EU Commission Recognises ‘Ġbejna Tan-Nagħaġ’ As A Protected Designation of Origin

EU Commission Recognises ‘Ġbejna Tan-Nagħaġ’ As A Protected Designation of Origin
Jan 28 2025 Share

The European Commission has officially granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status to Malta’s sheep’s cheese. This milestone comes after years of discussions with the European Commission, ensuring that the production and sale of sheep’s cheese comply with the legal standards expected from European Union Member States.

These negotiations have resulted in the establishment of necessary standards for both the quality of the product and the protection of consumers’ health.

The Maltese Government, in collaboration with the European Commission, worked diligently to ensure that traditional cheese-making practices were preserved.

As part of this effort, the Maltese authorities committed to providing all relevant information for thorough evaluation according to the criteria set by the European Commission to safeguard the product.

With this recognition, “sheep’s cheese” will now appear on store shelves with labelling that confirms its addition to the European PDO register.

This signifies that the product will be recognised as a quality item not only by EU citizens but also by tourists visiting Malta, as it joins the prestigious list of PDO products across Europe.

The recognition ensures that the product will be acknowledged and protected by EU member countries and featured in global trade agreements.

Minister Anton Refalo was presented with the official PDO certificate by European Commissioner Christophe Hansen during a ceremony in Brussels on the margins of the Agriculture Ministers’ Council.

In a celebration at the Malta House, Minister Refalo praised the work of the Sheep and Goats Producers Association, MCCAA, and other public entities for their role in achieving this status. He also thanked the Maltese and Gozitan farmers for their daily contributions to producing high-quality products.

Minister Refalo highlighted ongoing efforts to secure PDO recognition for Maltese olive oil, aiming to further solidify Malta’s position in Europe’s traditional food product list.

#MaltaDaily

Malta To Perform In 2nd Semi-Final Of Eurovision

Malta To Perform In 2nd Semi-Final Of Eurovision
Jan 28 2025 Share

Malta’s yet-to-be-revealed representative for the Eurovision Song Contest will be singing during the second semifinal of the contest in Switzerland.

 

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Malta’s representative will be taking to the stage on the 15th of May 2025, with the first semi-final taking place on the 13th and, if our representative passes, to take to the final stage on the 17th.

 

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Malta will be performing in the second half of the second semi-final and right between Israel and Finland.

Who do you think will be representing us?

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Maltese Superwomen Conquer Wodapalooza With First-Place Victory

Maltese Superwomen Conquer Wodapalooza With First-Place Victory
Jan 28 2025 Share

Three Maltese PIT athletes—Pamela Psaila, Jessica Borg Ghigo, and Jessica Camilleri—made history at TYR Wodapalooza, the world’s largest fitness festival held in Miami Beach from 23rd to 26th January. 

Competing against over 2,000 athletes in an action-packed event attended by over 40,000 spectators, the trio dominated the Intermediate Female category.

They secured a stunning first-place finish with 525 points, leaving their closest competitors, teams from Guatemala and the US, trailing behind with 465 points.

The Maltese athletes proved their strength and skill on the global stage, showcasing not just athleticism but also the resilience and determination of true champions.

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Malta Calls For Collective EU Action To Counter Hybrid Attacks

Malta Calls For Collective EU Action To Counter Hybrid Attacks
Jan 28 2025 Share

Malta urges EU member states to collectively explore measures to counter hybrid attacks while strengthening the resilience of electoral systems and critical infrastructure, including Mediterranean undersea cables.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg expressed Malta’s solidarity with EU countries affected by hybrid threats following a meeting with EU foreign ministers and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas. The discussion focused on hybrid threats during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

Malta advocates for further expert discussions to create a dedicated EU strategy to tackle such threats effectively.

“Undersea electricity cables, gas pipelines, and telecommunication networks must be protected in EU waters, especially in areas like the Baltic Sea, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Atlantic coast, where attacks are frequent.

These threats impact our security and have significant long-term environmental consequences,” Borg emphasised.

The meeting also addressed the situation in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and transatlantic relations.

On Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Borg stressed the need for EU unity in supporting Ukraine, even during negotiations. “The peace plan must be led by Ukraine with EU involvement,” he asserted.

He reiterated Malta’s commitment to tackling Russia’s shadow fleet and implementing maritime prohibitions while mitigating their impact on key industries.

Regarding the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Borg emphasised the importance of full implementation, highlighting ongoing challenges and the need to address the root causes of instability, including Iran’s role and the lack of a two-state solution.

The EU’s transatlantic relationship with the US was also discussed as essential for addressing global challenges and ensuring collective security and prosperity.

#MaltaDaily