Malta joined the European Union 1st May 2004 and it has been a member of the Schengen area since 21st December 2007.

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta.

EU - Malta

Lost in Europe on Wednesday won the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism for its investigation into the disappearance of over 50 000 unaccompanied child migrants. The investigation, run by media from Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and the UK revealed that at least 51 433 unaccompanied child migrants disappeared after arriving in European countries between 2021 and 2023. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, Vice-President responsible for the Prize, and representatives of the independent European-wide Jury of the Prize participated in the award ceremony held in the European Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room in Strasbourg.

President Metsola said: "Daphne Caruana Galizia’s legacy continues through the work of journalists who live to tell the truth and refuse to be silenced. Their fight for justice prevails over the threats that try to undermine their important work. Press freedom is non-negotiable. Seven years after Daphne’s assassination, we continue to honour her memory with a prize that reminds us of this Parliament’s long-standing commitment to these fundamental values”.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

On the 16th October 2017, the Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb explosion. Ms Caruana Galizia gave to the Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA) evidence about her work on the Panama Papers at a meeting in February 2017 in Malta.

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed. Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in Malta

Press freedom in Malta (2019-2020)

EP President Roberta Metsola visits Malta, where she meets students from the Mediterranean College of Sport and St Albert the Great College and takes part in a discussion organised by the Malta Business Network.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Malta

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

President meets students at St Joseph School and pays tributeon Paulina Dembska's murder site in Sliema.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta

President's visit to Seifert Systems in Birżebbugia. The company received EU funding recently.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Victoria Gozo ( Malta ) - Meeting with the Gozo Business Chamber

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting with students at St Albert the Great College

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting with students at the Mediterranean College of Sport

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Address to the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter conference on "Women on Boards"

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Visit to the National Archives

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Visit to San Andrea school

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Visit to the Archbishop Seminary Secondary School

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Visit to Lufthansa Technik Malta

EP Plenary session - Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta

European elections 2024 - Roberta METSOLA, EP President, voting in Sliema (Malta)

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Lays wreath on the Sette Giugno Monument, Valletta

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic forces and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Valletta (Malta) - Participation in an event on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since Malta joined the European Union

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Myriam SPITERI DEBONO, President of Malta

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Zejtun ( Malta ) - Visit of a company specialized in the packaging for cosmetics

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Valletta (Malta) : Visit to PWC Malta, Mill street, Qormi

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - participation to the 'MEP Business Dialogue' organised by the Malta Chamber of SMEs

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting with George VELLA, President of Malta

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with students at the St Albert the Great College in Malta.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the meeting with students at the St Albert the Great College

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with students at the Mediterranean College of Sport during her official visit to Malta. This news item shows extracts from President Metsola walking in the corridors and talking with teachers and students at the Mediterranean College of Sport.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the meeting with students at the Mediterranean College of Sport

On the occasion of her visit to Malta, in the "Saint Albert the Great College", European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addresses to the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter conference on "Women on Boards".

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the address to the Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter conference on "Women on Boards"

In this video, Roberta METSOLA, EP President, visits the National Archives of Malta. She explores the archives' extensive collections, emphasizing the importance of preserving Malta's historical documents for future generations. She meets with the staff and talks about their efforts in digitizing materials and enhancing public access. The National Archives of Malta, established in 2005, serves as the main repository for the country's historical documents and records. It is located in Rabat and houses a vast collection that includes government archives, legal documents, manuscripts, maps, and photographs, some dating back to the medieval period.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the visit to the National Archives

In this video, EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the San Andrea School in l-Imġarr (Malta), and meets the secondary school students. The San Andrea School, founded in 1992, provides education to over 1100 students, ages 2 to 16, from Pre-Nursery through Grade 12. During her visit, Metsola toured the center's facilities, visiting each classroom and engaging in conversations with the students. This meeting highlights Metsola's commitment to connecting with young citizens and listening to their aspirations, reflecting the EU's dedication to supporting youth involvement and awareness across its member states.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the meeting with secondary school students at San Andrea School

In this video, EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Archbishop's Minor Seminary in Ir-Rabat (Malta), and meets secondary school students at the school. During her visit, Metsola engages in a Q&A session with students and views a student-led presentation on food waste and sustainability. The Archbishop's Minor Seminary, founded in 1703, has a rich history, serving as an educational institution in Malta. This meeting highlights Metsola's commitment to engaging with young citizens on critical topics like sustainability and education, reflecting the EU's dedication to supporting youth engagement and awareness across its member states.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the meeting with secondary school students at the Archbishop's Minor Seminary

In this video, EP President Roberta METSOLA visits Lufthansa Technik Malta in Luqa. Roberta METSOLA, EP President tours the facility, meets with staff, and observes different stages of aircraft maintenance and repair. Lufthansa Technik, a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider within the Lufthansa Group, operates globally with sites in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Established in 1951, the company offers technical support for commercial aircraft, recently expanding into areas like predictive maintenance and cabin conversion projects.

Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta: extracts from the visit to Lufthansa Technik Malta

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. Closing statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime in Malta, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017. Her assassination sparked widespread outrage, leading to political upheaval and the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. In the same session on Wednesday, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The debate underscores the EU's broader commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, not only within its borders but also in candidate countries as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta: Closing statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime in Malta, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017. Her assassination sparked widespread outrage, leading to political upheaval and the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. In the same session on Wednesday, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice. The debate underscores the EU's broader commitment to promoting democracy and the rule of law, not only within its borders but also in candidate countries as part of the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta: MEPs debate

Seven years after the assassination of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the European Parliament discusses the state of the rule of law in Malta. Opening statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery. MEPs assess the country's recent developments in upholding European values, focusing on media freedom and anti-corruption efforts. Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed corruption, money laundering, and organized crime in Malta, was murdered in a car bomb attack in 2017. Her assassination sparked widespread outrage, leading to political upheaval and the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. In the same session on Wednesday, the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced, honoring her legacy in the fight for transparency and justice.

Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta: opening statement by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

First publication of available national estimates from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta at 19.20. On Sunday 9th June 2024, the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels transforms into a press room on the occasion of the election night. Over several hours, journalists from all over Europe follow the results thanks to national estimates and exit polling data. From 6 to 9 June 2024, around 360 million Europeans are called to the polls to elect the 720 members of the next European Parliament. The constitutive session of the newly elected Parliament will take place in July, in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Elections Night 2024 - First publication of available national estimates from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta

First publication of available national estimates from Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus, Germany, Greece and Malta at 18.40. On Sunday 9th June 2024, the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels transforms into a press room on the occasion of the election night. Over several hours, journalists from all over Europe follow the results thanks to national estimates and exit polling data. From 6 to 9 June 2024, around 360 million Europeans are called to the polls to elect the 720 members of the next European Parliament. The constitutive session of the newly elected Parliament will take place in July, in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Elections Night 2024 - First publication of available national estimates from Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus, Germany, Greece and Malta at 18.40

This news item shows voters and first voters arriving to polling stations in Malta and voting her representatives. Citizens of Malta that are over 16 years old elect their 6 representatives to the European Parliament during the European elections on 8th of June. The newly elected 6 Maltese Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July with other representatives to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of polling stations in Malta - First time voters

The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola votes in the European elections in Sliema, Malta. This footage shows the polling station, her moment of voting and statement. All citizens of Malta that are 16 years old and older elect their 6 representatives to the European Parliament on 8th of June. The newly elected 6 Maltese Members, representing EU citizens until 2029, meet in July with other representatives to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and sub committees - thereby launching the new legislative term.

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting. This new item shows illuminations in the historical site of Fort St. Angelo in Birgu (Malta).

European Elections 2024 - "One month to go": Illuminations in Birgu (Malta)

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic forces and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus:. This news shows the meeting and bilateral, the signing ceremony of a letter of Intent on enhancing relations between the European Parliament and the democratic forces and civil society of Belarus and their statements.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Malta - Meeting with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of the Belarusian democratic forces and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus

EP President Roberta METSOLA participates in an event on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since Malta joined the European Union. The European Fair at the Ta' Qali National Park, is a celebration with various entities, embassies, organisations, NGOs, and local small businesses showcasing their initiatives and involvement in EU projects and initiatives over the years. She exchanges with particpants and visitors. Roberta Metsola delivers also a speech marking Malta's 20th anniversary as an EU member state.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ta Qali (Malta): participation in an event on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since Malta joined the European Union

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participates in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, who are invited to attend the sitting.

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