Updated Energy Audit Scheme To Support SMEs

Mar 25 2025

The Ministry for the Environment and Energy has launched an updated Energy Audit Scheme, offering enhanced financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across a wide range of sectors. This initiative aims to help businesses reduce operational costs and boost sustainability by providing grants between €2,500 and €6,000 for energy and water usage assessments. By making these audits more affordable and accessible, the scheme encourages companies to adopt energy-efficient practices that can lower their environmental impact.

Minister for the Environment and Energy, Miriam Dalli, highlighted the scheme’s role in advancing Malta’s commitment to sustainable innovation. “We are dedicated to helping businesses transition to more responsible operations. By offering financial support for energy audits, we are empowering companies to adopt cleaner, greener practices, helping to protect Malta’s resources for the future,” she stated.

The scheme also complements the Malta Engineering Excellence Award (MEEA), which honours exceptional contributions to energy and water conservation. As part of this initiative, forty trees were planted in Milbrae Grove, Mosta, as a symbol of sustainability, supported by the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) and the Chamber of Engineers.

The 2024 MEEA winner, STMicroelectronics, was recognised for its innovative industrial wastewater recycling project, which reduced water consumption by 32%. The award continues to showcase the growing focus on sustainability, with increasing participation from businesses dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint.

For more information on the Energy Audit Scheme or to submit an application please visit the EWA website energywateragency.gov.mt/energyaudits/ or contact energyefficiency@gov.mt.

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Minister Ian Borg Presented The Prestigious MICHELIN Guide 2025

Mar 25 2025

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg presented this year’s Michelin awards 2025, and emphasised that these prestigious awards not only reflect the dedication of the hospitality sector but also align with the Government’s vision for the future, where Malta’s cuisine showcases the nation’s heritage, passion, and excellence.

ION Harbour by Simon Rogan retained its distinguished Two MICHELIN Stars, maintaining its position as Malta’s highest-rated restaurant.

Additionally, six restaurants were awarded One MICHELIN Star, with Le GV earning its first star in 2025. The other recipients included De Mondion, Rosamì, Under Grain, Noni, and Fernando Gastrotheque, all of which maintained their status.

In the Bib Gourmand category, five restaurants were celebrated, and 31 establishments were recognised as MICHELIN Recommended, including three new additions: La Pira, Risette, and The Seafood Grill Market.

Dr Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, reflected on Malta’s rapid culinary ascent during the last four years, noting that, “In 2020, our nation was home to just three Michelin-starred restaurants. Today, that number has more than doubled, a testament to the unwavering commitment of our chefs and restaurateurs who push the boundaries of culinary artistry.”

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EU Proposing Driving Licenses For 17 Year Olds

Mar 25 2025

The European Union is moving forward with a proposal to allow 17-year-olds to obtain a driving licence, provided they drive under supervision until turning 18.

This measure, part of a broader revision of the EU Driving Licence Directive, aims to improve road safety by giving young drivers more experience before they drive independently.

However, the proposal is non-binding, meaning each EU country can decide whether to adopt it. This flexibility allows nations to maintain their current minimum age requirement of 18 if they prefer. Discussions on this rule are already at an advanced stage.

The directive also includes several other reforms. A two-year probationary period for new drivers will be introduced, along with stricter penalties for dangerous driving.

Additionally, a digital driving licence, accessible via smartphones, will be introduced across the EU.

Another key update is the lowering of the minimum age for truck and bus drivers to help address professional driver shortages.

Under the new rules, 18-year-olds could obtain a truck licence, while 17-year-olds may drive a truck if accompanied by an experienced driver.

With road safety a major concern, these changes align with the EU’s “Vision Zero” strategy to eliminate road fatalities by 2050.

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Andy Ellul Celebrates 50th Birthday

Mar 25 2025

Parliamentary Secretary for social dialogue Andy Ellul celebrates 50th birthday.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Ellul took a moment to thank his followers for their continued support as he celebrated his birthday.

The post featured a photo of Ellul joyfully cutting into his birthday cake.

Happy 50th Birthday to Andy Ellul

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