Small Initiatives Support Scheme renewed with €180,000 budget for 2026 projects
The Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), a key funding mechanism for voluntary organisations, has been renewed for another year. This scheme, administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), aims to support applicants seeking funding for small-scale projects that have the potential to make a meaningful impact. The scheme is designed to foster …
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ID-DRITT XXXV – Procedural requirements for counterclaims under the ICSID Convention: Consent and connection
Introduction to counterclaims under the ICSID Convention A counterclaim is an independent claim made by a respondent party against a claimant, which reacts and is incidental to the original claim, while also having an objective which extends beyond the mere dismissal of that original claim.1 Therefore, a counterclaim has both a defensive quality which aims at …
Arbitration in Malta: Court balances procedure, legislative intent and party autonomy
On 28 April 2025, the Court of Magistrates, presided over by Magistrate Dr Victor G. Axiak, delivered a partial judgment in the case of Nigel Scerri and Ennessee Ltd v. SR Environmental Solutions Ltd. This case raised significant issues on the operation of Article 15(3) of the Arbitration Act (Chapter 387 of the laws of Malta) and …
A constitutional tug of war over Malta’s rent laws
For decades, Malta’s rental laws have been a legal minefield, balancing the rights of landlords against the protection of tenants. However, recent constitutional judgments are shaking up the status quo, with court ruling that aspects of Malta’s rent control framework infringe upon property owners’ fundamental rights.
MFSA seeks industry feedback on EU Banking Package implementation
On the 9 May 2025, the MFSA issued a consultation document on the national transposition and implementation of the Banking Package,1 namely CRDVI2 and CRRIII. While the requirements of CRRIII3 are legally binding and were largely applicable as from 1 January 2025, the provisions of the CRDVI need to be transposed into local legislation and shall apply from …
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Publication of draft delegated act in terms of the Listing Act
As part of the reforms introduced by the EU Listing Act (“Listing Act”), important amendments have been made to article 17 of the Market Abuse Regulation (“MAR”), specifically in relation to (a) the disclosure of inside information during “protracted processes”, and (b) the delay of disclosure of inside information. These changes will begin to apply …
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Case Note: CJEU’s Commission v Malta — rethinking citizenship by investment
CJEU rules Maltese naturalisation framework breaches EU law Citation: Case C-181/23, CJEU (Grand Chamber), Judgment of 29 April 2025 Case Reference Court: Court of Justice of the European Union (Grand Chamber) Judgment date: 29 April 2025 Case number: C-181/23 Parties: European Commission (Applicant) v. Republic of Malta (Defendant) Type of Action: Infringement …
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MFSA revises bancassurance policy in the light of ECJ judgment
On the 16th April 2025, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has issued a Circular introducing key regulatory changes affecting bancassurance in response to a 2022 European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling.
The interpretation of ‘Pre-Existing Medical Condition’ clauses in travel insurance policies
On 5 February 2025, the Court of Appeal (in its inferior jurisdiction), delivered its final judgment in the case of ‘D.M. v X Insurance’ which related to an appeal filed by X Insurance (the “Insurer”).
Malta Ship Registry to issue electronic certificates effective 1 June 2025
On 12 May 2025, the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta issued Merchant Shipping Notice 193, which introduces a significant regulatory development concerning the issuance and legal recognition of statutory certificates by the Malta Ship Registry.