Applications Open For Malta’s Sustainable Development Action Awards

Jul 3 2025

The Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness has officially opened applications for the 2025 edition of the Sustainable Development Action Awards.

The awards aim to recognise and celebrate outstanding efforts that promote economic, social and environmental sustainability across Malta and Gozo.

Individuals, NGOs, businesses, academic teams and public institutions are invited to apply or nominate a project that demonstrates meaningful sustainable development.

There are eight award categories available, each aligned with Malta’s Sustainable Development Strategy. Applications must be submitted by Friday, 8 August 2025 at close of business.

Applicants must be residents of Malta or Gozo and at least 18 years old, unless applying for the Youth Leadership Award, in which case a parent or guardian must apply on behalf of the minor. Projects must have started in 2023 or later and show clear benefits to the Maltese Islands.

Applications are to be submitted through the official Sustainable Development website, including all relevant supporting documentation.

Submissions will be evaluated based on impact, innovation, and scalability, with shortlisted projects proceeding to a public vote.

This is a unique opportunity to spotlight those who are driving real sustainable change. For full details on categories and eligibility, visit the official awards page.

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Malta Business Registry With Over 200,000 Documents In 2024

Jul 3 2025

The Malta Business Registry (MBR) has published its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2024. The report outlines major digital and strategic reforms implemented over the year, marking continued progress in the MBR’s shift toward a fully paperless operation.

A key milestone was the successful deployment of the Business Automation Registry Online System (BAROS), which registered over 200,000 documents in 2024. BAROS significantly modernised service delivery, enhanced transparency, and boosted operational efficiency. Legal frameworks were updated to support the digital transition, ensuring full compliance with GDPR standards. Stakeholders actively contributed during testing and feedback phases.

The report also highlights the cultural shift within the organisation, reflecting a broader commitment to innovation. The Central Data Repository (CDR), aligned with Malta’s electoral manifesto, integrates AI to reduce bureaucracy and allow secure data sharing across government entities.

APIs were introduced to improve collaboration and provide Subject Persons with real-time access to registry data, enabling smarter business decisions. The launch of an online Self-Assessment Tool empowers companies to evaluate restructuring options, promoting sustainability and proactive planning.

In 2024, 3,376 new companies were registered and 11,515 certificates issued. The Compliance Unit reviewed over 21,000 notifications and conducted 1,478 inspections. The Register’s updated profile offers valuable insights into Malta’s evolving business landscape and governance trends.

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3.6% Increase In Book Loans From Local Libraries In 2024

Jul 3 2025

In 2024, total book loans reached 710,399, an increase of 24,930 or 3.6% compared to the previous year.

The Southern Harbour and Western districts saw the largest rises in loans, with increases of 3.1% and 6.3% respectively.

In Gozo, Victoria public library had the most loans at 28,471, followed by Nadur with 24,225. The Fgura library accounted for over half of the increase in the Southern Harbour district. In the Western district, Attard and Siġġiewi libraries contributed 42.3% and 16.3% of loans, respectively.

Conversely, loans dropped in the Northern Harbour and South Eastern districts by 16.8% and 3.8%.

In 2024, total book loans reached 710,399, an increase of 24,930 or 3.6% compared to the previous year.

Birkirkara library had the biggest decline in Northern Harbour at 21.9%, though San Ġwann and Pembroke saw increases of 20.8% and 14.5%. Żejtun and Żurrieq libraries recorded the largest decreases in the South Eastern district at 26.2% and 17.8%.

Book acquisitions rose by 7.4% to 42,849, driven by increases in printed book purchases, donations, and eBook acquisitions.

New library members fell by 2.9% to 7,954, with adults making up 42.6%, down from 46.3%.

The National Library’s legal deposit items grew by 10.1% to 1,180. Imports and exports of printed books and periodicals fell by 8.2% and 19.3%.

Meanwhile, private spending on books rose by 6.1%, but newspapers and periodicals declined by 5.0%.

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Public Consultation On Voluntary Assisted Euthanasia Closes

Jul 3 2025

The public consultation on voluntary assisted euthanasia has just concluded, marking the end of several weeks of national discussion on this issue.

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg, who initiated the consultation as part of the government’s electoral manifesto, described the process as a mature and respectful debate involving thousands of submissions from the public.

The consultation invited views on the proposed framework for voluntary assisted euthanasia in Malta, with people expressing both support and opposition.

Two major campaigns emerged during the consultation period: ‘Għażla. Dinjita’, which advocates for the right to choose assisted euthanasia in cases of terminal illness, and ‘Oqtol l-Uġigħ, Mhux Lili’, which opposes the measure and instead calls for enhanced palliative care.

Secretary Buttigieg emphasised that the consultation is not over, as the analysis of submissions will continue.

She also highlighted that palliative care remains a key focus and that even the best palliative care may not always relieve unbearable suffering at the end of life.

The process has encouraged important dialogue and has helped inform the next steps.

A decision on whether voluntary assisted euthanasia will be introduced, modified, or discarded will follow the consultation.

What do you think?

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