EP Adopts MEP Daniel Attard’s Resolution Condemning Iran’s Regime

EP Adopts MEP Daniel Attard's Resolution Condemning Iran's Regime
Jan 24 2025 Share

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution led by Labour MEP Daniel Attard, in collaboration with members from other political groups, condemning Iran’s systematic repression and human rights abuses.

The resolution draws attention to the plight of activists such as Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, who have been sentenced to death under deplorable conditions, violating fundamental human rights.

It demands an immediate end to executions and calls for the release of European citizens unjustly detained in Iran.

Reacting to the resolution’s adoption, Daniel Attard, Vice President of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Iran, stated: “This is not just a national issue—it is a challenge to the core values we must defend at all costs. Indifference is complicity, and Europe cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities.”

This is the second resolution championed by Attard to receive the European Parliament’s approval within his first six months in office. It underscores his steadfast dedication to defending human rights, both for European citizens and for the broader global community, while standing up for the principles of justice and freedom.

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Thomas Bajada Rapporteur For EP Water Resilience Strategy Initiative

Thomas Bajada Rapporteur For EP Water Resilience Strategy Initiative
Jan 24 2025 Share

S&D MEP Thomas Bajada has been appointed as Rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Water Resilience Strategy Initiative, a critical step toward tackling the EU’s mounting challenges surrounding water resources.

“I am honoured to take on this immense responsibility at a time when the world is facing climate change and mounting pressures on our precious water resources, threatening humanity’s lifeline,” Bajada said.

The initiative, spearheaded by Bajada, focuses on essential priorities such as improving water efficiency, addressing water scarcity, combating pollution, and promoting investments in digitalisation and innovation throughout the water cycle.

It aims to establish the foundation for the European Commission’s upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, which is set to be unveiled later this year.

A unified EU-wide strategy is essential to ensure that water systems, ecosystems, and communities can adapt and recover from challenges like droughts, floods, and human-induced pollution.

Bajada’s work directly aligns with the commitment made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen under the initiative “Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water, and nature,” where water resilience has been identified as a fundamental pillar.

The recent appointment of a Commissioner for Water Resilience, along with a dedicated Water Resilience Task Force comprising multiple Commissioners, presents a unique opportunity to streamline and strengthen the EU’s approach to water policy.

Bajada aims to integrate these efforts, making water resilience a central element of EU policy.

“This is a profound responsibility. Water must be valued for what it truly is: the foundation of life,” Bajada emphasised. “Current water legislation is fragmented across various sectors.

By uniting these elements into a comprehensive strategy, the EU can deliver clear guidance for Member States, stakeholders, and citizens alike, ensuring effective and sustainable water management.”

As Rapporteur, Bajada is committed to advancing an integrated, EU-wide strategy to safeguard Europe’s water resources and secure water resilience for future generations.

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Local Guitarist Wins Competition To Perform With Red Electric

Jan 24 2025 Share

Nineteen-year-old guitarist Kurt Cristina has made waves in Malta’s music scene after winning a competition organised by renowned Maltese band Red Electric.

The prize? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform a song alongside the band at the Vernal Festival on 7th March.

Cristina stood out among several talented applicants who submitted videos of themselves playing the guitar solo from Red Electric’s latest single, Emotional Surgery.

His rendition captivated the band, with his video earning an impressive 9,552 views on Instagram and hundreds of likes.

The decision to organise the competition shows Red Electric’s ambition to usher in the new generation of Maltese music and let them shine alongside the established names already making a name for themselves.

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Żurrieq To Benefit From New Community Centre

Żurrieq To Benefit From New Community Centre
Jan 24 2025 Share

A significant milestone for the Żurrieq community was reached with the signing of a land transfer agreement between the Lands Authority and the Żurrieq Local Council. The ceremony was led by Minister for Lands and Electoral Manifesto Implementation Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli.

The agreement grants 1,180 square meters of government-owned land in the “Tal-Bebbux” area to the local council, paving the way for the development of a new community hub. The land will be transformed into a versatile community centre, including a modern hall designed to host events and provide essential services throughout the year.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi emphasised that this initiative reflects the government’s confidence in local councils and their ability to enhance the quality of life for residents. He highlighted ongoing efforts to identify additional government land that could be utilised by councils and NGOs, further strengthening their impact on local communities.

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to empowering local councils and ensuring access to sustainable, high-quality public facilities,” he remarked.

The minister also underscored the importance of the recently introduced rent cap scheme, which limits annual rents on government properties leased to local councils to €500. This measure frees up resources for councils to invest in other community projects.

Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli praised the initiative, noting that the new community centre would improve the quality of life for families in Żurrieq. She also commended the Żurrieq Local Council for its dedication and consistent efforts to meet residents’ needs. Żurrieq Mayor Rita Grima expressed gratitude for the agreement, highlighting the council’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible services and spaces for community activities.

She noted that the new facility would serve as a centralised hub for residents, fostering a greater sense of community. In addition, the government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving other public land within the Tal-Bebbux area for community use. A portion of the land, spanning 750 square meters, will remain an open space, ensuring residents continue to benefit from green areas.

Amendments to a planning application have formally designated the government-owned land as a social-use site under Category B, guaranteeing that the land remains dedicated to the community.

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