"Representation in Malta - EC Report Malta" Newsletter Issues

EU-UK relations: European Union ensures continued supply of medicines to Northern Ireland, as well as Cyprus, Ireland and Malta (29/04/2022)

The European Commission welcomes the swift adoption by the Council of the proposals to ensure the continued long-term supply of medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and to address outstanding supply concerns in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta – markets that have been historically supplied through or by Great Britain. Today's adoption follows last week's positive vote in the European Parliament. The proposals were put forward by the Commission last December, following its extensive engagement with citizens, industry and other business representatives in the EU and the UK, in addition to extensive talks with the UK government to find this long-lasting solution.

Commission tackles abusive lawsuits against journalists and human rights defenders ‘SLAPPs' (29/04/2022)

The European Commission is taking action to improve protection of journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings.

New DGT language officer in Valletta (29/04/2022)

David Schembri is the new DGT language officer in Valletta. He joined the Commission as a translator in 2014, having previously worked in journalism, chiefly in writing and editing. He holds an MA in philosophy from Durham University (UK) and has studied philosophy and Maltese at the University of Malta. David Schembri is taking over from Mark Vella, whose five-year term will come to a close in June.

Commission completes second successful bond issuance in 2022 (29/04/2022)

The Commission raised a further €10 billion in NextGenerationEU funds through its second bond syndication of 2022.

European Commission endorses Bulgaria's €6.3 billion recovery and resilience plan (29/04/2022)

On 7 April, the European Commission adopted a positive assessment of Bulgaria's recovery and resilience plan. This is a key step paving the way for the EU to disburse €6.3 billion in grants under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

European Commission endorses Sweden's €3.3 billion recovery and resilience plan (29/04/2022)

On 29 March, the Commission adopted a positive assessment of Sweden's recovery and resilience plan.

Digital euro: the Commission launches a targeted consultation on the digital euro (29/04/2022)

On 5 April, the Commission launched a targeted consultation on the digital euro. A digital euro is a digitized form of central bank money directly available to users, in addition to cash.

Public Awareness Campaign: Make a difference, use less plastic (29/04/2022)

Between April 18 and 23, SEM and Europe Direct Valletta visited four different localities in Malta to raise public awareness on the damage and the reduction of single-use plastic locally and in the European Union.

Commission presents fiscal policy guidance for 2023 (06/04/2022)

The Commission has adopted a Communication providing Member States with guidance on the conduct of fiscal policy in 2023.

Stand Up For Ukraine: private sector can now donate in-kind support via new system (05/04/2022)

As part of the ‘Stand Up For Ukraine' campaign, the European Commission has created a new system to channel in-kind donations from the private sector to Ukraine, Moldova and neighbouring EU Member States, to help cater for the needs of internally displaced and refugees.

NextGenerationEU: First annual report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility finds implementation is well underway (06/04/2022)

The Commission has adopted its first annual report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU.

NextGenerationEU: Commission endorses positive preliminary assessment of Italy's request for €21 billion disbursement under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (06/04/2022)

The European Commission has endorsed a positive preliminary assessment of Italy's payment request for €21 billion, of which €10 billion of grants and €11 billion of loans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the key instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU.

Kampus Kotba - the eighth edition of the Campus Book Festival (05/04/2022)

The EC Representation in Malta participated in the Campus Book Festival 2022 at University Campus from 23-25 March in collaboration with the National Book Council, where they promoted relevant policies targeting University students under the umbrella of The European Year of Youth.

My Europe, My Malta, My Future (06/04/2022)

European Studies students visit EU-funded projects in Malta

Webinar – Careers in the Digital Sector (06/04/2022)

On Wednesday 23 March 2022, EUROPE DIRECT Gozo, organised its first webinar for 2022 on ‘Careers in the Digital Sector’.

Europe Direct Valletta hosts Network of Networks meeting (06/04/2022)

On March 24, Europe Direct Valletta brought together EU-related national contact points and information providers in Malta, to coordinate the preparations for Europe Day, which will be taking place on May 9.

NextGenerationEU: Commission endorses positive preliminary assessment of Greece's request for €3.6 billion disbursement under Recovery and Resilience Facility (06/04/2022)

The Commission has endorsed a positive preliminary assessment of Greece's payment request for €3.6 billion, of which €1.7 billion in grants and nearly €1.9 billion in loans, under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the key instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU.

Green Deal: New proposals to make sustainable products the norm and boost Europe's resource independence (05/04/2022)

The Commission is presenting a package of European Green Deal proposals to make sustainable products the norm in the EU, boost circular business models and empower consumers for the green transition.

Statement by President von der Leyen on further measures to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine (28/02/2022)

As the war in Ukraine rages on, and Ukrainians fight bravely for their country, the European Union steps up once more its support for Ukraine and the sanctions against the aggressor – Putin's Russia.

EU young translator contest ʻJuvenes Translatoresʼ 27 winners across Europe. (28/02/2022)

Malta’s Junior College is the winner for the third time running

Commission decides to refer MALTA to the Court of Justice of the European Union over waste water treatment (28/02/2022)

The Commission decided today to refer Malta to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to comply with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

Women's Day Event. Looking forward: post pandemic reality for women (28/02/2022)

The European Commission Representation in Malta together with EPLO will be hosting an event this Friday, 4th of March 2022, for Women's day "Looking forward: post pandemic reality for women". Together with our panel we will be discussing mental health, unpaid care work and gender balance in telework.

European Commission raises an additional €5 billion in support for Europe's recovery (28/02/2022)

In its first bond syndication of 2022, the European Commission has raised a further €5 billion in NextGenerationEU funds on behalf of the EU in yet another successful deal.

Growth expected to regain traction after winter slowdown (28/02/2022)

The Winter 2022 Economic Forecast projects that, following a notable expansion by 5.3% in 2021, the EU economy will grow by 4.0% in 2022 and 2.8% in 2023.

Safe Cycling workshop organised by Rota and the European Commission Representation in Malta (28/01/2022)

Rota, in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Malta, organised a Safe Cycling Workshop on Saturday 15th January. The scope of this workshop was to raise awareness on the importance of suitable cycling infrastructure, responsible driving, enforcement and the prevalent issues of danger which cyclists in Malta face on a daily basis.

State aid: Commission invites comments on proposed revision of EU State aid rules for agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors (28/01/2022)

The European Commission is inviting all interested parties to comment on proposed revised State aid rules for the agricultural, forestry and fishery of the preceding sectors.

Commission puts forward declaration on digital rights and principles for everyone in the EU (28/01/2022)

The Commission is proposing to the European Parliament and Council to sign up to a declaration of rights and principles that will guide the digital transformation in the EU.

New European Bauhaus: applications open for the 2022 Prizes (28/01/2022)

The European Commission opened applications for the 2022 New European Bauhaus prizes.

Future of Europe: Europeans see climate change as top challenge for the EU (28/01/2022)

The European Parliament and Commission are today releasing a joint Special Eurobarometer on the Future of Europe.

€47 million fund to protect intellectual property of EU SMEs in their COVID-19 recovery and green and digital transitions (28/01/2022)

The Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) launched the new EU SME Fund, which offers vouchers for EU-based SMEs to help them protect their intellectual property (IP) rights. This is the second EU SME Fund aiming at supporting SMEs in the COVID-19 recovery and green and digital transitions for the next three years (2022-2024).

Conference on the Future of Europe: citizens' recommendations debated in Plenary (28/01/2022)

On Friday 21 and Saturday 22 January, the Conference Plenary took stock of recommendations made by two European Citizens' Panels and national Citizens' Panels.

The Future of Europe: Plenary brings citizens and political leaders together (28/01/2022)

Thirty-nine recommendations on European democracy, values and rights, rule of law and security were adopted by the Citizens' Panel which took place in Florence in December while fifty-one recommendations on climate change and the environment, and health were adopted in Warsaw earlier this month.

NextGenerationEU: European Commission endorses positive preliminary assessment of France's request for €7.4 billion disbursement under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (31/01/2022)

The European Commission has endorsed a positive preliminary assessment of France's payment request for €7.4 billion of grants under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the key instrument at the heart of NextGenerationEU.

ECOFIN: French Presidency presents its priorities; Ministers debate new rules on international corporate taxation, review Recovery and Resilience Facility (31/01/2022)

The French presidency of the Council of the European Union presented its priorities for economic and financial affairs for the first half of 2022 at the ECOFIN meeting on 18 January.

Eurogroup examines economic adjustment and resilience of the euro area, solvency of corporate sector, and draft recommendation on economic policy of the euro area (31/01/2022)

The Eurogroup meeting on 17 January held a thematic discussion on economic adjustment and resilience in terms of the recent performance of the euro area compared to its international peers.

3rd Quarter 2021: Government debt down to 97.7% of GDP in euro area; down to 90.1% of GDP in EU (31/01/2022)

According to data released on 21 January by Eurostat, the EU statistical office, at the end of the third quarter of 2021, the government debt to GDP ratio in the euro area stood at 97.7%, compared with 98.3% at the end of the second quarter of 2021.

Webinar: Towards Carbon Neutrality (30/11/2021)

Register Now!

Combatting and Preventing Hate Speech (30/11/2021)

The European Commission Representation and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany organised a conference with the theme “Combatting and Preventing Hate Speech”.

European Green Deal: Commission adopts new proposals to stop deforestation, innovate sustainable waste management and make soils healthy for people, nature and climate (30/11/2021)

The Commission adopted three new initiatives that are necessary for making the European Green Deal a reality. The Commission is proposing new rules to curb EU-driven deforestation, as well as new rules to facilitate intra-EU waste shipments to promote circular economy and tackle the export of illegal waste and waste challenges to third countries.

The Conference on the Future of Europe (30/11/2021)

On 5-7 November, about 200 randomly selected EU citizens from all across the Member States met for the second time online to discuss a stronger economy, social justice, jobs/education, culture, youth, sport/digital transformation.

COP26: European Commission announces €1 billion pledge to protect world forests (30/11/2021)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced today €1 billion at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow as the European Union contribution to the Global Forests pledge.

Europeans discuss online in 24 languages. And it works! (30/11/2021)

European Citizens’ Panels within the Conference on the Future of Europe – a unique broad participatory democracy exercise carried out in 2021/2022 – entered in November into their second stage: Two panels of around 200 Europeans each met beginning of November in the form of a fully on-line event, discussing in 24 languages the future of Europe. A world premier - and…. it worked!!

EU economy and finance ministers exchange views on EU economy, economic governance, and financing of Next Generation EU (30/11/2021)

At an ECOFIN meeting on 9 November, EU economy and finance ministers exchanged views on the EU economy following the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the implications of recent developments for economic governance.

European Semester: Opinions on the Draft Budgetary Plans of euro area Member States project supportive fiscal stance (30/11/2021)

As part of the European Semester, on 24 November, the Commission issued opinions on the Draft Budgetary Plans (DBPs) of euro area Member States.

Autumn 2021 Economic Forecast: From recovery to expansion, amid headwinds (30/11/2021)

The EU economy is rebounding from the pandemic recession faster than expected. As vaccination campaigns progressed and restrictions started to be lifted, growth resumed in spring and continued unabated through summer, underpinned by the re-opening of the economy.

State aid: Commission approves €800,000 Maltese scheme to support fishers affected by coronavirus outbreak (30/11/2021)

The European Commission has approved a €800,000 Maltese scheme to support fishing vessel owners affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary FrameworkSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN•••.

European Semester Autumn Package: rebounding stronger from the crisis and making Europe greener and more digital (30/11/2021)

The European Commission launched the 2022 European Semester cycle of economic policy coordination on 24 November.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate: a global standard with more than 591 million certificates (29/10/2021)

The EU certificate has been a crucial element in Europe's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 591 million certificates generated.

COP26: EU encourages partners to turn ambition into action and deliver on the Paris Agreement (29/10/2021)

From 1 to 12 November, the European Commission will take part in the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow, UK.

Malta's European Green Deal Roadshow Continues (29/10/2021)

The European Green Deal Roadshow has been making its rounds in Malta for the past weeks

Remarks by Commissioner Gentiloni at the ECOFIN press conference (29/10/2021)

The Council has given the final green light to Recovery plans plans including that of Malta.

Commission relaunches the review of EU economic governance (29/10/2021)

The European Commission has adopted a Communication that takes stock of the changed circumstances for economic governance in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis and relaunches the public debate on the review of the EU's economic governance framework.

ED Valletta and SEM hold public discussions on the Future of Europe (29/10/2021)

ED Valletta organises the third Network of Networks event this year (29/10/2021)

The meeting brings together EU-related national contact points and information providers in Malta.

New European Bauhaus: new actions and funding to link sustainability to style and inclusion (04/10/2021)

The Commission adopts a Communication setting out the concept of the New European Bauhaus. This includes a number of policy actions and funding possibilities.

State of the Union: Commission proposes a Path to the Digital Decade to deliver the EU's digital transformation by 2030 (04/10/2021)

The Commission proposed a Path to the Digital Decade, a concrete plan to achieve the digital transformation of our society and economy by 2030.

EU young translators' contest kicks off! (04/10/2021)

Secondary schools in all EU countries can now start enrolling for Juvenes Translatores, the European Commission's annual translation contest.

NextGenerationEU: European Commission endorses Malta's €316.4 million recovery and resilience plan (04/10/2021)

The European Commission has adopted a positive assessment of Malta's recovery and resilience plan.

NextGenerationEU: European Commission gearing up for issuing €250 billion of NextGenerationEU green bonds (04/10/2021)

The European Commission has adopted an independently evaluated Green Bond framework, thus taking a step forward towards the issuance of up to €250 billion green bonds, or 30% of NextGenerationEU's total issuance. The framework provides investors in these bonds with confidence that the funds mobilised will be allocated to green projects and that the Commission will report on its environmental impact.

European Green Deal: Sea Clean-up at Bugibba (04/10/2021)

European Commission Representation in Malta together with NGO Wave of Change organised a sea cleanup at the Bugibba Jetty.

Europe Direct Gozo organises webinar on the Role of Content Creators (04/10/2021)

On Friday 24 September 2021, Europe Direct Gozo organised a webinar on Digital Marketing and the Role of Content Creators. Rickey Bugeja – Head of Digital Marketing (Keen Ltd) and Jo Caruana – Founder and CEO (Finesse Group) hosted this event.

Skolasajf Sessions on the future of Europe (04/10/2021)

Europe Direct Valletta participated in the government run summer school, Skolasajf, by delivering 26 sessions to 9-14-year-olds, between July 15 and August 19, 2021.

70% of the EU adult population fully vaccinated (31/08/2021)

Today, the EU has reached a crucial milestone with 70% of the adult population now fully vaccinated. In total, over 256 million adults in the EU have now received a full vaccine course.

More than 350 million EU Digital COVID Certificates in use (31/08/2021)

Travelling made easier and safer

Commission approves new contract for a potential COVID-19 vaccine with Novavax (31/08/2021)

The European Commission has approved its seventh Advanced Purchase Agreement (APA) with a pharmaceutical company to ensure access to a potential vaccine against COVID-19 in Q4 of 2021 and in 2022.

State of the Union 2021 - Save the date! (31/08/2021)

Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the Union address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead.

Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the G7 leaders' meeting on Afghanistan via videoconference (31/08/2021)

Commission disburses billions in pre-financing to 9 European member states so far (31/08/2021)

The Recovery and Resilience Facility (the Facility) makes €672.5 billion (in 2018 prices) in loans and grants available to support reforms and investments undertaken by Member States. The aim is to mitigate the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic and make European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions.

The Malta Book Festival 2021: Guest Authors and Key Events (31/08/2021)

Preparations for the 2021 Malta Book Festival, taking place between Wednesday 3 and Sunday 7 November at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali, are now well underway.

Translate documents and text between any two of the 27 official EU languages (29/07/2021)

eTranslation is the European Commission's state-of-the-art online machine translation service. The eTranslation service is free of charge and helps save time and money to translate documents and text between any two of the 27 official EU languages.

Statement by President von der Leyen on a new milestone in the EU Vaccines Strategy (29/07/2021)

Our target was to protect 70% of adults in the European Union with at least one vaccination in July.

EU report shows positive developments in Member States but also points to serious concerns (29/07/2021)

The 2021 report looks at the new developments since last September, deepening the assessment of issues identified in the previous report and taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

European Green Deal: Commission proposes transformation of EU economy and society to meet climate ambitions (29/07/2021)

The European Commission adopted a package of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Malta submits official recovery and resilience plan (29/07/2021)

This plan sets out the reforms and public investment projects that Malta plans to implement with the support of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

Council gives green light to first recovery disbursements (29/07/2021)

On 13 July, EU economic and finance ministers adopted the first batch of Council implementing decisions on the approval of national recovery and resilience plans.

Summer 2021 Economic Forecast: Reopening fuels recovery (29/07/2021)

The European economy is forecast to rebound faster than previously expected. According to the Summer 2021 interim Economic Forecast released on 7 July, the economy in the EU and the euro area is set to expand by 4.8% this year and 4.5% in 2022.

Brussels Economic Forum 2021 (29/07/2021)

The Brussels Economic Forum 2021 took place on 29 June, and it featured keynote addresses by Ursula von der Leyen, Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern and Christine Lagarde, among many others.

EU Commission Representation in Malta organises communication training event for the EU-Info Providers and EUROPE DIRECT Network (29/07/2021)

Tom Moylan invited to share some tips, tricks and ideas on how to be strategic on your social media.

EU clears way for the EU Digital COVID Certificate (29/06/2021)

The Presidents of the three EU institutions, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission attended the official signing ceremony for the Regulation on the EU Digital COVID Certificate, marking the end of the legislative process.

New online Guide on EU funding for tourism (28/06/2021)

The new 'Guide on EU funding for tourism' highlights the wide range of funding programmes relevant to the tourism ecosystem included in the new budget, Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, and Next Generation EU.

Commission proposes a Joint Cyber Unit to step up response to large-scale security incidents (29/06/2021)

The Commission is today laying out a vision to build a new Joint Cyber Unit to tackle the rising number of serious cyber incidents impacting public services, as well as the life of businesses and citizens across the European Union.

Joint Statement by EU institutions: EU clears way for the EU Digital COVID Certificate (28/06/2021)

On 14 June, the Presidents of the three EU institutions, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission attended the official signing ceremony for the Regulation on the EU Digital COVID Certificate, marking the end of the legislative process.

June infringements package: key decisions - Malta (29/06/2021)

In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.

G7 Summit: President von der Leyen outlines key EU priorities (29/06/2021)

“We enabled the European level to act forcefully and swiftly, at the beginning with SURE and now with NextGenerationEU”, she said.

Flash Eurobarometer 494 “Attitudes on vaccination against Covid-19” (29/06/2021)

75% agree that COVID-19 vaccines are the only way to end the pandemic.

Von der Leyen: A new chapter opens in the EU-US relations (29/06/2021)

“Today we opened a new, promising chapter in our joint history, with a renewed and strong transatlantic partnership”, President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen said after the EU-US Summit, that took place on 15 June in Brussels.

UK nationals must apply for the new residence status by today, 30th June 2021 (29/06/2021)

United Kingdom nationals and their family members, who lawfully resided in Malta in accordance EU law on free movement on 31 December 2020, must apply for a new residence status. Failure to apply in time may lead to a loss of any entitlement under the Withdrawal Agreement.

NextGenerationEU: European Commission endorses first recovery and resilience plans of twelve Member States (28/06/2021)

Over the past days, the European Commission has adopted positive assessments of the recovery and resilience plans of twelve Member States.

NextGenerationEU: European Commission raises €20 billion in first transaction to support Europe's recovery (28/06/2021)

In its first NextGenerationEU transaction on 15 June, the European Commission raised €20 billion via a ten-year bond due on 4 July 2031 to finance Europe's recovery from the coronavirus crisis and its consequences. NextGenerationEU: European Commission endorses first recovery and resilience plans of twelve Member States.

EU finance ministers review implementation of Recovery and Resilience Facility, VAT proposals, adopt stability and convergence programme recommendations (28/06/2021)

During an ECOFIN meeting on 18 June, EU finance ministers took stock of the economic recovery in Europe, focusing on implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) which lies at the heart of the EU's Next Generation EU recovery plan.