FIFA and UEFA ban Russia and Russian teams from all international competitions

Feb 28 2022

FIFA, the world’s football governing body and UEFA, Europe’s football governing have both banned Russia and all Russian teams from any international competitions.

That means that the Russian national team will not be able to play in this year’s World Cup in Qatar. This news also led to Russian team Spartak Moscow being kicked out of the UEFA Europa League and the Russian Women’s national team not being allowed to play in the upcoming Women’s European Championships.

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This massive news comes after the outrage from supporters and European nations alike when FIFA announced that Russia would be allowed to play, only without its flag and anthem at neutral venues under the name of its federation — the Football Union of Russia.

Poland, Russia’s supposed opponent in their World Cup playoff, announced that even if it meant risking World Cup qualification they would not have played out of protest against the war in Ukraine. The president of Poland’s football federation, Cezary Kulesza, called FIFA’s previous decision “disgraceful” and “totally unacceptable.”

A joint FIFA-UEFA statement said that“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine,”

“Both presidents (Gianni Infantino and Aleksander Ceferin) hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”

This highly awaited decision came hours after the IOC’s suggestion to sports federations and event organisers to “not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.”

Other sport organizations like Formula One have also acted out against Russia, with the Sochi Grand Prix being cancelled and various rumours coming out that Hass’ main sponsor Uralkali and driver Nikita Mazepin will also not be allowed to feature in the sport.

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Government to use €200 million budget aid to reduce Russia-Ukraine induced costs

Feb 28 2022

In a video uploaded to social media, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said that the government will be using the €200 million budget aid to reduce costs caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

During the announcement of the 2022 Budget, the government revealed that a sum of money was set aside to allow Malta to address any potential impact on prices increase. The amount daddies up to around €200 million, or 1.4% of gross domestic product.

Minister Clyde Caruana spoke on the impact which the invasion will have on the Maltese islands, saying that despite the attack seeing increased prices in products ranging from oil, wheat and grain, the government is taking action on reducing these prices.

Over the past week, the discussions about the invasion dominated over any other topic in the media despite an electoral campaign taking place in Malta. Caruana said that many expressed their sadness at the suffering of the Ukrainian people as hundreds seek refuge.

When there is a war, prices automatically increase. Russia and Ukraine also happen to be two of the largest suppliers in Europe when it comes to these products. Caruana explained the price situation by giving examples on fuel. He said that if the government did not intervene, everyone who currently owns a petrol car would end up paying an additional €5 per week to the €20 that people already pay. Others who own a diesel car would end up paying an additional €6 per week.

The measure, said Caruana, will help people meet the cost of living and, if the need arises, the government will not hesitate to implement the measure again.

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PN pledges to build new mental health facility close to Mater Dei, says Bernard Grech

PN pledges to build new mental health facility close to Mater Dei, Grech says

Feb 28 2022

During a Nationalist Party political activity held in Antoine de Paule square in Paola, PN leader Bernard Grech stated that the party is presenting proposals which are thought to believed address quality of life.

Grech highlighted the Nationalist Party’s prioritisation of mental health needs, especially amongst youth, going on to highlight that consciousness and mental wellbeing are important from a young age. For that reason, Grech accentuated, the Nationalist Party will be seeing to the closure of the Monte Carmeli facility in Attard and building new mental health facilities close to Mater Dei Hospital. The Monte Carmeli building will be transformed into a different establishment which will also tend to the needs of the Maltese public.

The PN leader reiterated that, together with various industry professionals, a Nationalist Government will see to a ground-up overhaul of mental health treatment in Malta which will focus on support, community treatment and collective responsibility against stigma on mental health.

What do you make of these proposal?

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Volodymyr Zelensky officially applies for Ukraine’s EU membership

Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially signs application for Ukraine's EU membership

Feb 28 2022

As the Ukraine conflict continues to develop, with Russian forces attacking various cities across the country, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he has officially applied for his country to join the European Union.

“Today I signed the application for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. I’m sure it’s feasible,” Zelensky said in a Facebook post published on Monday. Earlier today, he appealed to the European Union to grant Ukraine “immediate” accession to the 27-nation bloc as his country continues to face a Russian invasion.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union does want Ukraine as a member, “They belong to us. They are one of us and we want them in.” Von der Leyen did not specify the length of the process or confirmed whether or not Ukraine’s accession would be immediate, telling Euronews that the membership must undergo a process which includes “integration of the Ukrainian market into the single market” and close cooperation into the energy grid.

Should Ukraine be granted immediate accession to the EU?

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