TRANSPORT
- Grant Scheme for the Implementation of Active Mobility or Citizen Engagement Measures
- The Authority for Transport in Malta is launching a Grant Scheme targeting all local councils in Malta and Gozo and NGO’s. Through this initiative, funds will be granted for the implementation of projects related to sustainable mobility in their locality with the aim of increasing measures which improve walkability and facilities which increase the uptake of cycling. The main impact is expected to be the reduction of emissions and a better quality of life for the residents. The budget of €200,000 is being allocated for this Scheme and maximum grant of €20,000 will be provided to each successful applicant.
- https://www.transport.gov.mt/Application-Guidelines-FINAL.pdf-f8028
TAX
- OECD Report shows tax policy is playing a key role in promoting economic recovery and responding to the energy price shock
- According to a new OECD report, tax policy is playing a critical role as countries seek to promote economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to the impact of rapid increases in energy prices. Tax Policy Reforms 2022 describes recent tax reforms across 71 countries and jurisdictions. It finds tax reforms – notably reductions in taxes on labour and more generous corporate tax incentives – have been among the key policy tools that countries have used to stimulate growth and promote economic recovery from the pandemic.
- https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/067c593d-en/index.html?itemId=/content/publication/067c593d-en
AVIATION
- European Aviation Environmental Report 2022: Sustainability crucial for long-term viability of the sector
- The aviation sector has taken some steps to address its impacts on the environment and climate, but projected growth in demand calls for greater and more decisive action aligned with the European Union’s climate and environmental goals. The new European Aviation Environmental Report offers an overview of the current environmental performance of the sector. In addition to reviewing progress made since the 2019 edition, it includes recommendations with a view to reducing the climate change, noise and air quality impacts from aviation.
- https://www.easa.europa.eu/eco/eaer
EUROPEAN UNION
- European Commission takes action to ensure complete and timely transposition of EU directives
- The Commission has sent a letter of formal notice to those Member States who have failed to notify national measures transposing directives. Malta is receiving such letter from the Commission with regards to two Directives which have not yet been fully transposed into national law by their deadlines. These are the Workers’ Rights Directive (EU) 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions and Directive (EU) 2019/1023 on helping prevent bankruptcy and granting easier access to financing.
- https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_22_5409
- Crisis-proofing the Single Market to preserve free movement and availability of relevant goods and services
- The Commission has presented the new Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI). This crisis governance framework aims to preserve the free movement of goods, services and persons and the availability of essential goods and services in the event of future emergencies, to the benefit of citizens and businesses across the EU.
- https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5443
- European Commission proposes rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU
- The European Commission adopted a European Media Freedom Act, a novel set of rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU. The proposed Regulation includes, among others, safeguards against political interference in editorial decisions and against surveillance. It puts a focus on the independence and stable funding of public service media as well as on the transparency of media ownership and of the allocation of state advertising. and sets out measures to protect independence of editors and disclose conflicts of interest.
- https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5504
- €817 million to Malta to support a more competitive, inclusive, green and digital economy
- Malta will benefit from €817 million in Cohesion Policy funding in 2021-2027 to support the sustainable development of its economy as set out in the Partnership Agreement adopted by the Commission. Following the important achievements of Malta during the past programming periods, Cohesion Policy investments will further contribute to address the disparities in the country and make the Maltese economy more innovative and competitive. EU funds will support the country’s green transition and energy security and its digital transformation. It will improve people’s skills, employment and social inclusion.
- https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5500
