play in reducing tensions and preventing polarisation.

He cited Malta’s Constitution as a key example of a legal framework that guarantees full freedom of conscience and the right to practise religious worship, as well as freedom of expression and opinion. However, he stressed that while laws and constitutions are important, what truly matters is their implementation. This, he said, is where the role of parliamentarians becomes vital not only in legislating, but in ensuring that laws are applied effectively.

In the context of ongoing international instability, Deputy Speaker Agius concluded his address by quoting Pope Leo, “Nothing is lost with peace, but everything can be lost with war.”

The Inter-Parliamentary Union, founded in 1889, is the oldest multilateral political organisation in the world. It brings together 181 national parliaments and 14 regional parliamentary bodies, and works to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development. The IPU also advocates for human rights and provides support to parliaments to become more inclusive, innovative, and effective.

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