EU Parliament to Hear Petition on Sewage Discharges in Maltese Waters

A petition calling for action on sewage discharged into Maltese coastal waters is set to be heard in the European Parliament next March. The announcement was made by MEP Peter Agius, Vice-Coordinator of the Parliament’s Committee on Petitions, who confirmed that the matter will be formally examined by MEPs early next year.

The petition was filed earlier this year by a group of Maltese and Gozitan residents, with the support of environmental NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA). It urges the European Commission to ensure that Malta complies with the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and stops the release of untreated or partially treated sewage from treatment plants in Mellieħa, Xgħajra and Għajnsielem.

In comments to local media, Agius stressed that EU membership carries obligations to uphold environmental standards. FAA coordinator Astrid Vella welcomed the petition’s progress and noted that, despite a European Court of Justice ruling eight months ago finding Malta in breach of environmental law, discharges continue to affect nearby coastal areas, including Qammiegħ and Xgħajra.

When the petition is heard in March, MEPs are expected to ask the Commission to outline its position and propose concrete measures.

#MaltaDaily