Malta Calls for Regional Clean Energy Agreements at EU Energy Ministers Meeting

May 31 2024

At a crucial meeting of EU Energy Ministers held in Brussels today, Malta underscored the need for enhanced support for countries on the periphery of the European Union. These nations face challenges due to their limited integration into the European energy network and restricted opportunities for expanding renewable energy sources.

Malta, while currently connected to the European electricity grid, has yet to establish a connection to the European gas grid. This lack of full integration presents unique challenges for the island nation in its transition towards clean energy.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted the critical importance of a fair transition to clean energy, ensuring no country is left behind. She stressed the necessity of equitable distribution of funding for energy projects, particularly to support innovative initiatives like offshore floating projects.

Minister Dalli called for substantial investments in infrastructure across all member states. She emphasized the need for more interconnections and greater flexibility in investments, particularly in energy storage solutions such as mass battery systems. These measures are essential for moving beyond reliance on polluting energy sources.

Additionally, Minister Dalli pointed out the significant renewable energy potential in countries bordering the European Union. She urged the European Commission to negotiate regional agreements between the EU and third countries, ensuring that all member states can benefit from regional interconnection projects.

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Infrastructural Works on Fort Sant’ Anġlu Bridges Completed

May 31 2024

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett, has officially inaugurated two newly constructed bridges providing access to Fort Sant’ Anġlu in Birgu. This significant project, aimed at enhancing both vehicular and pedestrian access, involved an investment of around three million euros.

Infrastructure Malta spearheaded the development, replacing the former single bridge with two distinct structures: one for pedestrians and another for vehicles. This initiative followed the collapse of part of the original bridge in June of last year. The original bridge, constructed by the British Services, was not designed to handle the increased weight of modern vehicles, leading to its deterioration and eventual closure to vehicular traffic.

Minister Bonett highlighted the government’s dedication to creating safer and higher-quality infrastructure. “Such projects are the result of the Government’s commitment to create a safer and higher quality infrastructure while in an area like Birgu Waterfront the best facilities are provided for Maltese people, tourists, and people who make use of the Navy,” he stated. Bonett commended Infrastructure Malta for their efficient work and professional results, which reflect the vision of a “beautiful and modern” Malta.

When the project was initiated in January, Minister Bonett had promised swift completion with minimal inconvenience to the public. The inauguration of the bridges fulfills that promise, providing secure access for all visitors to the site.

Ivan Falzon, CEO of Infrastructure Malta, remarked on the agency’s focus on improving accessibility and ensuring safe and efficient travel. “Hidmet Infrastructure Malta will continue to be focused on improving accessibility while ensuring that everyone reaches their destination safely and efficiently,” Falzon said.

Throughout the project, Infrastructure Malta maintained close collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to preserve the historical significance of the site. This entity was involved from the project’s inception and played a key role in the design and oversight of the work. A restoration project is also underway to preserve the structure of the old bridge, which will be exhibited within the confines of the site.

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How To Spot The Difference Between Malta’s Cockroaches

May 31 2024

In a recent interview with Malta Daily, Arnold Sciberras ‘The Exterminator’ broke down Malta’s current cockroach situation and how to spot the difference between different species.

Sciberras started by stating that what most people are seeing is called the ‘German Cockroach’, the species which the Maltese derivatively call ‘Kokroċ’. He stated that, throughout the years, the Maltese language has effectively categorised the smaller species as ‘kokroċ’, while the other larger species are called ‘wirdien’.

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The Exterminator explained that, since the days of English rule in Malta, the smaller species have been known as ‘kokroċ’, stemming directly from the word ‘cockroaches’, highlighting that such creatures, like other species, require chemicals or bait to be controlled as they tend to multiplied if left uncontrolled.

On the other hand, the ‘American cockroach’, which are larger, often tend to fly and scare residents, are recognised as ‘wirdien’ in Malta.

Sciberras went on to reveal that Malta has 23 types of cockroach species, with three of these being categorised as ‘pests’ whilst the others beneficial, introduced or endemic, which means that they are unique to Malta and positively contribute to the country’s biodiversity.

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EasyJet Expands Operations in Malta with New Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Facility

May 31 2024

Malta has secured a significant addition to its aviation industry with easyJet inaugurating a new aircraft maintenance and repair facility in Luqa. This development follows an agreement between easyJet and SR Technics, through which easyJet acquired the facility from SR Technics and committed to retaining the existing workforce while planning further investments.

At the inauguration held in the spacious 40,000 square meter hangar, Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the Government’s support for the aviation sector. He emphasized the sector’s importance, noting that it employs around 1,500 professionals, including engineers, and contributes approximately €50 million annually to the Maltese economy. Abela praised the advanced facilities that underpin Malta’s leadership in aviation, supported by entities such as Malta Enterprise, Indis, and Transport Malta. He viewed the agreement as a pivotal step for the future of aviation in Malta and expressed gratitude to SR Technics for their years of service and training provided to Maltese workers.

The Prime Minister also underscored the broader impact of the facility, pointing out that it is one of three major European airline maintenance and repair facilities in Malta. This clustering of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) companies fosters a robust ecosystem beneficial to the Maltese economy.

Minister for Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, celebrating the strengthened aviation industry resulting from the agreement. He highlighted the strategic reopening of Taxiway Lima by INDIS Malta last year, which enhanced the competitiveness of MRO companies by enabling them to accommodate larger aircraft. Schembri attributed these advancements to collaborative efforts between Malta Enterprise, MCAST, and the Choosing Aviation program. He also thanked SR Technics for their contributions and commended easyJet for their confidence in Malta’s aviation sector.

David Morgan, easyJet’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed satisfaction with the acquisition and the integration of the existing workforce into the easyJet team. He announced that easyJet will now employ over four hundred people in Malta, a significant boost to local employment. Morgan reflected on easyJet’s 15-year history in Malta and expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened presence, which will enhance maintenance and repair operations and improve connectivity across Europe for Maltese customers.

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