EU Proposing Driving Licenses For 17 Year Olds

Mar 25 2025

The European Union is moving forward with a proposal to allow 17-year-olds to obtain a driving licence, provided they drive under supervision until turning 18.

This measure, part of a broader revision of the EU Driving Licence Directive, aims to improve road safety by giving young drivers more experience before they drive independently.

However, the proposal is non-binding, meaning each EU country can decide whether to adopt it. This flexibility allows nations to maintain their current minimum age requirement of 18 if they prefer. Discussions on this rule are already at an advanced stage.

The directive also includes several other reforms. A two-year probationary period for new drivers will be introduced, along with stricter penalties for dangerous driving.

Additionally, a digital driving licence, accessible via smartphones, will be introduced across the EU.

Another key update is the lowering of the minimum age for truck and bus drivers to help address professional driver shortages.

Under the new rules, 18-year-olds could obtain a truck licence, while 17-year-olds may drive a truck if accompanied by an experienced driver.

With road safety a major concern, these changes align with the EU’s “Vision Zero” strategy to eliminate road fatalities by 2050.

#MaltaDaily

Andy Ellul Celebrates 50th Birthday

Mar 25 2025

Parliamentary Secretary for social dialogue Andy Ellul celebrates 50th birthday.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Ellul took a moment to thank his followers for their continued support as he celebrated his birthday.

The post featured a photo of Ellul joyfully cutting into his birthday cake.

Happy 50th Birthday to Andy Ellul

#MaltaDaily

Heart Warming Between Marvic & Mother Rose

Mar 25 2025

Marvic shared a special moment with his mother Rose in a heartwarming moment during the Big Brother Malta live show.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marvic (Navujk) (@marviccam)

Rose crossed the Gozo Channel, on a stormy day, to have a brief moment with her son and to give him some words of encouragement.

Rose expressed her gratitude for the team of the Big Brother Malta production, Marvic’s friends and everyone else who continue to support her son.

‘Marvic was raised in an environment where life was not easy’, Marvic’s social media account explained.

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A post shared by Marvic (Navujk) (@marviccam)

‘As one of seven siblings, he learned early on how important strength and resilience are.’

‘Rose raised him to be strong and firm in front of life’s difficulties, but at the same time taught him to be kind and contribute wherever he can.’

#MaltaDaily

Fabio Attard, Gozitan Priest, Becomes 11th Successor of Salesian Founder Don Bosco

Mar 25 2025

Fr. Fabio Attard has been elected as the new Rector Major of the Salesian Order, becoming the 11th successor of Don Bosco. This election has been hailed by the Salesian family as a “historic moment” for both the Salesian Congregation and the global Salesian Family.

Fr. Fabio Attard’s election took place during a gathering of 220 provincials and delegates at the Mother House of Valdocco in Turin.

With extensive theological, pastoral, and academic experience, Fr. Attard was called to guide the Salesian Congregation toward a renewed future, bringing Don Bosco’s dream to the heart of the contemporary world, the community stated on its website.

Born on March 23, 1959, in Gozo, Fr Fabio Attard grew up in Victoria.

Fr Attard pursued his studies with great dedication, earning a degree in Theology from the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) and a Licentiate in Moral Theology from the prestigious Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome.

In a statement, the Maltese Church congratulated Fr Fabio on his appointment, offering its prayers for him as he starts a mission to lead the Salesian community in 136 countries.

#MaltaDaily