Robert Abela Highlights Youth And Peace In Key Address To Council Of Europe

Jun 25 2025

Prime Minister Robert Abela Highlights Youth, Peace, and Reform in Address to Council of Europe. During his address to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Prime Minister Robert Abela placed young people, peace, and institutional reform at the forefront of Malta’s vision for its current Presidency of the Council, which continues until November.

Dr Abela emphasised that Malta views youth not merely as the future but as today’s leaders, actively driving meaningful change. He outlined Malta’s commitment to amplifying young voices through initiatives such as the Youth Advisory Forum functioning as a Youth Cabinet the introduction of Vote16, which lowered the voting age to 16, and the nomination of the youngest-ever European Commissioner, entrusted with the youth portfolio. Looking ahead, Malta will host the Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth this October, providing a key opportunity for young people and policymakers to co-create a youth-led democratic future.

Turning to international affairs, Prime Minister Abela underscored the vital role of the Council of Europe in today’s complex global landscape, particularly amid the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. “Global challenges require global efforts,” he stated, reaffirming Malta’s role as a bridge among the Council’s 46 member states. He stressed that no nation is too small to contribute meaningfully to global peace and stability.

“We must safeguard peace that upholds the values of humanity,” he declared, echoing the Council’s foundational principles: human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Dr Abela urged international action: “We cannot remain silent in the face of human tragedy. The international community must come together to stop the bloodshed and ensure that international law is respected.”

The Prime Minister also reviewed significant domestic reforms implemented by his government, many in close collaboration with the Council of Europe and its expert bodies, including the Venice Commission, GRECO, and MONEYVAL. These reforms, he noted, have enhanced institutional integrity in Malta. Key changes include improvements to the justice system particularly in judicial appointments strengthening the Office of the Ombudsman and the Permanent Commission Against Corruption, and a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority to appoint the President of the Republic. Additionally, the restructuring of the Office of the Attorney General has bolstered its independence and operational effectiveness.

Further reforms cited by Dr Abela include legislative measures to protect journalists, including Malta’s adoption of the European Anti-SLAPP Directive, as well as progressive legal changes such as the introduction of femicide into the Criminal Code. He also drew attention to initiatives aimed at empowering women, especially in the political sphere.

In conclusion, Dr Abela reaffirmed Malta’s deep-rooted commitment to the principles of the Council of Europe. “We regard this institution as a natural home for the shared aspirations of humanity peace, respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law,” he said. He reiterated that dialogue and multilateralism remain cornerstones of Malta’s foreign policy, with the country continuing to act as a consistent and principled voice for regional and global stability.

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Malta Achieves 24th Place In Global Sustainable Development Rankings

Jun 25 2025

Malta has made significant strides in sustainable development, advancing 12 places to rank 24th out of 167 countries in the 2025 Sustainable Development Report. This report, issued by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), awarded Malta a score of 79.3%, representing a notable improvement from its 36th place ranking in the 2024 edition.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness, Miriam Dalli, expressed satisfaction at this outcome, stating that the collective work of the government is yielding results recognised on the international stage. She emphasised that the investment and commitment towards sustainable development are improving the quality of life for citizens and strengthening Malta’s global standing in this area.

Despite facing ongoing challenges related to climate, limited natural resources and its insularity as an island nation, Malta has continued to implement policies that protect its environment while supporting its people.

The government has invested in maintaining stable energy prices, expanding renewable energy infrastructure, and upgrading the electricity distribution system to cope with rising temperatures. In the water sector, Malta now boasts the highest quality water nationwide, thanks to continued investment. Waste management improvements are also contributing to progress in the circular economy, where waste is increasingly regarded as a resource.

Minister Dalli reiterated Malta’s determination to continue addressing these challenges through consistent policy development and cross-ministerial collaboration. She reaffirmed that Malta remains committed to achieving the targets it has set as a United Nations member state.

Director of the Sustainable Development Directorate, Francine Pace Caruana, added that Malta is just weeks away from presenting its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York. She explained that the report was developed with the input of all ministries and entities, along with contributions from civil society, the private sector, academia and the general public. The report focused on the progress made while identifying areas where further improvement is needed across social, economic and environmental dimensions.

This positive result coincides with a statement from the National Statistics Office confirming continued growth in the use of renewable energy in Malta. Compared to 2023, photovoltaic energy generation increased by 5.8% in 2024, highlighting the country’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and cleaner energy sources.

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Public Consultation Launched On Malta’s First National Alcohol Policy

Jun 25 2025

Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon has launched a public consultation on the National Alcohol Policy, aiming to address alcohol consumption through a coordinated and responsible approach. The policy document includes several proposals and is divided into three main pillars. The first priority focuses on reducing the acceptability, accessibility, and availability of alcohol. The consultation will remain open for five weeks, until 31st July.

Minister Falzon highlighted the need for a cultural shift, explaining that alcohol consumption should not be normalized, given the potential negative bio-psycho-social effects. “We need to show that alcohol consumption is not a normal part of our culture. This can be achieved through increased awareness, particularly in schools and workplaces,” the Minister stated.

The main priorities of the policy revolve around promoting a culture of responsibility, particularly by reducing alcohol use in specific locations, especially those frequented by children and young people. It also proposes mandatory training for shop owners and staff who serve or sell alcohol in licensed premises.

The second part of the policy addresses alcohol-related harms, including the impact on individual health, domestic violence, and road accidents linked to driving under the influence. The document also proposes the introduction of an alcohol use screening system.

The third section of the policy deals with cross-cutting issues such as monitoring and evaluation. It proposes the establishment of a National Focal Point on Alcohol, which would play a key role in coordinating and overseeing all related measures.

Anyone who wishes to submit recommendations can do so at: publicconsultation.gov.mt

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Maltese Designers Drop Iconic ‘Make Malta Chill Again’ Hat

Jun 25 2025

Maltese fashion designers Artist X Parascandalo and Stache Studios have teamed up to release a bold new statement piece, the “Make Malta Chill Again” cap, following a tense and eventful few weeks on the island.

The phrase, a clear twist on Donald Trump’s famous “Make America Great Again” slogan, was introduced on the designers’ social media pages, where they shared a video highlighting recent incidents that have shaken Malta.

These included scenes of public fights and the tragic collapse of the Tania Flats building in the heart of Paceville.

In their post, the designers wrote, “MMCA. Make Malta Chill Again. Let’s get the message across,” using fashion as a way to comment on the current state of the country.

The caps will be available in three colours: red, beige, and black. Each one will feature a curved visor, six embroidered eyelets, and an adjustable back strap, combining comfort with a streetwear edge.

What makes this drop special is that the caps are made to order. Each item is produced on demand, meaning every customer receives a unique, handcrafted piece.

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