Updated 1205
Malta faces indirect risks from EU-US trade war, Chamber warns: The Malta Chamber of Commerce warned that the biggest risk of an EU-US trade war for Malta lies in its indirect effects on key EU economies, rather than direct Malta-US trade. While Malta’s annual trade with the US totals around €400 million in goods and up to €400 million in services, its economic exposure to the EU—Malta’s main trade partner is far greater, with billions in imports and exports. US tariffs could disrupt supply chains, raise costs, and impact investment flows. Maltese industries relying on US goods or exporting to the US could face challenges, prompting a potential shift toward new global trade partners. The situation remains uncertain, depending on how tariffs unfold. (Times of Malta)
Auditor general to investigate €600m Magħtab incinerator tender: Auditor General Charles Deguara will investigate the procurement process of the €600 million Magħtab waste incinerator project, following a request by five Nationalist Party MPs. The call came after a court annulled the contract, citing procurement rule breaches and conflicts of interest in the evaluation committee and Public Contracts Review Board (PCRB). Deguara confirmed the investigation will examine the project’s benefits, site selection, environmental impact, and safeguards for nearby residents. It will also assess governance standards in the tendering process and board compositions. The PN welcomed the probe, noting its timing aligned with a motion challenging the Prime Minister’s control over the PCRB. WasteServ supported the audit, viewing it as a chance to demonstrate transparency. (Times of Malta)
MEP Alex Agius Saliba clarifies allegations on fake ID cards: Partit Laburista stated that MEP and Deputy Party Leader Alex Agius Saliba wrote to the Chair of the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee to provide a factual update on Malta’s identity card allegations. In his letter, Agius Saliba dismissed the EPP Group’s claims as politically motivated, clarifying that only seven fraudulent ID cards were found. He emphasised that evidence points to isolated incidents, not systemic abuse. The letter noted that investigations by Identità and the Malta Police began in 2022, prior to media coverage, and led to charges against two individuals. Agius Saliba reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to transparency and urged a fact-based, balanced discussion in LIBE once the Magisterial inquiry concludes.(TVM)
Morning Briefing
Sharp rise in shipment of abortion pills to Malta
The number of women in Malta receiving abortion pills through telemedicine services continues to rise, with 590 shipments recorded last year, according to Doctors for Choice. This marks a 14% increase from 2023 and reflects a steady upward trend in demand for abortion pills provided by organisations such as Women on Web and Women Help Women. Data from the past eight years shows a sharp increase in shipments, rising from 93 in 2017 to 289 in 2020 and reaching 590 in 2023. The actual number of abortions is likely much higher, as these figures do not account for those who travel abroad or obtain pills through other means. (Times of Malta)
PM says agremeent with MCAST educators is close
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that government and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) are nearing an agreement on a new collective agreement for MCAST lecturers. Speaking on the national broadcaster, he said the proposed pay package would exceed the €35 million figure announced last year. Negotiations have been ongoing for two years, with the last collective agreement expiring in 2021. MUT declared a trade dispute at the start of the academic year, leading to directives that disrupted students’ education. These directives were suspended last month to allow the release of first-semester marks. (Maltatoday)
Ambulance responder describes shock of fatal collision near Mater Dei
An ambulance responder described his shock after hearing a “bang” while assisting an elderly patient during a fatal collision outside Mater Dei Hospital last May. Eric Saliba was testifying in court against Eros Galea, 36, who is accused of causing the death of Joseph Grech, 48, and grievously injuring Maria Miron, 54. Galea denies the charges. Saliba, who was in the back of the ambulance, said he initially thought it was a “normal collision” and could not see anything due to tinted windows. Upon opening the door, he found Grech lying on the ground while others from the Emergency Department arrived to assist. Emergency doctor Winston Bartolo testified that Miron suffered grievous injuries, including fractures to her collarbone, right ribs, and a lung laceration, requiring intensive care. The incident occurred while Grech, a nursing aide, and Miron, from Romania, were walking near the hospital when they were struck by the ambulance. Grech died at the scene, while Miron sustained serious injuries. (The Malta Independent)