New Initiative For Small Businesses To Rent/Buy Industrial Space

Jul 3 2025

The Maltese Government has introduced a new scheme through Malta Enterprise to provide vital support for small businesses and self-employed individuals seeking to rent or purchase industrial space from the private sector. Announced by the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, this initiative aims to help both new and established businesses across various sectors grow by securing the necessary industrial premises.

The scheme carries an annual budget of approximately €2.5 million, with a total allocation of around €15 million over its lifetime. This funding will assist businesses by covering up to 50% of the total costs of renting or buying industrial space, with a maximum grant of €300,000 per business, spread over six years. Eligible businesses must use the space for new operations, expansion, handling larger orders, or improving distribution and supply chains.

Minister Schembri highlighted the challenge Malta faces not in attracting investment, but in accommodating it. He emphasised that while Vision Malta 2050 focuses on preserving scarce industrial land for high-value projects, the needs of small businesses and self-employed individuals must not be overlooked. The scheme aims to offer stability, peace of mind, and reduce bureaucracy to help these businesses succeed.

The scheme is open to companies in manufacturing, artisanal production, industrial packaging, vehicle maintenance and repair, machinery and electronics repair, and industrial laundry services. Those operating in rural areas can benefit only if they relocate to industrial zones and surrender any permits linked to previous premises, reducing inconvenience to local residents.

George Gregory, CEO of Malta Enterprise, noted that the previous Rent Subsidy Scheme supported over 50 businesses with more than €1.5 million in assistance. This helped many enterprises expand production and safeguard quality jobs. The new scheme represents the next step in supporting Maltese and Gozitan businesses in generating sustainable growth and employment, in line with Vision Malta 2050.

Paul Abela, President of the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises, welcomed the initiative, describing it as essential and beneficial for small businesses, addressing a critical challenge they face.

Further information on the scheme can be found at www.maltaenterprise.com or by calling 144.

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Peter Agius Connects Diabetic Youth With EU Commissioners

Jul 3 2025

As part of his ongoing commitment to diabetes advocacy, MEP Peter Agius yesterday hosted a high-level policy dialogue in Brussels, bringing together a group of young people with European Commissioners Olivér Várhelyi (Health) and Glenn Micallef (Youth). The event focused on identifying the key challenges faced by young people living with diabetes and discussing solutions to improve care, access, and prevention across the European Union.

The gathering united young individuals — some living with Type 1 Diabetes and others involved in awareness and prevention efforts — to share their experiences and present policy recommendations directly to EU decision-makers. The primary aim was to build a healthier, more inclusive Europe by placing young people at the centre of diabetes policy and prevention strategies.

“You are not simply patients,” said MEP Agius in his address. “You are leaders, activists, and agents of change. Your stories bring urgency to policy, and your energy inspires hope.”

Agius thanked the EU Commissioners for keeping diabetes high on the EU agenda and praised the courage and insight of the participating youth. He stressed the importance of improving mental health support, tackling stigma, and ensuring equal access to essential technologies such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

Commissioner Glenn Micallef highlighted the Commission’s work to promote healthier lifestyles through sport and youth engagement. Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi outlined the EU’s ambition to move towards a more personalised model of care, especially in areas such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, supported by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

Several young participants shared powerful personal testimonies. Martin from Austria spoke about producing educational videos to raise awareness among his peers about life with diabetes. Martina, a Maltese participant, highlighted the difficulty many face in accessing the latest diabetes management technology in Malta. She urged the European Commission to take meaningful action to ensure equitable access across all member states.

The event concluded with a shared commitment from all parties to continue the dialogue, translate proposals into practical investment, and ensure that youth-led initiatives remain central to the EU’s health priorities.

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Kayakers Cross From Sicily To Malta In Tribute To WWII Heroes

Jul 3 2025

Two kayakers have just completed a daring journey across the sea from Sicily to Malta in tribute to forgotten wartime heroes.

Dorian Vassallo and Albert Gambina arrived at Golden Sands, Għajn Tuffieħa, after setting off from Gela early Wednesday morning.

Their challenge, titled Kayak for Charity, was organised in aid of Inspire Malta and aimed to honour the bravery of the COPP (Combined Operations Pilotage Parties) commandos.

In 1943, Malta played a key role in the Allied invasion of Sicily, known as Operation Husky.

The COPP commandos were deployed from submarines to gather crucial intelligence on enemy beaches, helping pave the way for the success of the mission.

By kayaking along their historic route, Dorian and Albert paid tribute to these unsung heroes while raising awareness and funds for a worthy cause.

Supporters and onlookers gathered at the shore to welcome them home after their voyage.

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Number of Employed Maltese Women Increases by 35% Over the Past Decade

Jul 3 2025

During a recent Parliamentary Questions session, Nationalist MP Chris Said asked Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri about the number of employed Maltese women at the end of 2013 compared to the present day in 2025.

Minister Camilleri disclosed that, based on data from Jobsplus, there were 66,414 Maltese female citizens employed at the end of December 2013.

By the end of January 2025, this figure had risen to 89,841, according to the latest published employment statistics.

This increase of 23,427 employed women represents a significant growth of 35.2% in the number of Maltese female citizens in employment over the past decade.

The rise reflects ongoing improvements in female workforce participation and highlights positive developments in employment opportunities for women in Malta albeit more work can and must be done.

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