Malta has voiced its disagreement with the proposed reduction of the driving license age to 17 for car license holders, known as the accompanied driving scheme. 

Minister Aaron Farrugia expressed this stance at the Transport Council of Ministers in Brussels, contending that such a decision contradicts Malta’s safety, congestion, and decarbonisation efforts. 

Despite the majority of other Member States supporting the proposal, Malta has withheld its endorsement, prompting further negotiations with the European Parliament.

Minister Farrugia emphasised that the mandatory lowering of the driving license age for car license holders should be left to the discretion of individual Member States. 

In addressing the road safety package, Malta expressed appreciation for enhanced cross-border exchange of information on road safety offences, along with measures like zero-tolerance for drink-driving and updated testing rules.

The Council adopted a General Approach on seven proposals within the Maritime Safety, Green Freight, and Road Safety packages, including discussions on amendments to breaks and rest periods in occasional passenger transport services. 

Additionally, Malta, alongside Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Portugal, reiterated concerns about the potential impact of the EUETS legislation on the maritime sector, calling for urgent corrective measures to mitigate adverse effects on EU ports and Member States’ economies. 

Minister Farrugia emphasised the importance of balance in ongoing negotiations, acknowledging Malta’s concerns in the Maritime Safety Package and emphasising the need to maintain competitiveness while ensuring a safe, secure, and environmentally friendly maritime transport sector.

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