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Malta Welcomes EU Court Decision Overturning Restrictive Transport Regulations

Malta Welcomes EU Court Decision Overturning Restrictive Transport Regulations
Oct 4 2024 Share

The Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works has expressed satisfaction with the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) decision to overturn the rule requiring transport operators to return their vehicles to the Member State where they are registered.

This rule had created logistical challenges across European Member States, limiting cross-border transport. It also had negative environmental effects, as operators were making unnecessary trips, leading to higher fuel costs and increased emissions.

A 2020 KPMG study, commissioned by the Ministry, indicated that if companies had complied with the European Commission’s proposed regulations, operators would have faced additional costs of over €5 million and an increase of 42 trucks.

Minister Chris Bonett emphasized that Malta was a key player in opposing these regulations, introduced in 2020 under the EU’s Mobility Package 1, which had severely impacted the international freight transport industry. Alongside other EU Member States, the Maltese government legally challenged the rules in the ECJ, recognizing the need to provide operators with optimal working conditions and reduce environmental harm.

Bonett highlighted the importance of this industry to Malta, managing 77% of the country’s imports and exports to and from the EU. The Ministry will now thoroughly review the ruling with industry stakeholders to enhance the sector’s operations.

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Climate Change, Environment Main Reason For Maltese EU Votes

Climate Change, Environment Main Reason For Maltese EU Votes
Oct 4 2024 Share

According to Special Eurobarometer EU Post Election Survey, the majority of Maltese (40%) were encouraged vote over the issue of environment and climate change.

When compared to the EU average, 28% were encouraged to vote over the same issue.

The second hottest issue for the Maltese was the highest for the EU in general – rising prices and cost of living, with 42% for the EU vote and 36% for the Maltese.

The interviews were conducted with 26,349 respondents, face-to-face, with Maltese consisting of 497 of these respondents.

Unemployment was the issue that concerned the Maltese least, at just 3%. The EU average for this was 11%. For the EU, the least concerning issue was the digitalisation of the European economy and society.

Did you vote in the European Parliament election and if so, what was the issue that concerned you most?

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Maltese Marries Stranger On British Show ‘Married At First Sight’

Maltese Marries Stranger On British Show 'Married At First Sight'
Oct 4 2024 Share

A participant on British reality TV show ‘Married at First Sight’, Maltese contestant Luke Debono could not help but utter a typical Maltese exclamation upon seeing his bride for the firs time.

As Luke turned around to see the bride walking down the aisle, he dropped a Maltese-typical ‘ilalla madonna’ – a good sign that he in fact likes the bride, Amy Victoria.

The show has strangers meet for the first time at the altar and then follows their life as newly weds and see if they are in fact the perfect match.

Luke is a Maltese prison education manager and spoke about being married to a complete stranger on Instagram, saying:

‘I never imagined I’d be getting married to a complete stranger, but here we are!’

‘Sometimes life surprises you with unexpected moments that just feel right—the right thing, at the right time, in the right place with the right person.’

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1st AI Powered Security Cameras Installed In Valletta

1st AI Powered Security Cameras Installed In Valletta
Oct 4 2024 Share

The Valletta Local Council has introduced its first advanced security camera powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), installed on Merchant Street. This initiative is aimed at reducing issues like illegal waste disposal and irregular parking in the city.

During a visit to the site, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, along with Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay, highlighted that this AI-equipped camera will enhance enforcement by making it more efficient and effective.

The investment is expected to help curb abuses and provide better protection for Valletta’s residents, contributing to a cleaner and safer capital.

Zerafa Civelli commended the council for its proactive measures in tackling these challenges, noting that they are taking concrete steps to address ongoing issues in Valletta.

Mayor McKay added that this is part of the council’s ongoing efforts to combat waste and littering in the streets, fulfilling a key promise from their electoral manifesto.

Further AI cameras are expected to be installed in other areas of the city. The mayor also expressed gratitude to the LESA Agency and the Police Force for their continued support in ensuring effective law enforcement across Valletta.

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