Maltese MPs Participate In EU International Woman’s Day Conference

Mar 11 2025

On Thursday, 6 March 2025, Katya De Giovanni and Graziella Attard Previ participated in an inter-parliamentary committee meeting organised by the European Parliament’s FEMM Committee and the Directorate for Relations with National Parliaments.

Titled “Strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Agenda – Upholding Women’s Rights in Defence, Security, and Peacebuilding”, the event marked International Women’s Day 2025 and brought together EU representatives and national parliamentarians.

Discussions focused on increasing women’s participation in decision-making within defence, security, and peacebuilding. The conference also addressed the protection of women and girls from trafficking, exploitation, and gender-based violence, especially in conflict zones.

This year’s event coincided with the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, a landmark in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.

Speakers included FEMM Committee Chair Lina Gálvez, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Poland’s Minister of Equality Katarzyna Kotula, and EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib.

De Giovanni and Attard Previ highlighted Malta’s commitment to the WPS agenda, stressing the need for greater gender equality in peace and security.

Their participation reinforced Malta’s support for international efforts that promote women’s leadership in decision-making and conflict resolution.

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2 Malta Police Officers Shine At Athens Marathon

Mar 11 2025

The Malta Police Force shared the remarkable achievement of two officer athletes, PC Andrew Grech and PC Roderick Cilia, whilst at the Athens Half Marathon.

Andrew Grech placed 31st overall but placed first in his Age Category with a. Time of 1 hr14’17”.

Meanwhile, on his part, Roderick Cilia placed 34th overall out of 10,000 athletes with a time of 1hr14’40”.

What’s even more remarkable is that this took place on a hilly course in Athens, making it even more inspirational.

This even was part of a sports exchange through the European police Sports Union (USPE).

Meanwhile, Police sergeant and athlete David Bezzina set a few new records in the M40 category.

He set two national records and two personal bests: a time of 1:38:23 in the 600m indoor and a time of 41.71s in the 300m indoor.

Well done all!

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‘Żomm Tarmix’ Initiative Revealed To Reduce Food and Water Waste

Mar 11 2025

Prime Minister Robert Abela has launched the ‘Żomm Tarmix’ initiative, a key project aimed at reducing food and water waste while promoting social justice and sustainability.

The initiative, based on a digital platform (tarmix.gov.mt), will connect businesses donating near-expiry food with voluntary organisations.

This will enhance efficiency, increase transparency, and support a circular economy in Malta. Businesses participating in the scheme will also qualify for tax incentives.

During the press conference, Abela highlighted the importance of food supply, particularly in light of the pandemic and global geopolitical challenges.

He emphasised that beyond reducing waste, the initiative aims to help more people access food through voluntary organisations and discounted sales. He praised businesses that recognise their social responsibility beyond profit.

Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo noted that this scheme will improve coordination between businesses and NGOs, ensuring food is used efficiently while reducing waste.

The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to social justice, providing quality food at fair prices for Maltese and Gozitan families.

Through this transparent and efficient platform, voluntary organisations will register via e-ID, ensuring aid reaches those in need. Malta continues making concrete progress in implementing a circular economy model, benefiting the entire community.

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Environment Ministry and ERA Announce Reform In Environmental Permits

Mar 11 2025

The Ministry for the Environment and the Environment Resources Authority (ERA) have announced upcoming reforms to environmental permits, with new regulations set to be published in the coming days.

During a press briefing, Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli and ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca outlined the reforms, which build on the Environmental Protection Act. The changes follow a public consultation process and aim to raise environmental standards.

The new regulations focus on three key areas: enforcing higher environmental standards, increasing public participation, and ensuring fair competition among operators.

Some activities will now be regulated for the first time, while citizens will have more opportunities to be involved in the permitting process.

Minister Dalli emphasised the government’s commitment to greater public involvement, stating that the reforms grant new rights in both principle and practice. ERA will implement stricter environmental standards while balancing sustainability with public concerns.

A key change is the expansion of public consultation beyond industrial operations to include various other activities.

ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca described the reforms as a major step forward in environmental protection, reinforcing the authority’s mission to promote sustainable practices while ensuring transparency and fairness.

Photo Credits : Clodagh O’Neil DOI

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