Luke Dalli Appointed Arts Council Malta Executive Chairperson

Luke Dalli Appointed New Arts Council Malta Executive Chairperson

Jun 13 2025

Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici has appointed Dr Luke Dalli as the new Executive Chairperson of Arts Council Malta. He will take over from Albert Marshall, who has decided to step into a new role within the Council after years of dedicated service.

Mr Marshall has played a key part in strengthening Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. He will now continue contributing to the Council as a consultant, ensuring the organisation continues to benefit from his experience and deep understanding of the cultural landscape.

Minister Bonnici thanked Mr Marshall for his years of outstanding service and welcomed his continued involvement in this new capacity.

Dr Dalli, aged 36, is a lawyer with expertise in intellectual property law and public procurement. He has held senior roles at Arts Council Malta for over a decade, including Head of Legal Affairs and Chief Operating Officer.

Wishing him success in his new role, Minister Bonnici said he looks forward to working with Dr Dalli, the management team and all employees to continue building a cultural and creative sector that supports and nurtures Maltese and Gozitan artists.

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Malta To Host 2026 European Business Registry Conference

Jun 13 2025

Malta will host the European Business Registry Association (EBRA) Annual General Conference next year through the Malta Business Registry (MBR). The announcement was made during this year’s EBRA AGM, held in Milan, Italy.

EBRA brings together experts from 43 business registries across Europe, working to improve the management and operation of business registers. During the event, MBR CEO and Registrar Dr Geraldine Spiteri Lucas presented an overview of Malta’s progress in regulation and digital transformation. She stated that hosting the EBRA conference in Malta will support concrete actions to strengthen collaboration among European registries.

Dr Spiteri Lucas added that Malta’s selection reflects international recognition, noting that this will be the second major registry conference held locally in recent years, following the successful CRF Conference three years ago.

Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, welcomed the announcement, saying that the decision to host the conference reflects the high standards and dedication of the MBR. He noted that Malta’s involvement offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build partnerships and address shared challenges. He praised the MBR’s contribution to shifting perspectives and practices, especially given Malta’s position as the EU’s smallest member state.

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This Mediterranean Jellyfish Swims Against The Current

Jun 13 2025

In a video shared to social media, marine biologist Alan Deidun shared footage sent to him of one of the few jellyfish in the Mediterranean which actively swims against currents.

Known as the sea lung or sea barrel (scientific name Rhizostoma pulmo), this species is excluded from particularly warm waters and needs extensive sandy bottom patches.

It only inflicts a mild sting despite its large size. It is also quite infrequent within Maltese waters, with this particular rule-breaker filmed off the southern shores of Sicily.

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Almost 5,000 Enforcement Cases Opened By ERA In 2024

Jun 13 2025

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) processed over 20,000 environmental authorisations in 2024, while finalising an additional 15,000 applications submitted in previous years.

According to its 2024 annual report, discussed in Parliament, ERA strengthened its permitting regime following the transfer of resources-related responsibilities from the Malta Resources Authority.

The Environmental Permitting Unit now also manages groundwater registrations and quarry licences. New regulations introduced this year aim to clarify and streamline procedures, with some permits now requiring public consultation.

ERA’s compliance and enforcement teams handled more than 4,880 cases in 2024, closing 4,238 of them.

These included matters involving waste management, illegal dumping, marine pollution and biodiversity protection.

A total of 1,301 administrative fines were issued. Targeted campaigns focused on littering and waste separation, with warnings issued to raise awareness before tougher measures are introduced.

The national waste strategy achieved a 23% reduction in mixed waste through mandatory separation measures.

ERA also designated new Special Areas of Conservation, including Xrobb l-Għaġin and Il-Ħondoq ir-Rummien, moving Malta closer to its goal of 30% land protection under EU biodiversity targets.

ERA Chairman Vincent Cassar highlighted the regeneration of Spencer Garden in Marsa as a key milestone in sustainable urban development, integrating renewable energy, water systems, and over 6,000 plants.

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