Known for their rapid growth, ficus trees provide ample shade and a sense of tropical lushness to built-up areas. However, their popularity comes with a caveat. The recent unanimous decision (now reversed) by the Mosta local council to remove 12 ficus trees from the town centre has ignited a heated debate about the fate of these ubiquitous shade trees, which have graced Malta and Gozo’s urban landscape for decades....

What parts of their body are we Maltese filling the most? Is the cosmetic side of ageing separate to people’s actual health? If you’re living in the first world, showing signs of ageing has become a problem. In fact, you will most probably feel like you are not allowed to wrinkle and crinkle. Although physical signs of ageing are a perk that comes with years of wisdom and experience –...

A report championed by Maltese S&D MEP Cyrus Engerer, emphasising the supremacy of European law over national law, has gained strong support within the European Parliament. The Journal unpacks the intricacies of the subject. The importance of the principle of primacy of European law for the functioning of the 27-strong bloc, the risk to the effectiveness of EU law posed by decisions taken by national courts challenging that principle, and the perceived need for a constructive dialogue...

Malta’s economic history is characterised by complete regular overhauls made in light of changing circumstances. Past successes provide an excellent springboard for the next phase of the country’s economic development. In recent months, there has been a lot of debate about Malta’s economic model. Unfortunately, to a large degree, the discussion was quite misguided and superficial. For instance, several commentators argued that Malta’s economic growth was the result of a rise in...

The Minister for Public Works and Planning emphasises the value of streetscaping, which involves not only evaluating a development in isolation but also considering the context in which it is situated and the visual aspects related to it. An interesting conference is taking place in Malta today. Held at the University’s Valletta Campus, this meeting is addressing important aspects with regard to cement-based materials and structural engineering. It aims to showcase the latest innovations and...

Are you aware of the potential impacts of climate change on our health and healthcare service provision? Malta is leading a group of 20 EU Member States in a call linking climate change and health. As the Earth’s climate continues warming, we can expect to see more extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires. As we have been experiencing ourselves, an unwavering warming pattern is altering the European climate, with heat waves...

Project Green is currently collaborating with other entities and identifying parcels of land that are found within development zones. These parcels of land are being identified to be used for green purposes; whether converted into gardens, used for agriculture, or used in any other way that promotes utilised, open space. A substantial €8 million injection from EU funds will revitalise four prominent open spaces in Fgura, Bormla, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, and Birżebbuġa. Here’s a concise overview of the key components of each plan: In Fgura and Bormla, a project is underway to create a...

Malta's ongoing pursuit of a dynamic and inclusive economy is evident in provisional figures which reflect the country's commitment to the well-being of its people and its position in the global marketplace. In the coming years, we can expect to see more growth and innovation in the Maltese business landscape. A combination of continued financial support for foreign direct investments (FDI), the growth of local enterprises, and the emergence of startups as contributors...

In less than a year and a half Malta assumes – for the fourth time since Independence – the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The Journal looks into the country’s vision for the upcoming Presidency, and at what it entails. After having held the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first six months of 2017, Malta is now poised to take over the rotating Presidency of the statutory decision-making body of another European organisation of which it is an active...

Maltese pensioners’ income improved by 22% when one also considers the rise in prices during the decade from 2012 to 2022. This was the fourth highest increase observed across the Euro area. While workers and businesses benefit directly from economic growth, typically pensioners are left behind as their benefits are not usually linked to current salaries. Moreover, when inflation hits an economy, their purchasing power is the first to suffer as their...

Statistics show that, during the last decade, the rich got richer but so did everyone else and, in relative terms, even more than the rich did. One of the most repeated phrases is that the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. Rising income and wealth inequality is a theme that has garnered a lot of attention over the years. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)...

Farmers to reap benefits as inheritance tax gets axed. It’s hard enough to be a farmer. Think of the physical exposure to the elements that they face, the unpredictable weather patterns that impact their crops, the fluctuating market prices for agricultural products, the rising costs of seeds, fertilisers, and equipment,...