Miriana Conte Meets PN Leader & MP Julie Zahra

Miriana Conte Meets PN Leader & MP Julie Zahra
Feb 21 2025 Share

Malta Eurovision Song Contest Winner Miriana Conte met with Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech and PN MP and Shadow Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Culture Julie Zahra.

The Opposition leader wished Miriana all the best for her journey in representing Malta in Basel in the next edition of the contest.

‘She recounted the immense work that such an experience requires and how she is working to ensure that she represents our country in the best way possible’, Grech said of Miriana.

Conte also had the chance to sit down with MP Julie Zahra, who herself has experience competing in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Back in 2004, Zahra travelled to Turkey as part of the duo ‘Julie & Ludwig’ with the song ‘On Again… Off Again’, a classic in local Eurovision history.

The song qualified for the final and placed 12th overall out of 36 competing countries.

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Ira Surprised With ‘Cookies’ Remix Of Iconic Moment

Ira Surprised With 'Cookies' Remix Of Iconic Moment
Feb 21 2025 Share

Big Brother Malta contestant Ira was surprised with a remix of her iconic moment, where she told other contestants that ‘nobody has the cookies to say it to (her) face.’

DJ Sicari Stefano took the iconic moment and turned into a song, which Big Brother played in the house for the contestants.

All of them immediately jumped up and started vibing to the new song, including Ira herself who quickly overcame any shyness and started absolutely vibing.

Have you listened to the new track?

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Horizon Europe Missions Workshop To Empower Local Communities

Horizon Europe Missions Workshop To Empower Local Communities
Feb 21 2025 Share

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti, together with Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli and representatives from Xjenza Malta, addressed the workshop titled “Horizon Europe Missions: Empowering Local Communities” at Villa Bighi.

This event, aimed at Local Councils, provided an in-depth overview of funding opportunities within Horizon Europe, focusing on the five EU Missions designed to tackle global challenges in health, climate, cities, environment, and society.

These Missions promote innovative solutions aligned with the EU’s long-term goals, including climate adaptation, cancer research, sustainable oceans, smart cities, and healthy soils. Through workshops like this, Maltese entities, including Local Councils, are encouraged to apply for up to 100% funding to contribute to these Missions.

Horizon Europe, the EU’s primary research and innovation funding program, has a budget exceeding €93 billion (2021–2027). As Malta’s National Contact Point for Horizon Europe, Xjenza Malta offers financial support, guidance, and assistance to help stakeholders apply for these funding opportunities.

In his address, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasized the crucial role of Local Councils in driving innovation within their communities.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli praised the initiative, stating, “This event is a key step in strengthening our Local Councils, enabling them to engage with Horizon Europe and unlock their potential for positive social change.”

During the workshop, participants explored Horizon Europe’s funding mechanisms through interactive group exercises, Citizen Science Initiatives, and a live demonstration of the Funding and Tenders Portal to guide them through the application process.

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Neil Agius Honoured With 2 World Open Water Swimming Awards

Neil Agius Honoured With 2 World Open Water Swimming Awards
Feb 21 2025 Share

Maltese ultra-endurance swimmer and environmental advocate Neil Agius has been honoured with two prestigious awards from the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA):

WOWSA Performance of the Year for his 142.3 km unassisted ocean swim around Malta and Gozo, completed in 60 hours, 35 minutes, and 4 seconds.

WOWSA Man of the Year (Silver Award) for his contributions to open water swimming and marine conservation.

Agius shattered his own 2021 record in September 2024, swimming continuously from Mellieħa Bay around Malta, Gozo, and Comino, battling high swells, two freezing nights, and extreme exhaustion before finishing at Għar Lapsi.

WOWSA ratified his swim as the longest unassisted, current-neutral ocean swim ever recorded.

“This isn’t just about swimming—it’s about proving that being from a small island isn’t a limitation,” Agius stated. His achievement also raised awareness for Malta’s marine conservation efforts, working alongside local NGOs.

Beyond swimming, Agius promotes “The Ocean Mindset,” a resilience-training approach using breath work and ice baths.

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