EU-DIGEST: Malta

Showing posts with label Malta. Show all posts

9/23/19

EU Migration Agreement: France, Germany, Malta and Italy agree on sea migrant distribution

Key EU countries agree on sea migrant redistribution scheme

9/12/19

Journalism Awards: Reporters Without Borders honors journalists who fear for their lives

Three female journalists, from Malta, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam have received this year's press freedom prizes awarded by the NGO Reporters Without Borders. Two were not allowed to travel to collect their award.

Only Caroline Muscat was able to appear in person to collect her "Prize for Independence." Vietnamese blogger Pham Doan Trang, who won the "Prize for Impact," and Saudi Arabian women's rights activist Eman al-Nafjan, winner of the "Prize for Courage," both remain barred from leaving their countries, their websites blocked, and under constant threat of detention and harassment.

7/6/19

Italy-Malta deal on migrants: Malta says deal reached with Italy to take migrants from rescue boat

Malta says deal reached with Italy to take migrants from rescue boat

9/19/18

Malta: Winter getaway: The Mediterranean island with 'the best climate in the world'

Malta’s up-and-coming capital took centre stage when it was crowned 2018’s Capital of Culture, but there’s much more to the enigmatic island than Valletta.

Certain countries have a habit of stealing the limelight when it comes to culture. Tourists seeking their fix of classical and renaissance history typically flock to Greece or Italy, piling into packed attractions that have been snapped more times than Kim Kardashian’s backside.

Rome and Athens might be home to some of Europe’s most famous historical sights, but one nearby island offers all that and then some.

Megalithic temples, turquoise lagoons, stretching beaches and a spattering of historic cities, Malta is a bitesize country packing an ancient punch. The little anomaly in the Mediterranean is a veritable sponge, soaking up 7000 years of history, remnants of which are still peppered across the island today.

Read More: Winter getaway: The Mediterranean island with 'the best climate in the world' - The Local

8/25/18

EU-China Relations: How to make China work for Europe

China’s bet to transform the world economy, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), involves strategic risks for Europe. But these are far from insurmountable. If the Continent’s policymakers can overcome their knee-jerk reaction to China’s ambitions, they can easily contain the threats to Europe’s core interests.

Despite widespread fears of Chinese competition and the security risks involved in their takeover of major infrastructure projects, China’s move to the West also offers plenty of opportunities that — if handled properly — can help Europe advance its own strategic priorities. To exploit them, the EU needs to develop a common approach that draws China closer, on European terms.

The EU must continue to work toward becoming a credible economic counterweight to Beijing, preferably together with other liberal market economies. If done right, this could draw Beijing into a mutually dependent economic relationship, help to promote sustainable development and contain threats to European unity.

To sidestep the risks involved, the EU needs to set out clear red lines to ensure governments do not support BRI projects unless they live up to recognized criteria on transparency, equal say of stakeholders and environmental and labor standards.

Read more: How to make China work for Europe – POLITICO

11/10/17

MALTA: 'No secrecy': Malta's PM discusses business and journalism - by Symela Touchtidou

‘There is no secrecy’ Malta's prime minister Joseph Muscat told a journalist as he was questioned about theories surrounding the recent murder of a local journalist.

When questioned about the relaxed rules of the Maltese courts he said: “I totally refute the idea that Malta has some sort of relaxed rules. Maybe we are a bit too successful for the simple reason that we want and we go to get the business. We are a bit of “go getters”

When asked about the recent murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, and his possible personal involvement which made the headlines across the globe he said: “Is not a publicity issue. It’s an issue of fundamentals. For us is not tolerable that a person, let alone a journalist, is killed in our country… And we are giving any resources to the investigators to make sure that we get to the bottom of it.”

EU-Digest

10/17/17

Malta: Murder of Malta’s top investigative journalist provokes shock and outrage – by Georgi Gotev

Daphne Caruana Galizia, Malta’s top investigative journalist, was killed on Monday (16 October) when the car she was driving exploded shortly after she left her home.

Caruana Galizia was a top gun when it came to exposing corruption in Malta and EURACTIV repeatedly quoted her articles and was in touch with her. Her blog, Running Commentary, was considered by many colleagues as the best source of information about her country.

The force of the blast that killed her reduced the car she was in to pieces and catapulted the journalist’s body into a nearby field, witnesses said. She leaves behind a husband and three sons. Local media say one of her sons heard the blast and rushed outside.

She was killed minutes after posting her last blogpost, following up on her investigations based on the Panama Papers.

Note EU-Digest: Our condolences to the family and what we hope will be a speedy arrest of the conspirators who planned and carried out this hideous crime.

Read more: Murder of Malta’s top investigative journalist provokes shock and outrage – EURACTIV.com

8/5/17

Alternative energy Supplies: Desert solar project could power 5 million EU homes - by Sam Morgan

A consortium of clean energy developers has applied for permission to build a gigantic solar power plant on the edge of the Sahara desert, which will be linked to Europe by a number of undersea cables and could power over 5 million homes.

TuNur’s planned project in Tunisia hopes to tap into the Sahara desert’s vast potential to provide solar power. Its request to the Tunisian energy ministry envisages a facility in the southwest of the country that will produce 4.5GW of power.

Chief Executive Kevin Sara claimed that an initial 250MW could be up and running, powering Europe via an interconnector with Malta, by 2020. It would mean an extra 1,000GWh of clean power a year being made available to the European grid.

Italy and Malta’s energy grids are already connected via a 95km link that came online in 2015.

Read more: Desert solar project could power 5 million EU homes

2/3/17

EU leaders approve plan to curb migration from Libya, Africa – by Daniela Vincenti

EU leaders rubber stamped a plan to curb migration from Libya at an informal summit in Malta today (3 February), offering Tripoli €200 million to better control its borders.

“We managed to achieve progress and unity,” said Joseph Muscat, prime minister of Malta, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU.

The deadly route across the Central Mediterranean is now the main gateway to Europe, with some 181,000 arrivals in 2016. It is run by smugglers who operate with impunity in Libya, which slid into chaos after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

EU leaders agreed on immediate operational measures that should help reduce the number of irregular migrants and save lives of those who attempt to risk the journey through the Central Mediterranean route.

Since the start of the decade, over 13,000 irregular migrants have lost their lives trying to cross through that route.

The plan agreed in Malta is supposed to train, equip and support Libyan coastguards to stop people smugglers and increase search and rescue operations, which in the last two years has saved over 400,000 lives.

“We will deliver economic assistance to local communities in Libya to improve their situation, and help them shelter stranded migrants,” said European Council President Donald Tusk, speaking to journalists after the meeting.

The EU will work in close cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency to step up voluntary returns from Libya to countries of origin.

Read more: EU leaders approve plan to curb migration from Libya, Africa – EurActiv.com

EU leaders forced to unite in new Trump reality - by Eszter Zalan

United We Stand Divided We Fall

EU leaders pledged the need for unity and for Europe to stand on its own two feet at their meeting in Valletta on Friday (3 February), during a discussion on how to handle US president Donald Trump, whom EU council chief Donald Tusk described earlier this week as a "threat" to the EU.

Leaders emphasized the importance of the transatlantic relationship, and said they would work together with Trump on common interests, but move toward more independent European action on issues where the EU and the US administration disagree.

"We work on the basis of our shared values, [...] there are areas where we agree, like fighting international terrorism, and where we don’t agree," German chancellor Angela Merkel said after lunch, which summed up the mood toward Trump among EU leaders after a turbulent week of heavy criticism from Europe and concern over the US president's first days in office.

Merkel said that this is an opportunity for Europe to redefine itself and become more self-reliant.

"The general debate concentrated on where we stand, we have to act together," Merkel said, adding that it could lead to boosting investment in defense capabilities in the EU but also in Germany. "We have our destiny in our own hands."

Some EU leaders heavily criticised Donald Trump's decision to ban refugees and people arriving to the US from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Others, like Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban ( whose country represents the new face of corruption in Europe), slammed those who criticized Trump. Before arriving at the Valletta summit, Orban said that the US has the right to decide its own border control policy, and that he is puzzled at the "neurotic European reactions" over the travel ban.

Read more: EU leaders forced to unite in new Trump reality

5/1/15

Malta Offers Citizenship and All Its Perks for a Price -by Jenny Anderson

As wealthy foreigners rush to get citizenship in Malta under a new program, the residency requirement is taking many forms.

Russians rent high-end villas, then stay in five-star hotels when they visit.

An American financier plans to live in Switzerland but occasionally vacation in Malta.

One Vietnamese businessman, eager to start the clock ticking on the 12-month timetable for residency, sent the necessary paperwork on his private jet to expedite renting a property he had never seen.

“They come twice, once to get a residency card and once to get a passport,” said Mark George Hyzler, an immigration lawyer at a firm here.

Malta’s citizenship program, which offers a passport to those willing to pay 1.2 million euros, about $1.3 million, has been controversial since it was introduced more than a year ago. But the residency requirements, meant to make the program more palatable, are only increasing the consternation among critics, who say the program has resulted in the sale of citizenship to the global 0.1 percent.

The citizenship program also reflects Malta’s present. Malta, which covers 122 square miles and is about 50 miles south of Sicily, has few natural resources and a population of just 424,000, about half that of South Dakota. Malta counts on the reliable sun and shimmering blue sea to attract tourists. Beyond that, it has had to be creative to keep the country’s coffers filled.

The tax system, in particular, has been a boon. Some foreign companies can be structured to pay 5 percent in corporate taxes. Malta also has double taxation treaties with 65 countries, allowing individuals and businesses to avoid being taxed in two places.

5/24/14

European elections day 3: polls open in Latvia, Malta and Slovakia

Saturday marks the penultimate day for Europe to decide on who it wants in charge and voting continues into a second day in the Czech Republic, whilst Latvia, Malta, Slovakia and the French overseas territories will also head to the polls.

At the start of day three, up to 90 million of the 388 million eligible could have cast their vote in the largest democratic exercise outside of India. But, unlike India which saw an impressive turnout of 66%, the last European elections had a turnout of just 43%.

The number of voters could play into the hands of anti-EU parties which have seen a rise in support since the economic and financial crisis struck.

One of the countries most affected by the crisis, Ireland only recently exited its EU-IMF bailout. Surveys indicate that trust in the European institutions is 23 percentage points lower than before the rescue plan was implemented.

The results of the elections will be announced at 10pm GMT on Sunday when the rest of the EU countries will have voted on who will take up the 751 seats of the European Parliament.

3/27/14

Energy Supplies: 'EU`s choosing Azerbaijan as main energy source positive factor for Malta also'

Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat has said the European Union`s choosing Azerbaijan as the main energy source is a positive factor for his country too.

Speaking to journalists in Brussels, Muscat hailed the energy projects carried out by Azerbaijan`s state oil firm, SOCAR, in Malta.

Maltese Enemalta Corporation chose Electro Gas consortium, part of whose shares belong to SOCAR, for construction of a new power plant, AzerTAc reports.

Read more: News.Az - 'EU`s choosing Azerbaijan as main energy source positive factor for Malta too'

10/13/13

Illegal Immigration: 'EU has abandoned us' says Malta PM - by Chris Mangion

Malta and Italy have been abandoned and are facing the migration tragedy alone; a tragedy that is constantly changing and gaining momentum, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning.

Addressing the annual general meeting at the Ghaxaq PL Club, Dr Muscat observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the latest Lampedusa tragedy.

The Prime Minister accused the European union of choosing money over life, saying that money is more important than people. “While all European countries including Malta reached out and helped in the Greek financial crisis, Malta and Italy’s are left alone to face this humanitarian crisis”, Muscat said, adding that peace in Europe can only happen through peace in the c which will stay out of reach without a clear and concrete strategy.

“At first it was Africans who took to rickety boats and look for a better future, but now people from Syria, are attempting the same trip to fleeing from war,” Muscat said. Unless action is taken our seas will witness further deaths.

5/3/13

Offshore Banking: Britain under pressure to clean up Caribbean, S. American tax havens

British Overseas Territories in the Western Hemisphere will abandon their "tax haven" status as London struggles to raise cash and counter European charges its Caribbean and other overseas territories encourage tax evasion.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said London signed agreements with its overseas territories that will automate tax information exchange between Britain, its major international partners and Europe.

The sharing of tax information exposes bank account holders to tax collection authorities not only in Britain but also other countries and follows large-scale bank account disclosures secured as part of the European Union's financial rescue of Cyprus.

EU pried the information out of Cyprus by encouraging a media vilification campaign that focused on Russian account holders and suspected money laundering activities in Cyprus.

But the measure also targeted European tax evaders, Middle East financiers and anyone else interested in hiding assets from the taxman.

EU campaigns were aided by online leaks of alleged tax evaders' personal data. Luxembourg and non-EU Switzerland have also given in -- though only to some degree in the case of Switzerland -- to EU demand for disclosures.

Read more: U.K. under pressure to clean up Caribbean, S. American tax havens - UPI.com

12/1/12

Malta: Government fails to tackle poverty

The National Statistics Office (NSO) in Malta reported recently that the average disposable income stood at €22,403. There are 63,593 persons whose income is nearly a quarter of this average income and are living at risk of poverty.

Year after year government has abandoned these thousands of persons to their fate. For years government has failed to draw up and implement an action plan to reduce poverty.

The most vulnerable persons in our society continue to be young people under 18, those over 65 and people living on the margin of society, people with disabilities, single mothers, people with different sexual orientations and people suffering from mental health problems.

In fact the NSO report shows that persons living in households with dependent children tend to be more prone to being at-risk-of-poverty. Persons living in single-parent households were most at-risk-of-poverty, at 47 per cent.

Compared to the EU, Malta’s at-risk-of poverty and social exclusion rate of 21.7 per cent is lower than the EU27 average of 24.8. However between 2005 and 2011 the EU rate was getting lower while the Maltese rate was getting higher almost every year.

Read more: Government fails to tackle poverty

4/15/12

‘Turkey’s human rights record is better than some countries in the EU’ - by Kurt Sansone

EU Affairs Minister and chief negotiator Egemen Bagis visiting Malta said Turkey has not been treated objectively but would not qualify the status quo as ‘being left out in the cold’. So far we have opened 13 of the 33 chapters (of the EU acquis, the body of laws every prospective member state has to adopt before accession). From the remaining chapters, 17 are politically blocked.

"We are trying to join the EU not a union of Christians. There are tens of millions of Muslims living in EU member states, including Malta, like there are Jews, Buddhists and atheists".

"However, if there were no political blocks we could easily become a member within two or three years because we have already completed 60 per cent of the integration process", said Egemen Bagis

For more: ‘Turkey’s human rights record is better than some in the EU’ - timesofmalta.com

4/3/11

Libyan Foreign Minister flies to Greece on 'peace mission' - by Andrew Grice and Donald Macintyre

Libya's acting foreign minister flew into Athens last night on a mission from Muammar Gaddafi which his Greek government hosts said meant the regime was now seeking an end to the fighting.

Disillusioned with what he sees as the betrayal by France, Brittan and Italy because of the NATO-led military intervention, the Libyan leader may see Greece—with which he has long enjoyed good relations—as a possible diplomatic conduit to the West.

After Abdelati Obeidi met Prime Minister George Papandreou, Mr Obeidi's Greek counterpart, Dimitri Droutsas, said last night: "It seems that the Libyan authorities are seeking a solution." Though there were few details of what, if anything, the regime is proposing, Mr Papandreou has been in touch with Western governments over the past few days. Mr Obeidi is expected to travel on to Malta and Turkey.

Note EU-Digest:: Unfortunately the Gaddafi regime is unwilling to realize that the party is over.

For more: Gaddafi Foreign Minister flies to Greece on 'peace mission' - Africa, World - The Independent

3/20/11

Malta Government denies it received request to supervise Libyan ceasefire

The Malta government has denied reports that it was requested by the Libyan government to supervise and implement the ceasefire in Libya.

Earlier today, Reuters news agency reported that the Libyan government has asked Malta and Turkey to supervise and help implement the ceasefire declared this afternoon.

Addressing a news conference this afternoon, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi made no mention of the request but said he had been contacted by the Libyan Prime Minister, who told him that the ceasefire had been declared.

For more: timesofmalta.com - Updated: Government denies it received request to supervise Libyan ceasefire

2/22/11

EU Frontex starts joint operation in the Mediterranean - Malta to provide aerial and expertise assets

EU special border forces Frontex has been given instructions to start preparing for a possible unprecedented influx of immigrants and asylum seekers fleeing Libya towards the EU, particularly through Malta and Lampedusa. The EU has raised its concern about the possible exodus of more than 700,000 Libyan citizens and sub-Saharan Africans from the country towards Europe as a result of the turmoil.

( photo insert Eurofighter)

Frontex stated that “as with all Frontex-coordinated Joint Operations, the host Member State – Italy - will play the leading role. All maritime assets and crews will be provided by the Italian authorities and will patrol a predefined area with a view to detecting and preventing illegitimate border crossings to the Pelagic Islands, Sicily and the Italian mainland.”

Aerial assets will be made available by other Member States for enhanced border surveillance and search and rescue capability will support these sea patrols. Meanwhile, second-line border control will be supported through the deployment of debriefing and screening experts to identify migrant’s nationalities and to gather intelligence on people-smuggling networks. Further support may also be made available in the area of return operations.

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