December 1, 2022
THE MINISTRY FOR THE ECONOMY, EUROPEAN FUNDS AND LANDS, THE MINISTRY FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND ANIMAL RIGHTS AND THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS
€166 million in European funds for the agricultural sector The European Commission approved Malta’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan for the 2023-2027 programming period. This programme provides for a total allocated budget of around €166 million and will provide funding and support, taking into account national challenges affecting agricultural and rural areas. The plan shall support farmers and contribute towards food security and environmental and climate objectives. Government will be launching initiatives and continue investing in farmers also through new schemes that aim to directly assist farmers, including schemes for young farmers and measures supporting the shift
China Blames Foreigners for Inciting Protests
China’s rulers are accusing “hostile forces,” including foreigners, of inciting street demonstrations in more than three dozen Chinese cities and many more universities in the biggest domestic political challenge for Beijing since 1989’s Tiananmen Square protests. At stake is the legitimacy of the ruling Chinese Communist Party as protesters question its management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has used repressive methods such as repetitive mass testing, quarantines, and lockdowns resulting in large-scale unemployment and economic loss. Jolted, the government is handling the new situation cautiously. Though several instances of police violence have taken place, state repression has not
EPA Seeks to Mandate More Use of Ethanol, Other Biofuels
The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday proposed increasing the amount of ethanol and other biofuels that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supplies over the next three years, a move welcomed by renewable fuel and farm groups but condemned by environmentalists and oil industry groups. “This proposal supports low-carbon renewable fuels and seeks public input on ways to strengthen the program,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a statement. “With this proposal, EPA seeks to provide consumers with more options while diversifying our nation’s energy mix.” The proposal also includes new incentives to encourage the use of biogas
THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Signing of a new collective agreement for domestic staff within the Office of the President
The Office of the President welcomes the approval and signing of the new collective agreement for domestic staff within the Office of the President. The agreement includes improvements in working conditions and workers’ wages while better reflecting the specific responsibilities of workers in various roles. The new sectoral agreement is the result of months of talks with the workers’ representatives, with the industrial relations section within the Office of the Prime Minister and with the General Workers’ Union, which were instrumental in reaching this agreement. The collective agreement was signed at Sant’Anton Palace by Ms Rosette Spiteri Cachia,
THE MINISTRY FOR THE NATIONAL HERITAGE, THE ARTS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Valletta New Year’s Eve celebrations are back
After a two-year absence due to the global pandemic, the national New Year’s Eve celebrations returns to St. George’s Square, Valletta. The celebrations will commence at 10:00 pm and will continue until the early hours of New Year’s Day. This was announced today during a press conference by Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici and Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) Chairman Jason Micallef. Minister Owen Bonnici stated that this New Year’s Eve programme includes a list of exceptional local artists. “This programme contains a musical variety and shall give the artists an opportunity