Government Extends Caritas Agreement Of €6 Million Investment

Jun 24 2025

The Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights has announced the renewal and expansion of its social agreement with Caritas Malta, backed by a significant €6 million investment, aimed at strengthening therapeutic community services at San Blas.

This new funding marks a €1.75 million increase over the previous agreement and will ensure continued rehabilitation support for individuals facing drug-related challenges.

Minister Michael Falzon praised the initiative, saying, “This is the kind of policy that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Don’t lose hope, help is available, and there are people ready to guide you back on track.”

Anthony Gatt, Director of Caritas, welcomed the renewed agreement, highlighting that it reflects recent increases in public service wages and honours a request made to the government last year.

At San Blas, individuals are offered personalised rehabilitation plans in a community-based setting, including support for family members and other close relations. Following a 7–8 month programme, residents transition to Dar Charles Miceli, where they prepare for reintegration into the workforce. This includes a further 3-month phase, during which participants begin work and gradually reintegrate into society.

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Over 3,000 Vehicles Inspected From January To June 2025, Says Transport Malta

Jun 24 2025

Transport Malta released enforcement figures for the first half of 2025 from January to June. Revealing a marked increase in inspections and punitive action on Maltese roads.

According to Transport Malta, between January-June 2025 they inspected 3,097 vehicles, issued 3,588 fines, and removed 149 vehicles from the road.

Transport Malta concluded, “We are actively addressing vehicle abuse, dangerous driving, and daily irregularities on our country’s roads.”

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2 Time Oscar Winner Rick Carter At Mediterrane Film Festival

Jun 24 2025

Two-time Academy Award-winning production designer Rick Carter, known for shaping the worlds of Avatar, Forrest Gump and Lincoln, will host an exclusive masterclass, “Visions Made Real,” at the Mediterrane Film Festival.

The Masterclass will take place at Fort Ricasoli on Thursday 26 June at 10am.

Carter’s talk will offer a practical look at how major film environments are imagined, designed and built. He will be drawing on his decades of collaboration with directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron for this Masterclass. From blending real sets with digital effects to creating settings that serve the story, Carter’s insights promise to benefit both film professionals and curious audiences.

The masterclass is part of Mediterrane’s growing focus on industry events that bring international expertise to local creatives. The event is open for all including students, industry workers, filmmakers and film fans alike. To book your seat: mediterrane.com

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EU Pushes Automatic Flight Compensation & Free Hand Luggage

Jun 24 2025

The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee has voted in favour of new legislation designed to strengthen passenger rights across the European Union.

This marks a major step forward after more than a decade without substantial progress in this area.

The proposal outlines several key improvements aimed at making air travel fairer and more transparent. One of the most significant changes is a requirement for airlines to issue automatic compensation within 48 hours in the event of cancellations or long delays.

This would eliminate the need for passengers to go through time-consuming and often frustrating claims procedures.

Another notable reform would guarantee that children under the age of 12 are seated next to their parents at no extra cost, removing fees that many families currently face.

Passengers would also have the right to bring hand luggage of up to 7kg on board without being charged, addressing ongoing concerns about hidden costs when booking flights.

Importantly, these new rules would apply not only to EU-based airlines but also to all flights arriving into the EU, regardless of the airline’s country of origin. This aims to ensure fair treatment for all passengers entering the EU.

Maltese MEP Daniel Attard welcomed the vote, calling it a “long-overdue win” for consumers. He stressed the need for cooperation from the Council in the upcoming negotiations, which will determine the final outcome of the legislation.

Inter-institutional discussions are expected to begin in the coming weeks to finalise the new framework and bring these changes into force.

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