Maltese Youths Can Now Benefit From Discounts All Over EU

Jan 16 2025

At a press conference, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti, alongside Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the European Youth Card Association, announced the launch of the European Youth Card campaign.

This initiative aims to provide young people in Malta with access to over 22,000 discounts in 42 countries, covering education, health, travel, and entertainment, while also promoting mobility and training opportunities.

Currently, there are over 10,000 cardholders in Malta and more than 7 million across Europe. The card is designed to foster collaboration among governments, organisations, and associations, offering practical benefits to youth while creating new opportunities for development.

The initiative also emphasises the importance of giving young people the resources to grow and contribute to society. Miriam Teuma, CEO of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, highlighted that the card helps young people unlock their potential by providing them with tangible benefits and opportunities.

Manel Sánchez, Director of the European Youth Card Association, stated that the card promotes inclusivity and supports personal and professional growth.

The campaign reflects a broader effort to enhance youth mobility and access to resources across Europe, with a focus on improving the lives and prospects of young people in Malta and beyond.

All discounts can be found here.

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Concerns Raised Over Floriana’s Commercial Development

Jan 16 2025

Floriana Mayor Nigel Holland has expressed serious concerns about the future of the town’s residents as commercial developments increasingly replace residential buildings.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Holland stressed that the local council must prioritise its community, not serve as a council for hotels and short-term rentals like Airbnb.

The event coincided with Floriana’s annual Housing Day on January 16, a commemoration of Riccardo Cesare, who tragically fell to his death 25 years ago when a four-story landing in his apartment block collapsed.

Reflecting on the drastic changes in the town’s demographic, Holland noted that only 11 residents remain on St Anne’s Street, once home to dozens of families.

Standing in front of a residential block on St Anne’s Street, Holland criticised a proposed project to transform the building into a 40-room hotel. The council has opposed the development, warning it will have “detrimental consequences” for the community.

“This is part of a larger housing issue in Floriana,” Holland said. He reiterated the council’s commitment to opposing projects that replace homes with commercial ventures, citing Floriana’s local plan, which requires a balance between residential and commercial uses—a balance he argues has been lost.

Deputy Mayor James Aaron Ellul highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting Floriana has one of Malta’s oldest populations, with an average age over 60.

He also pointed out that only Mdina and Xgħajra have smaller populations than Floriana. Ellul emphasised the need to preserve and restore residential spaces, presenting a paper during a council meeting to underline the importance of halting the phasing out of homes in favour of commercial development.

“Our priority is to save the Floriana community,” Holland concluded.

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Launch Of New Initiative In Quantum Computing

Jan 16 2025

At a recent press event, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti, alongside the University of Malta, introduced a groundbreaking initiative in the field of Quantum Computing. This forward-thinking project is set to position Malta as a global leader in emerging technologies.

The initiative, spearheaded by Professors Andre Xuereb and John Apollaro from the University of Malta, aims to bridge the gap between quantum computation theory and practical application. The project’s goal is to harness quantum computing’s potential to drive advancements in critical areas such as healthcare, climate change, and artificial intelligence.

Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the strategic importance of this project, underscoring Malta’s commitment to fostering innovation. “This initiative reflects our belief in the talent of our researchers and our ambition to establish Malta as a hub for cutting-edge technologies. Quantum computing is not just a technological leap; it’s an opportunity to reshape society and open up new possibilities,” he stated.

The project will also facilitate collaborations with global tech giants like IBM, Amazon, and Airbus, providing researchers and students with access to advanced quantum computing infrastructure. Additionally, it offers funding for postdoctoral research, conference participation, and the hosting of international experts in Malta.

Prof. Andre Xuereb emphasized the significance of this step, calling it a vital move towards understanding and utilizing quantum computing to solve global challenges. “This is an exciting opportunity for Malta to contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community,” he said.

In partnership with Esplora, Malta’s National Science Centre, the project will explore the creation of a permanent Quantum Computing exhibition to inspire and educate the next generation. In 2026, Malta will also host an international summer school, attracting researchers and students from around the world.

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1,268 Residents In Malta’s South East Elderly Homes

Jan 16 2025

According to information tabled by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, there are currently 1,268 residents in Malta’s elderly homes in the south-east of Malta.

Residenza San Guzepp, Fgura, has the highest occupancy rate at 297, whereas Floriana Home – Dar il-Mistrieh has the lowest at 42.

Meanwhile Casa Paola in Rahal Gdid has 110 residents, Fgura’s Dar l-Annunzjata has 224 and Hal Ghaxaq’s Ghigo Community Care has 145.

St Thomas Community Living in Wied il-Ghajn has 246 residents and Zejtun Home has 204.

The question was tabled by Paula Mifsud Bonnici.

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