Malta Signs First Big Deal To Help Workers Fighting Domestic And Gender Violence

Jun 20 2025

Prime Minister Robert Abela, alongside Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, presided over the signing of the first-ever collective agreement for employees of the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence.

This five-year agreement marks a significant investment in the social sector, formally recognising the specialised work carried out by professionals operating in this highly sensitive and critical field.

During the signing, the Prime Minister also had the opportunity to meet with several Commission employees, where he listened to their experiences and the daily challenges they face in the fight against gender-based and domestic violence.

“This agreement not only reflects the Government’s commitment to better working conditions, but also our deep respect for those who work with dedication to protect victims and address this social scourge,” said Prime Minister Abela. “When you hear first-hand the realities encountered daily by the Commission’s staff, you realise how vital it is to provide ongoing attention and all necessary resources to this sector.”

The Prime Minister also noted that this agreement follows closely on the announcement of new panic alarms for domestic violence victims at the highest risk another major investment aimed at safeguarding victims.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg emphasised that the collective agreement, “This agreement will further strengthen the commitment of these workers in fulfilling their responsibilities as part of the implementation of the 2023–2028 National Strategy on Domestic Violence. It is being signed as the Commission’s team prepares the administrative and logistical groundwork for the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence campaign a campaign that continues to grow and improve in its outreach and impact each year.” said Ms Buttigieg.

The National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence (2023–2028) is built on the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention and includes 23 measures and 81 concrete actions. The Commission plays a central role in implementing this strategy, working with stakeholders to ensure effective prevention, support, and prosecution.

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Maltese Parliamentary Delegation Participates In International Conference On Interfaith Dialogue In Rome

Jun 20 2025

A Maltese parliamentary delegation is currently participating in the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, taking place in Rome from 19 to 21 June 2025. The conference is organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in cooperation with Religions for Peace, and is being hosted by the Italian Parliament under the theme “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for Our Common Future.”

Deputy Speaker David Agius, along with Members of Parliament Davina Sammut Hili and Ryan Callus, attended the opening session. The session featured keynote speeches by Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies; Ignazio La Russa, President of the Italian Senate; Dr Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; Dr Francis Kuria, Secretary General of Religions for Peace; Reverend Rino Fisichella, Archbishop and Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation; and Pier Ferdinando Casini, Senator and Honorary President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Following the opening, a high-level panel discussion addressed the issue of countering hatred based on religion or belief. In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Agius noted that religious hatred, hate speech, discrimination, and violence are sadly a daily occurrence around the world. He emphasised the crucial role parliamentarians play in reducing tensions and preventing polarisation.

He cited Malta’s Constitution as a key example of a legal framework that guarantees full freedom of conscience and the right to practise religious worship, as well as freedom of expression and opinion. However, he stressed that while laws and constitutions are important, what truly matters is their implementation. This, he said, is where the role of parliamentarians becomes vital not only in legislating, but in ensuring that laws are applied effectively.

In the context of ongoing international instability, Deputy Speaker Agius concluded his address by quoting Pope Leo, “Nothing is lost with peace, but everything can be lost with war.”

The Inter-Parliamentary Union, founded in 1889, is the oldest multilateral political organisation in the world. It brings together 181 national parliaments and 14 regional parliamentary bodies, and works to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development. The IPU also advocates for human rights and provides support to parliaments to become more inclusive, innovative, and effective.

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Project 100: Fabio Spiteri Launches Endurance Challenge To Support Animal Shelters

Jun 20 2025

Maltese endurance athlete Fabio Spiteri is set to begin his latest sporting feat, Project 100, in support of animal shelters across Malta.

To kick off this incredible initiative, Fabio will be participating in the Deca Continuous race at The Bretzel Ultra Triathlon (BUT) one of France’s most gruelling endurance events, which begins on Sunday, 22nd June, and is expected to last approximately ten days.

The Deca Continuous challenge involves completing the full Ironman triathlon distance ten times over in succession:

Swim: 38 km (760 laps of a 50m pool)
Bike: 1,800 km (including an 11.25 km transition lap and 205 laps of 8.752 km)
Run: 422 km (318 laps of 1.33 km)

Fabio’s challenge aims to raise much-needed funds for animal welfare organisations. Those who wish to support the cause can make a donation through the following channels:

🚲 Revolut: +356 9981 6248
🚲 PayPal: [email protected]
🚲 PayPal direct link: paypal.me/RealAnimalRights

📱 SMS Donations:
👉 €2.33 – 5061 7312
👉 €4.66 – 5061 8075
👉 €6.99 – 5061 8923
👉 €11.65 – 5061 9260

🏦 Bank Transfer:
👉 BOV IBAN: MT40VALL22013000000050010082877

For further updates and to follow Fabio’s progress, visit his Facebook profile.

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KM Malta Airlines Ranked 4th Best Regional Airline in Europe by Skytrax

Jun 20 2025

KM Malta Airlines has been ranked fourth in the Best Regional Airlines in Europe category at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025, held alongside this year’s Paris Air Show.

This accolade marks the first international recognition for Malta’s national carrier since it commenced operations on 31st March 2024, achieving this milestone just 15 months into service.

Established in 1999, the Skytrax Awards are regarded as the world’s largest annual airline passenger satisfaction survey, collecting feedback from travellers of over 100 nationalities.

The awards cover a wide range of categories, including World’s Best Airline, Best Cabin Crew, Most Improved Airline, and Best Low-Cost Airline, among others.

In the regional category for Europe, Aegean Airlines secured the top spot, followed by Air Dolomiti and Air Serbia, with KM Malta Airlines proudly placing fourth.

David Curmi, Executive Chairman of KM Malta Airlines, expressed his pride at the achievement, “To receive this recognition just 15 months after launching operations is a tremendous honour. It is a clear reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team. The Skytrax Awards are the most respected in our industry, based entirely on independent passenger feedback. Being ranked among Europe’s top regional airlines those operating mainly short- to medium haul routes means the world to us.”

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