Maltese Australian Association

27/10/2026

PRIME MINISTER: “A BUDGET UNIQUE IN THE GUARANTEE IT PROVIDES
TO FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES AND IN THE STABILITY IT OFFERS”

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that, amid the turmoil and austerity across Europe, the Government has presented a budget that guarantees stability for families and businesses, describing it as “unique within Europe”.

He said the 2027 Budget is unique in the guarantee it provides to families and businesses and the stability it offers, and that nowhere else in Europe can a country guarantee stable energy and fuel prices.

Dr Abela further stated that the Budget just presented guarantees the nation's continued economic and social progress.

He noted that no other country in Europe is maintaining the same economic momentum as Malta, nor does any other nation possess such positive prospects for the years ahead.

He said other budgets across Europe are imposing greater burdens on families and businesses, and that other Governments are not talking about increasing benefits but about the need for sacrifices, and speak not of investment but of austerity—of tax increases rather than tax cuts.

He noted three key differences between the budgets previously presented by this government and the one just presented. Firstly, it is a budget of stability that sustains Malta’s economy, primarily thanks to stable energy and fuel prices.

At the same time, the Government has continued to address the realities faced by families and businesses by further improving household incomes—notably through the ‘Super Bonus,’ support for parents of children with disabilities, pension enhancements, and new entitlements for widows and women.

Finally, the Prime Minister said the 2027 Budget focuses on the path ahead, including investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), education reforms, significant investment in the energy generation and distribution system, and public healthcare.

The Prime Minister also outlined several measures announced by his Government, including the largest tax cut, an unprecedented increase in social benefits, and a record allocation for capital projects.

He said that despite this, Malta will maintain a deficit of 2.6%—among the lowest in Europe, and less than half of what is projected for Germany and France.

Dr Abela added that this is possible because the Government acted responsibly, making sound decisions that built a resilient, productive economic engine.

He further noted that this Budget sends a clear message: we must reduce reliance on foreign labour, while our economy continues to evolve toward one characterised by high productivity and high value-added.

He recalled that, last year, schemes were introduced specifically to reward such efforts, and now the country is sending a strong signal to the private sector to keep investing through the first corporate tax reduction this Government has ever implemented—from 35% to 25%.

Dr Abela said Malta wants this investment to focus primarily on adopting new technologies and improving productivity. He maintained that to continue benefiting from measures such as those announced in the Budget, the economy needs a strategic direction.

Therefore, the country's investment to further its digital leap is just as important as the €1,000 ‘Super Bonus’.

Similarly, the pension increase is as significant as advancing renewable energy projects and large-scale battery storage systems—initiatives that are absolutely crucial for our country's electrification.

Dr Abela added that, through this Budget, the Government remains committed to a path that generates wealth and ensures its distribution among the people. It has clearly demonstrated that it is never, ever going back on its word.

The Prime Minister said it pledged to ensure continuity in the nation's economic and social progress, so no ‘storm’—no matter how severe—will ever reverse past achievements.

In fact, he said that the fiercer the storm, the more steadfastly the Government will stand by the Maltese families and businesses.

“When we are united, nothing and no one can overcome us. And so, yes—today and in the times ahead—Malta is with you,” concluded Prime Minister Robert Abela.

In the picture: Prime Minister Robert Abela addressing the media at the end of the Budget speech

27/10/2026

MALTA BUDGET 2027: SUSTAINING INVESTMENTS IN
SECTORS CRUCIAL TO THE PEOPLE OF MALTA AND GOZO

On Monday evening, Malta’s Finance Minister Clyde Caruana presented the 2027 Budget, themed 'Malta With You ’, and described it as sustaining investment in sectors crucial to the people of Malta and Gozo, while ensuring visitors contribute more.

Key measures include a weekly increase of ten euros for pensioners, a further reduction in income tax for families with children, and a 'Super Bonus' of up to one thousand euros for workers.

At the same time, the intention is that families in Malta and Gozo will once again be benefiting from a supportive Budget that puts more money in their pockets, invests in their needs, and focuses on the areas most vital to the country’s future.

As Malta remains the only country to have kept energy prices stable, the 2027 Budget introduces key measures set to be implemented in 2027, and “designed to assist families in Malta and Gozo as they navigate significant international challenges, including intense pressure on energy prices”.

Minister Clyde Caruana announced that the 2027 Budget:
• incentivises hard work by providing a €1,000 ‘super bonus’ to workers
• increases pensions by €10 per week, in line with the electoral pledge
• allows widows and widowers to receive a full pension for the first time
• ensures larger increases for thousands of other pensioners, thanks to various measures announced in the Budget
• continues to reduce taxes for families with children, through a further cut to income tax next year
• reduces taxes for businesses as well, as promised in the electoral manifesto
• covers the full cost of therapies for children with disabilities under the age of 18
• further strengthens the Carer’s Grant
• introduces ‘sports leave’ for Maltese athletes, as well as their technical and medical staff
• covers the expenses of an adult accompanying another adult who is receiving medical treatment abroad

Today, Malta is a country that can choose quality
The Finance Minister emphasised that the Government has presented a Budget that imposes no burdens on Maltese and Gozitan families, and that the country is now in a position to choose quality.

Malta can now insist that visitors—whether for leisure or work—contribute more to the country and to the investments it continues to make in the nation’s infrastructure.

That is the reason why tourists will be asked to pay a higher eco-contribution. Malta is no longer concerned about a lack of tourists; instead, it seeks to attract visitors who can afford to spend while they are in the country.

When it comes to foreign workers, the Government has always been clear that the need for foreign workers stems from ever-increasing economic activity and the demand for services required by the Maltese and Gozitan people.

At the same time, once these workers arrive in Malta, they are expected to contribute more towards investment in our country. Consequently, the fees for residence permits have been increased, and an annual charge has been introduced.

The Government’s intention is not to dismantle what benefits it and the economy, but to introduce balance. It says that by creating the means to invest further, Malta can mitigate any potential negative impacts.

It wants Maltese and Gozitans to continue living comfortably in their own country; meanwhile, it will continue to welcome foreigners—whether they are visiting or to live—as it has always done, while ensuring that they shoulder a larger share of the burden.

In this way, Malta builds on an economic model that has delivered—and continues to deliver—significant results, enabling it to invest extensively in the Maltese and Gozitan people.

In the picture: Malta's Finance Minister Clyde Caruana delivering the 2027 Budget speech

24/10/2026

PRIME MINISTER VISITS THE SUPERYACHT BUILDERS ASS. (SYBAss), AND SAYS THAT
THE GOVT’S GOAL IS FOR MALTA TO STRENGTHEN ITS POSITION AS A MARITIME HUB

During a visit to the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) offices, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the Government envisions Malta as a centre of maritime excellence, innovation, and professional development.

He said that Malta is already at the forefront of the international superyacht flag industry, supported by extensive maritime expertise, a robust regulatory framework, and an established maritime services sector. However, the ambition extends beyond mere registration.

The Maltese Prime Minister said that the Government’s objective remains clear: to strengthen Malta’s position as a leading maritime hub, while contributing to a safer, more sustainable, and more competitive superyacht industry.

The visit coincided with the association's first board meeting, and it has established its official headquarters and legal offices in Malta, in a move aimed at representing its international membership and fostering greater cooperation within the broader superyacht sector.

Robert Abela told SYBAss members that establishing itself in Malta marked another step forward and recognised Malta’s strong maritime credentials.

He noted that there are three specific considerations of importance to this cooperation:
1. There is the aspect of safety and regulation—ensuring the maintenance of the highest international standards.
2. There is sustainability, with a focus on achieving decarbonisation in a way that is practical, technologically realistic, and economically viable.
3. Consideration concerns skills and opportunities—specifically, cooperation in training, apprenticeships, and professional development.

Dr Abela added that this creates opportunities for Maltese students and graduates in this global industry.

The Prime Minister concluded by remarking that the Government was pleased to welcome to Malta some of the leading figures in superyacht construction—individuals responsible for more than half of the yachts over 40 metres currently under construction worldwide.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister for Sustainable Mobility, Chris Bonett. Representing SYBAss, attendees included, among others, President Jan-Bart Verkuyl and Executive Director Robert van Tol.

23/10/2026

23/10/2026

2026 EY SURVEY RESULTS INSPIRE GREATER CONFIDENCE
BY FOREIGN INVESTORS IN MALTA’S ECONOMIC DIRECTION

A key finding from the Malta Attractiveness Survey 2026, commissioned by the international firm Ernst & Young (EY), is that 81% of foreign investors consider Malta an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. Furthermore, nine out of ten investors intend to maintain or expand their operations in Malta.

Speaking at the conference where the study was presented, Prime Minister Robert Abela noted that this 81% figure improves on the previous year and confirms the confidence international investors continue to place in the country.

He said the most significant finding is that nine out of ten companies intend to remain or continue investing in Malta. He asserted that no greater demonstration of confidence in a country’s future exists than when those who have already invested there remain determined to keep growing.

Another significant finding relates to artificial intelligence: 59% of investors identified AI as one of the sectors expected to drive Malta’s economic growth—an increase from 47% the previous year. Investors also identified artificial intelligence as the sector with the greatest long-term growth potential.

The Prime Minister stated that these results confirm the direction the Government is taking through its national AI strategy and initiatives such as 'AI for All,' which has already attracted over 40,000 participants.

He also recalled the €100 million investment for digital transformation announced in the previous Budget, noting that the upcoming Budget on October 26th will reaffirm this commitment.

While acknowledging the realities highlighted by the EY survey, the Prime Minister emphasised that the next phase of economic growth must be increasingly driven by productivity, innovation, and value-added investment.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of economic stability, reiterating the commitment to maintain energy and fuel subsidies—an investment of €400 million this year, with another €400 million planned for next year. He explained that removing these subsidies is estimated to reduce Gross Domestic Product by approximately 2.2%.

The Prime Minister concluded by saying the EY results inspire greater confidence in the country’s economic direction and that, through the ‘Malta 2050’ Vision and the upcoming Budget, this confidence will be further built on.

“Our goal is not merely to attract more investment, but to ensure that this investment translates into better opportunities, quality jobs, and a better life for Maltese and Gozitan families,” said the Prime Minister (in the picture below addressing the conference).

22/10/2026

PRIME MINISTER ROBERT ABELA VISITS THE
€350M INVESTMENT OF THE HARD ROCK HOTEL

Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by his wife, Dr Lydia Abela, and the Minister for Tourism, Jo Etienne Abela, visited the 5-star Hard Rock Hotel Malta, a project representing an investment of approximately €350 million by the db Group.

The Prime Minister said this multi-million euro investment has brought one of the world's most renowned hospitality and entertainment brands to the country, underscoring Maltese enterprise's ambition and capacity to grow, invest, and execute projects on an international scale.

The new hotel features 400 rooms, several swimming pools, over ten restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, as well as high-end wellness and fitness facilities, among other amenities.

Dr Robert Abela said this investment is measured not only by its scale or the facilities it creates, but also by the opportunities it opens for the people of Malta. It is about hundreds of new jobs and careers across various sectors of the hospitality industry—ranging from catering and hotel administration to entertainment, fitness, and other specialised services.

Addressing the future of the tourism sector, he noted that this project aligns with Malta's continued direction: fostering quality tourism, and that this is the added value one wishes to see from quality investment in the country.

He explained that, having reached significant milestones in tourist numbers, the country’s current priority is to give visitors more compelling reasons to choose Malta—encouraging them to extend their stays, visit at different times of the year, and increasingly seek higher-quality experiences.

Prime Minister Robert Abela also stressed the importance of economic stability and confidence in the future for Malta to keep attracting investments of this scale. He emphasised that the country will continue to offer stability, a resilient economy, and clear direction that gives businesses certainty and investors confidence.

He also referred to measures taken by the Government—including subsidies to maintain stability- and reiterated its commitment to continue on this path.

Concluding, the Prime Minister said stability means giving investors and planners certainty about the future, which is achieved by making timely decisions, anticipating challenges, and continuing to build an economy that inspires confidence in both families and businesses.

In the picture: A view of the new Hard Rock Hotel and Prime Minister Robert Abela (inset) addressing the guests at the opening

14/10/2026

AUSSIE HIGH COMMISSIONER CONNECTS WITH THE PEOPLE, TRADITIONS AND CREATIVITY THAT MAKE MALTA SO SPECIAL

HE the Australian High Commissioner to Malta, Mr Matt Skelly, described last weekend on the island as “Wonderful’ after attending the MICAS launch of the exhibition, ‘A New Life Force ’, which celebrated the enduring force of painting inspired by Malta, and also visiting the Festa Ikel Malti (Malta Food Festival) at Ta’ Qali.

At the MICAS exhibition, Mr Skelly was pleased to join other diplomatic colleagues and HE the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono. At the Festa Ikel Malti, he also had the chance to say hi to Malta’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply, Anton Refalo.

While at the Tá Qali National Park, Mr Skelly also checked progress on the restoration of the Australian Bungalow, another reminder of the enduring connections between Australia and Malta. ‘Din l-Art Ħelwa’.

At the end of these visits, the Australian High Commissioner said it was a great opportunity to connect with the people, traditions and creativity that make Malta so special.

14/10/2026

MALTA WARNS OF THE IMPACT OF ESCALATING CONFLICT
IN THE ARABIAN GULF ON MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING

Malta’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Chris Fearne, expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which is now spreading into the Arabian Gulf, and its potential consequences for maritime security, international trade, and the economies of Malta and other Mediterranean countries.

Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, Minister Fearne stressed that disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, along with threats to commercial shipping routes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, seriously concern southern European countries.

He said that a significant share of trade arriving from Asia into the Mediterranean passes through the Suez Canal. Therefore, any disruption to these shipping routes could directly affect trade and Malta’s economy.

While maintaining that it is therefore in Malta's interest to keep these routes open and secure, Malta expressed its support for the EU High Representative's call to strengthen naval protection for commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Minister Fearne stressed that Malta's neutrality does not prevent it from safeguarding its maritime and economic interests, while continuing to support diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

Turning to Palestine, Minister Fearne reaffirmed Malta's support for a two-state solution and expressed serious concern over settler violence, the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and the lack of progress on the Gaza Peace Plan.

He also stressed the importance of the Palestinian democratic process, calling for elections to be held as soon as possible, without unnecessary postponements that would further delay democratic renewal and the representation of the Palestinian people.

On Ukraine, the Minister welcomed discussions on a possible ceasefire, particularly as winter approaches, reiterated the importance of solidarity and equality among EU Member States, and reaffirmed Malta's support for EU enlargement, including the European integration of Montenegro and Albania.

In the picture: Minister Chris Fearne (arrowed) in a family photo at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg

12/10/2026

DBRS GIVES MALTA ITS HIGHEST-EVER RATING AS A
HIGH STABLE AND PRAISES ITS ECONOMIC GROWTH

International credit rating agency Morningstar DBRS has given Malta its highest-ever rating, confirming it at A (high) with a stable outlook, and said in its report that the Maltese economy has continued to grow much faster than the European average, while public debt has remained moderate and the banking sector strong.

Morningstar DBRS economists said Malta’s economy grew by 4.4 per cent in the first six months of this year, compared with 1.2 per cent in the European Union,stating that compared to the EU, Malta’s economic growth between January and June this year was at 4.4%, whilst in the EU at just 1.2%.

Malta’s growth was supported by domestic consumption, rising employment, investment and tourism, with DBRS economists saying that in the first seven months of 2026, Malta’s economy benefited from a strong 18.6 per cent increase in tourist arrivals.

The agency further cited the local Central Bank’s forecast that the Maltese economy is expected to grow by 3.8 per cent this year and 3.6 per cent in 2027.

It added that lower income tax for families and energy subsidies supported private consumption, helping shield families from having to cut back on spending due to rising energy prices. However, it warned that higher spending on energy subsidies is expected to widen the deficit this year.

It said that despite the international situation significantly impacting global economic growth, Malta is maintaining stability. The agency’s experts noted that the Government's decision to keep energy prices stable means families will be spared the shocks affecting millions in surrounding countries.

On public finances, DBRS noted that the Maltese Government's deficit fell from 4.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product in 2023 to 2.2 per cent, but expects it to rise again this year, though it will remain below the European threshold of 3 per cent.

Economists explained that while the economy has weathered the rise in international energy prices well, higher prices are increasing the cost of Government subsidies, warning that higher spending on energy subsidies is expected to lead to a larger deficit this year. They also said that rising public expenditure is putting further pressure on the country’s finances.

On the other hand, the country’s public debt, which stood at 45.9 per cent of gross domestic product in March, remained well below the European Union average of 66.8 per cent.

Regarding the banking sector, the agency praised Maltese banks’ high capital and liquidity levels but warned of their significant exposure to the property sector.

Despite some challenges, DBRS has maintained Malta’s stable outlook, supported by economic growth, external finances and the strength of the banking system.

11/10/2026

WTTC ALSO HONOURS DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER IAN BORG
AND THANKS TO THE TOURISM MINISTER AND WTA’S CEO

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC also presented another Global Leadership Award to Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, currently Minister for Health, who, between November 2024 and June 2026, led Malta's tourism sector. As Tourism Minister, his efforts led the WTTC to decide to host the 26th Global Summit in Malta.

On receiving the recognition, Dr Ian Borg dedicated the award to those working within Malta's tourism industry. He said he shared it with everyone contributing to Malta's tourism success, particularly those whose dedication makes the country “such a welcoming destination”.

He also thanked the WTTC for the honour and for bringing global tourism leaders together in Malta.

Meanwhile, the WTTC also thanked, and awarded Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela and MTA CEO Carlo Abela for working closely with WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevar and global ministers and industry executives during the Global Leaders Dialogue, making the event such a great success.

In the picture: Prime Minister Ian Borg receiving the award from the WTTC Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre’s