Malta Must Fix Gambling Law To Avoid EU Action, Says PN MEP

Jun 18 2025

MEP Peter Agius has urged the Maltese government to revise Bill 55 without delay, after the European Commission issued a formal letter of notice concerning the legislation. The law, introduced to protect Malta-based gambling companies from foreign court rulings — particularly from Austria and Germany — is being scrutinised for potentially breaching EU law.

The Commission’s letter marks the initial stage of infringement proceedings and could lead to action before the European Court of Justice should Malta fail to respond appropriately.

Concerned with @EU_Commission infringement action on bill55.

Calling on @MaltaGov to align with #EULaw asap and on the EC to act upon the other side of the coin – the TPLF jungle spurring doubtful court actions on gambling losses. @EUCssrMcGrath @steph_sejourne

— Peter Agius (@peteragius_eu) June 18, 2025

Agius welcomed the Commission’s move but emphasised the need for swift action to ensure the law complies with EU principles. In a tweet, he also called on the European Commission to address a wider concern: third-party litigation funding practices, which he said are driving collective legal actions against gambling operators based in Malta.

He described the situation as a “collapse of the internal market” and warned against fragmented regulation of the online gambling sector.

“The freedom of movement must prevail,” Agius concluded, noting that legal uncertainty threatens to undermine Malta’s standing within the EU single market.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Surpasses Petition Threshold For Safe Abortion Signatures

Jun 18 2025

According to the My Voice, My Choice campaign, Malta has just surpassed the national threshold of signatures for safe abortion.

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A post shared by My Voice, My Choice (@myvoicemychoiceorg)

In Malta, where aborting is almost completely banned, had 4,278 signatures verified as correctly submitted. Malta was joined with Bulgaria who had 6,552 signatures.

The amount of errors detected was less than 5% despite the almost complete abortion ban.

#MaltaDaily

Majority Don’t Think Bernard Grech Should Stay On As Leader

Jun 18 2025

In a poll wherein we asked what people think of Bernard Grech staying on as leader of the Nationalist Party, the majority voted for it not being the case.

Over 240 people voted for ‘NO’, wanting to see someone else take on the leadership position.

For over 160 people however, the prospect of Grech taking on the title again would be welcome.

Meanwhile, a survey quoted by Times of Malta has revealed that Gozitan PN MP Alex Borg is the favourite to lead the party, followed by Adrian Delia and Franco Debono.

What do you think?

#MaltaDaily

Parliament Debating Electoral District Changes, Glenn Bedingfield

Jun 18 2025

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield has remarked that, despite a week passing since Bernard Grech’s resignation, the Nationalist Party has seen more declarations from those unwilling to contest the leadership than from those ready to step up.

His comments come amid ongoing internal discussions and speculation about the PN’s next chapter.

Currently, Nationalist MP Alex Borg is emerging as the frontrunner in the leadership race, according to recent surveys.

Meanwhile, Parliament is debating a report by the Electoral Commission proposing changes to electoral district boundaries. Nationalist MPs have voiced criticism of the proposed adjustments, with Bedingfield accusing them of doing so out of personal interest.

He argued that district changes have no bearing on which party governs, suggesting the debate is being shaped by internal positioning rather than national priorities.

#MaltaDaily