About: Malta presidency

Maltese presidency gets mixed review

MEPs gave mixed reviews of Malta’s rotating presidency of the EU on Tuesday (4 July) in Strasbourg.

Macron’s proposals wreak havoc on posted worker negotiations

Tough French proposals have derailed talks on controversial EU labour mobility rules and dashed Malta's hopes of brokering a compromise deal by the of this month.

Mobile roaming fees disappear, but MEPs want more EU rules

European mobile phone contracts are required to charge domestic rates for calls, SMS and data use when users travel in the EU starting today (15 June), capping off a ten-year fight to get rid of roaming fees.

Twenty EU countries sign off on new anti-fraud prosecutor

The European Commission welcomed on Thursday (June 8) a decision by 20 member states, including heavyweights Germany and France, to set up an independent EU public prosecutor's office which will combat cross-border tax evasion and fraud in the bloc.

Malta votes for more of the same with Muscat as Prime Minister

Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat swept back into power Sunday (4 June) after voters shrugged off corruption allegations against a Labour Party government which has presided over a booming economy. With counting almost completed after Saturday’s early vote, Muscat, 43,...

Booming Malta to deliver verdict on scandal-hit PM

Maltese voters head to the polls tomorrow (3 June) to deliver their verdict on a government hit by corruption allegations linked to the Panama Papers scandal, but fortified by a booming economy.

EU reaches deal to revitalise securitisation market

MEPs reached an agreement with national governments and the European Commission on Tuesday (30 May) to revive the continent’s securitisation market, paving the way towards the creation of a Capital Markets Union

Council backs 30% European content threshold for audiovisual platforms

EU ministers agreed on Tuesday (23 May) to stricter requirements for online media platforms. Under the proposed rules, at least 30% of the content offered by companies such as Netflix, Google Play and iTunes will have to be produced in Europe. EURACTIV Spain reports.

Deal for orderly Brexit a must, says EU lead negotiator

Failure to strike a deal that ushers Britain out of the European Union in an orderly way is not an option Brussels wants to consider, its chief negotiator said yesterday (22 June) as the EU gave a final green light for him to launch talks next month.

Member states want to change investment rules in telecoms overhaul

EU countries have changed measures on network investment in a major telecoms bill and are kicking negotiations into the second half of this year.

Southern EU states present unified front in drug talks

Six southern member states have signed a common declaration, aiming to enhance their cooperation and jointly negotiate with the pharmaceutical industry on drug pricing.

Snap elections over Panama Papers scandal shake up Malta’s EU presidency

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday (1 May) called a snap general election for 3 June, bowing to pressure over his family being embroiled in the Panama Papers scandal. Malta is holding the rotating presidency of the EU until 1 July when Estonia will take over.

Southern EU leaders defend US strike on Syria

The leaders of southern EU nations said yesterday (10 April) that a US missile strike on a Syrian airbase in retaliation for a suspected chemical attack was "understandable," as diplomatic tensions mount over the incident.

50 MPs, MEPs support fast-track EU membership for independent Scotland

A group of 50 European politicians have put their weight behind Scottish independence in an open letter calling for a “swift, smooth, and orderly” transition to full EU membership.

Greece wants emergency summit if Malta talks fail

Greece and its international lenders remained at odds in talks to release fresh bailout loans to Athens today (5 April) as Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said a deal was needed this week and accused creditors of 'playing games' and causing delays.

The Presidency debate: Social inclusion

After years of austerity, confidence in Europe's capacity to care for the weakest and most disadvantaged has come under close scrutiny. The Maltese presidency pledges to lead by example advancing Europe social policy in close consultation with social partners, civil society and citizens.

Divides deepen between member states over posted workers bill

After a year of stalled negotiations, fresh changes to draft rules affecting workers temporarily posted to another EU country are further deepening rifts between eastern and western member states.

Recyclables must be collected separately for circular economy to succeed, says panel

Separate collection of recyclable materials is the key to a successful circular economy, but some member states struggle to put the necessary infrastructure in place, policymakers told a EURACTIV event held on Tuesday (21 March).

Maltese opposition leader: Further EU integration should not be blocked

If there are countries that want to proceed forward with further integration, no one should block them from doing so, Malta's opposition leader told EURACTIV.com.

Tusk reappointment highlights EPP monopoly of top posts

EU leaders will address the political imbalance at the Union’s helm this year as a “substantial” number are “unhappy” with the current distribution, Maltese Premier Joseph Muscat said today (9 March).

EU ministers reach compromise on carbon market reform

EU ministers reached a compromise on reforms to the carbon emissions market yesterday (28 February), moving the European Union closer to adopting rules that are crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The Presidency: Migration mayday

The seasons are changing. As the weather gets better, Europe's migration crisis gets worse. In a year of critical elections, Malta brings its frontline Mediterranean experience to the leadership of the presidency of the European Union.

Malta’s new draft law raises concerns over internet freedom

Several thousand people took to the streets of Malta on Sunday (19 February) to protest against a new bill that is expected to force online news sites to register with the government.