Malta welcomed the outcome of the Energy Council where EU energy ministers voted on proposals to revise the Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive.
Malta, represented by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli, welcomed the position in favour of these revisions and emphasised on the need to strike a balance to ensure the island’s competitiveness.
The Directives form part of the Fit-For-55 package which addresses the climate change phenomenon.
The Council supported the elements directly related to renewable energy and energy efficiency, crucial for EU Member States to reduce emissions.
“With increased ambition by the European Union, Malta included, we need to decrease countries’ dependency on fossil fuels, an imported and polluting source of energy. Investing in renewable energy will not only strengthen the country’s independence but also be a step closer to a decarbonised economy”, said Minister Miriam Dalli.
The minister also explained that whilst our country supports the EU ambition and vision in this sector, Malta worked to ensure that sensitive sectors for the Maltese economy, such as the maritime and aviation sectors, would not be affected negatively during this recovery period.
“The EU is moving ahead and Malta needs to be ambitious, where ultimately it is the consumers who benefit and crucial sectors are protected. In this recovery period it is imperative to ensure realistic solutions”, said Minister Miriam Dalli.
She also explained that Malta can serve as a testbed for investments in large-scale offshore renewable energy and urged the European Commission to help in financing such projects, where these opportunities are based on much more expensive technology as the country looks at floating offshore renewable technology.
“The Innovation Fund is a tool that needs to focus more on financing innovative renewable technology that can help in decarbonising the energy sector even off-shore”, emphasised Minister Dalli.
“We want to see the Fit-for-55 Package implemented successfully, with a proper transition that also takes into account the social aspect, particularly when it comes to vulnerable consumers”, said Minister Dalli.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister
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THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT The President in an official meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
On the second day of his State Visit to Qatar, President George Vella held official talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Diwani Palace in Doha.
The meeting started with a confirmation on both sides of their commitment to further strengthen relations between Malta and Qatar. The two interlocutors agreed that there is ample mutually beneficial potential that may be utilised, particularly through the concrete finalisation of agreements and the timely implementation of their provisions.
Several areas of tangible cooperation were identified, ranging from the financial, maritime, aviation and industrial sectors, tourism, energy, and education. In light of the wide-ranging possibilities in these fields, it was agreed that direct contacts and visits be facilitated in all areas, to ensure that results are delivered.
Developments in the Gulf and the Euro-Mediterranean regions and the efforts made by both Qatar and Malta to promote dialogue and stability in their respective neighbourhoods were also discussed. The challenges posed by irregular migration, security of energy supply, and the effects of climate change were also raised.
In comments following the meeting, President George Vella welcomed the very cordial, positive, and constructive spirit in which the exchanges were held, stating that this State Visit is an important landmark that gives a strong impetus to relations between the two countries.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister