FIAU Publishes Revised AML/CFT Implementing Procedures

The European Union is prohibiting cash payments that exceed ten thousand euro (€10,000), or the equivalent in national currency, with full application from 10th July 2027.

On the 24th of July 2025, Act XXI of 2025, the Maltese Citizenship (Amendment) Act (the "Amendment Act") was enacted, introducing a number of amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act...

The Water Services Corporation has issued a major tender for the design, construction and commissioning of a new reverse osmosis desalination plant in Pembroke, Malta, with a nominal capacity of 11,200 m³ per day. The procurement follows EU Directive 2014/25/EU procedures and requires the existing plant to remain operational throughout the project's 100-week completion period. Economic operators must navigate extensive technical requirements covering reverse-osmosis systems, electrical infrastructure,

The European Commission has proposed a Public Procurement Act that would fundamentally transform how government contracts are awarded across the EU. This Regulation would replace three existing Directives with a single set of binding rules, introducing mandatory quality criteria, expanded negotiation rights, and a unified digital procurement system.

Malta's inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)'s list of Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (also known as they ‘grey list') in June 2021 raised quite a...

The European Union has proposed a comprehensive Public Procurement Act that would consolidate over fifty scattered provisions into a single Regulation, fundamentally transforming how public contracts are awarded across Member States. This reform introduces flexible procurement procedures, digital marketplace integration, and a mandatory emphasis on quality over price, while implementing new security requirements and reducing barriers for SMEs. With public procurement representing 15% of EU GDP, these change

The European Commission has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of EU public procurement rules through the EU Public Procurement Act, consolidating three existing directives into a single framework. This reform introduces the principle of "best quality for money," strengthens strategic procurement requirements including green and social considerations, and establishes new digital infrastructure for cross-border procurement data sharing.

Malta's Parliament is considering significant amendments to its foreign direct investment screening framework through Bill No 172. The proposed changes aim to clarify notification requirements, define portfolio investment exclusions, and restructure the institutional framework governing the National Foreign Direct Investment Screening Office, bringing Malta's regime into closer alignment with EU regulations.

The concession, issued under reference MFC/1/2026, will be awarded on a build, finance, operate and transfer (“BFOT”) basis. The successful tenderer will be responsible for financing and developing new film-production facilities on a site measuring approximately 92,400 square metres, operating the studios throughout the concession period and transferring the facilities back to the contracting authority upon its expiry.

The Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) has issued a final report that includes two draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTSs).

The European Commission has designated OpenAI's ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine, while Roblox and Reddit have been classified as Very Large Online Platforms under the Digital Services Act. These designations mark a significant development in EU digital regulation, particularly for AI systems, as all three services must now comply with stringent requirements including risk assessments, content moderation, and independent audits within four months.

As of January 2026, third‑country nationals (TCNs) who wish to work in Malta for the first time will be required to complete and pass a mandatory online pre‑departure course on life and work in Malta, costing €250...

The European Union has agreed on a major legislative reform to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, introducing significant changes to air passenger rights across the EU. Set to enter force in August 2027, the reform strengthens existing protections while introducing new obligations for airlines, including proactive notification duties, enhanced rerouting requirements, and expanded protections for passengers with reduced mobility.

Malta is consolidating its special tax programmes into a unified Individual Tax Programme effective January 2027, maintaining the attractive 15% flat tax rate on qualifying foreign-source income while substantially raising financial thresholds and property requirements.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has delivered a landmark ruling on whether political parties may invoke freedom of expression to justify using reputed trademarks in their campaigns. When Belgian political party Vlaams Belang adopted the IKEA trademark for its immigration reform programme, Inter IKEA Systems challenged the use, forcing European courts to balance intellectual property rights against fundamental freedoms. The judgment establishes a nuanced framework requiring case-by-case assessment

The local market for short-let rented accommodation has grown rapidly over the past decade, with non-collective accommodation, including short-let apartments, houses and villas...

When a company enters court-supervised liquidation in Malta, all ongoing litigation involving that entity comes to an abrupt halt. Under the Companies Act, creditors and claimants must redirect their claims through...

The Council of the European Union has reached a provisional agreement on the Digital Omnibus Regulation, introducing significant amendments to the EU AI Act that will reshape compliance timelines and expand prohibited practices. Key changes include postponing high-risk AI system obligations to December 2027, accelerating transparency requirements for AI-generated content, and introducing new bans on non-consensual intimate imagery generation.

On the 15th of June 2026, the European Commission published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1291 introducing a revised set of implementing technical standards under the Market Abuse Regulation...

The European Commission has issued its first-ever guidance document specifically addressing the VAT and customs status of privately owned pleasure boats and aircraft within the EU. This comprehensive guidance establishes a presumption of Union status for recreational craft, clarifies scenarios where temporary exits don't trigger loss of status, and outlines relief provisions for returned goods and temporary importation procedures for non-EU vessels.