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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

Gozo Inaugurates First State-Run Childcare Centre: ‘Djamant’

Gozo Inaugurates First State-Run Childcare Centre: ‘Djamant’
Jan 28 2025 Share

Gozo’s first state-run childcare centre, Djamant, has been officially inaugurated within the Educational Complex in Victoria.

Managed by the Foundation for Educational Services (FES), this centre is part of a unique complex that also includes a primary school, middle school, secondary school, sixth form, and recreational facilities.

The inauguration was led by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Clifton Grima, and Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri. With this addition, FES now operates 13 state childcare centres across Malta and Gozo.

Minister Grima emphasised FES’s role in supporting holistic child development while assisting families to balance work and home life.

He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of parents by creating spaces that support children’s growth and education.

The Djamant centre can host up to 89 children, featuring three activity zones, two baby rooms, and an outdoor area. It is equipped with resources designed to aid children in their educational journeys.

Minister Camilleri praised the collaborative efforts that brought the centre to life, ensuring Gozo enjoys facilities equal to those in Malta.

He expressed confidence in the centre’s dedicated staff and their ability to provide excellent service, benefitting Gozo’s families and children.

#MaltaDaily

2 To 4 Month Waiting Time For Driving Tests

2 To 4 Month Waiting Time For Driving Tests
Jan 28 2025 Share

Responding to questions posed in parliament, Minister for Transport Chris Bonett revealed that the average waiting time for someone to undertake their driving test is two to four months.

Responding to questions posed by PN MP Mark Anthony Sammut, the Minister also revealed that the standards for the driving licenses are the first priority.

The examiners are following the ‘Standard Operating Procedures’, which are currently being reviewed and updated to reflect the realities of today.

This process is being undertaken to ‘establish clearer, more transparent and more uniform criteria so that the exams are fair and consistent.

#MaltaDaily

Metsola & Spiteri Debono Attend Auschwitz Liberation 80th Anniversary

Metsola & Spiteri Debono Attend Auschwitz Liberation 80th Anniversary
Jan 28 2025 Share

Malta’s President, Myriam Spiteri Debono, and European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, participated in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi extermination camp where 1.1 million people perished.

President Spiteri Debono joined survivors and global leaders in Poland to honour the victims of the Holocaust. She lit a candle as a symbol of respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives in one of history’s darkest chapters.

Survivors shared powerful testimonies, highlighting how the Holocaust began with small acts of exclusion and discrimination. They urged vigilance against the rise of hatred to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.

President Metsola, reflecting on the solemn event, emphasised the courage and resilience of survivors. She spoke of the “loss and stolen innocence” and the indifference that allowed such horror to occur.

Metsola also reminded the world of the need to confront hatred wherever it arises, noting that even in a place of unimaginable tragedy, there is a message of hope. “We will remember them,” she affirmed, underscoring the collective responsibility to ensure #NeverAgain.

#MaltaDaily