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Europaudvalget 2025
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EUROPEAN

COMMISSION

Strasbourg, 8.7.2025

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COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

2025 Rule of Law Report

Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Malta

Accompanying the document

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the

European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions

2025 Rule of Law Report

The rule of law situation in the European Union

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BSTRACT

The level of perceived judicial independence in Malta continues to be high among the general

public and is now high among companies. Discussions are ongoing in the Parliament on a

comprehensive constitutional reform relating to the justice sector which would provide for

the involvement of the judiciary in the procedure for appointment of the Chief Justice. The

transfer of prosecutions of non-summary cases from the Police to the Office of the Attorney

General is completed. The Government is proposing to remove the involvement of the

executive from the appointment of members of the specialised tribunals to address concerns

over their independence. Despite substantial recruitment and proposals to expand court

premises, the need to increase resources remains, with business stakeholders reiterating

concerns over delays of legal proceedings. Steps have been taken to improve the level of

digitalisation of justice. While length of proceedings remains a concern, certain groundwork

was set in motion to enhance the efficiency of the justice system.

The implementation of the National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy continues. Work

remains to be done in order to ensure appropriate follow-up of the anti-corruption

recommendations issued following the public inquiry into the assassination of journalist

Daphne Caruana Galizia. Investigative and prosecution authorities increased their human

resources. New tools were developed to reduce the length of investigations of high-level

corruption cases, but a robust track record of final judgments has not yet been achieved. The

capacity of the Permanent Commission Against Corruption to achieve concrete results still

has to be demonstrated. Integrity measures for the public service and the police force

continue. Action to improve integrity measures for politicians and high-level officials

remains to be taken. New tools for whistleblowing continue to be under preparation. Auditing

institutions indicated weaknesses on the use of public funds and changes of public

procurement procedures. On 29 April 2025, the European Court of Justice found that the

Maltese investor citizenship scheme is contrary to EU Law.

The Government is preparing legislation aimed at providing the media regulator with new

competences, including as regards scrutiny over mergers in the media market and the

allocation of state advertising. There were no new measures to enhance the independent

governance and editorial independence of public service media, and limited steps were taken

to reinforce safeguards to improve access to official documents. Apart from a law on cross-

border strategic lawsuits, additional legislation in the area of the protection of journalists and

media freedom remains pending.

There have been no further steps taken to introduce a formal framework for public

participation in the legislative process, and draft legislation to set up a National Human

Rights Institution has yet to be presented in Parliament. Legislation establishing a regulatory

framework for civil society is under preparation. A legislative reform increasing the threshold

for citizens to directly petition a magisterial inquiry has given rise to strong criticism from

some stakeholders about its potential impact on the prosecution of high-level offences.

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ECOMMENDATIONS

Overall, concerning the recommendations in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta has made:

•

Some further progress on pursuing the draft reform endorsed by the Government to

involve the judiciary in the procedure for appointment of the Chief Justice.

Some further progress on further strengthening efforts to improve the efficiency of

justice, particularly to reduce the length of proceedings.

Some further progress on continuing efforts to address challenges related to the length of

investigations of high-level corruption cases and no progress in stepping up efforts to

establish a robust track record of final judgments.

No progress in adopting legislative and other safeguards to improve the working

environment of journalists and limited progress on access to official documents, taking

into account European standards on the protection of journalists and on access to official

documents.

No progress in strengthening the rules and mechanisms to enhance the independent

governance and editorial independence of public service media taking into account

European standards on public service media.

No progress in stepping up measures to establish a National Human Rights Institution

taking into account the UN Paris Principles.

Limited progress in introducing a formal framework for public participation in the

legislative process.

•

On this basis, and considering other developments that took place in the period of reference,

in addition to recalling the relevant commitments made under the Recovery and Resilience

Plan, it is recommended to Malta to:

•

Take forward the ongoing reform to involve the judiciary in the procedure for the

appointment of the Chief Justice, taking into account European standards on judicial

appointments.

Step up efforts to improve the efficiency of justice, particularly to reduce the length of

proceedings.

Step up efforts to address challenges related to the length of investigations of high-level

corruption cases, and to establish a robust track record of final judgments.

Adopt further legislative and other safeguards to improve the working environment of

journalists including on access to official documents, taking into account European

standards on the protection of journalists and on access to official documents.

Strengthen the rules and mechanisms to enhance the independent governance and

editorial independence of public service media taking into account European standards on

public service media.

Take forward measures to establish a National Human Rights Institution taking into

account the UN Paris Principles.

Introduce a formal framework for public participation in the legislative process.

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USTICE

YSTEM

Independence

The level of perceived judicial independence in Malta continues to be high among the

general public and is now high among companies.

Overall, 69% of the general population

and 63% of companies perceive the level of independence of courts and judges to be ‘fairly

or very good’ in 2025

. The perceived judicial independence among the general public has

increased in comparison with 2024 (65%), and it remains at the same level in comparison

with 2021 (69%). The perceived judicial independence among companies has increased in

comparison with 2024 (57%) although it has decreased in comparison with 2021 (68%).

There has been some further progress on the involvement of the judiciary in the process

of appointing the Chief Justice, as discussions are ongoing in Parliament on a

comprehensive constitutional reform relating to the justice sector

. On 13 May 2025, the

Government tabled a comprehensive constitutional reform before Parliament concerning the

justice sector. Among other provisions, the reform requires that before the Parliament votes

on appointing the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister consults with the sitting or acting Chief

Justice (who bears statutory obligations in representing the judiciary) and the President and

updates the Leader of the Opposition on the outcome of this process. The Bill also revises the

framework governing disciplinary proceedings against members of the judiciary and

establishes the post of Commissioner for Standards of the Judiciary

, who is expected to

investigate allegations against judiciary members, and reports findings to the Chief Justice

and Minister responsible for justice, recommending disciplinary action when prima facie

evidence exists. The Bill is currently at its second reading stage in Parliament. In view of

these developments, there has been some further progress on the recommendation made in

the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

The transfer of certain types of prosecutions to the Office of the Attorney General is

completed.

The final phase of the gradual transfer of prosecutions of non-summary cases

from the Police to the Office of the Attorney General (i.e. offences which carry a punishment

exceeding 2 years imprisonment) was concluded in September 2024 – marking the

completion of the corresponding milestone under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)

This development allows the Attorney General to exclusively take prosecutorial decisions of

all serious offences

. As a result of this transfer, the total number of prosecutions initiated by

An overview of the institutional framework for all four pillars can be found

here.

2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figures 50 and 52 and 2023 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figures 49 and 51. The

level of perceived judicial independence is categorised as follows: very low (below 30% of respondents

perceive judicial independence as fairly good and very good); low (between 30-39%), average (between 40-

59%), high (between 60-75%), very high (above 75%).

The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to “[p]ursue the draft reform endorsed by the

Government to involve the judiciary in the procedure for appointment of the Chief Justice”.

The Commission for the Administration of Justice is responsible for appointing the Commissioner for

Standards of the Judiciary for a renewable three-year term and may also dismiss the Commissioner, based

on specified reasons.

2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p. 4. See RPP C6.R.2, milestone 6.8.

Thereby, effective from October 2024, in addition to previously transferred offences, the Office of the

Attorney General has been granted the authority to prosecute (i) offences against the Medical and Kindred

Professions Ordinance; (ii) offences against the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance; (iii) offences of money

laundering as provided for in article 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act including; (iv) attempts

or conspiracy to commit or complicity in the offences mentioned in paragraphs (i), (ii), and (iii).

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the Office of the Attorney General has significantly increased in recent years: in particular,

the prosecutions which were 11 in 2020, reached 492 in 2024

. An independent study is

underway to assess whether to transfer all types of prosecutions, namely also those which

carry an offence punishable with less than 2 years imprisonment, to the Office

. From July

2024 to February 2025, 8 additional prosecutors joined the Office

The Government is proposing to remove the involvement of the executive from the

appointment of members of the specialised tribunals to address concerns over their

independence.

As indicated in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, in the context of the RRP,

Malta committed to pursue a review of the framework of specialised tribunals, and to consult

the Venice Commission on possible amendments aimed at strengthening their

independence

. While the authorities completed public procurement procedures for the

selection of an independent contractor, no further steps were taken. In the absence of further

progress on the review, the Government has formalised a draft Bill, which proposes that the

executive will no longer be involved in the appointment of members of these administrative

tribunals. In a judgment of October 2024, the European Court of Human Rights highlighted

shortcomings in the guarantees of independence of one of the Maltese specialised tribunals

(i.e. the Immigration Appeals Board). Key findings included the lack of a proper appointment

procedure of its members and the absence of selection criteria based on merit. The Court

found that Malta will need to enact legislation to bring the Immigration Appeals Board in

conformity with the standards of independence and impartiality as stipulated by the European

Convention on Human Rights

. Against this background, concerns about the independence

of specialised tribunals have been reiterated by stakeholders

Quality

Despite the substantial recruitment of staff and proposals to expand court premises, the

need to swiftly increase resources in the judiciary remains.

While since July 2024, the

number of judges and magistrates has increased

, it remains among the lowest per inhabitant

in the EU

. Since July 2024 107 new members were recruited. There is a need to swiftly

increase human resources in order to improve the length of proceedings

. Stakeholders

Maltese Government (2025), written input, pp. 11-14.

Reported by the Attorney General. Pursuant to RRP milestone C.6.R2-MT6.5.

Country visit Malta, Attorney General. In the context of the country visit, the Maltese authorities clarified

that the discussions for the renewal of the disciplinary regime for prosecutors (expired at the end of 2024)

are still ongoing and are part of a broader discussion which includes also salaries. The new regime is

expected to be adopted by end-2025. Maltese Government (2025), country visit to Malta.

According to RRP milestone 6.3, ‘An independent contractor shall be engaged through public procurement

procedures, in order to assess the independence of the specialised tribunals at national level. This

assessment shall be carried out in communication with the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission’.

Milestone 6.4 then provides that the legislative amendments shall take into account the outcome of the

assessment.

European Court of Human Rights, judgment of 22 October 2024,

J.B. and Others v. Malta,

case 1766/23.

Repubblika (2025), written input, p. 6. Aditus Foundation (2025), written input, p. 8.

Two new Magistrates were appointed by the President of the Republic of Malta on 15 April 2025.

In 2023, Malta had 9.1 judge per 100 000 inhabitants – the third lowest figure in the European Union. 2025

EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 37.

There is a need to hire more judges, as well as court personnel, including clerks, bailiffs, court assistants,

transcribers, plus experts qualified in the assessment and adjudication of financial crimes, in addition to

specialised equipment. Chief of Justice (2024).

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highlighted that staff shortages are a cause of delays in judicial proceedings, adversely

affecting businesses since delays undermine legal certainty and hamper economic activities

Steps have been taken to improve the level of digitalisation of justice.

Following up on

the Digital Justice Strategy (2022-2027)

, in September 2024, the authorities launched a

tender for the development of a Court Information Management System, which will digitalise

the courts’ processes. The offers that were submitted are under evaluation. Further tender

documents are being drafted to set-up new case management systems for the Office of the

Attorney General and for the Office of the State Advocate, with the public tenders expected

to be launched in the second quarter of 2025

The regulation of the activities of lawyers is still pending.

In Malta, the legal profession is

regulated across different legislative acts

. The Bar of Malta confirmed that discussions are

still ongoing with the Government regarding the Lawyers’ Act, which aims to streamline the

existing regulatory framework for the legal profession

Efficiency

There has been some further progress on the recommendation to reduce the length of

proceedings and to enhance the efficiency of the justice system

. In the last quarter of

2024, the Government took steps to open a new Commercial Court and a Family Court to

alleviate capacity issues. The House of Representatives started discussing a Bill relating to

the establishment of a Commercial Court, with the aim of its adoption by the second quarter

of 2025. In September 2024, the Government launched a public consultation to engage

citizens in the reform of the Family Court, with the aim of tabling legislative proposals

. As

regards the increase of court premises, the Government informed that deliberations have

started

. In 2023, the disposition time for first instance civil and commercial cases, even

though it decreased by 37 days compared to 2022, remained among the lengthiest in the EU;

in 2023, it still took 454 days

. In 2023, the disposition time for first instance criminal cases

recorded a significant increase, equal to 713 days against 527 days in 2023

. Administrative

justice has also recorded a considerable deterioration of the disposition time of first instance

cases, which in 2023 reached 1 350 days (an increase of 268 days vis-à-vis 2022)

. Also, the

backlog of pending cases continues to increase. Malta’s rate of resolving civil, commercial,

administrative and other cases (first instance) in 2023 was equal to 89%

. In 2023, the

clearance rate saw a significant backslide with regard to criminal cases (first instance)

Country visit Malta, Malta Business Bureau and Malta Chamber of Commerce.

The Digital Justice Strategy is partly financed by the RRF.

Maltese Government (2025), reply to targeted questions, p. 3.

As noted by CCBE (2025), written input, p. 141, without a law regulating the legal profession there can be

no implementation of continuous training of lawyers.

Country visit Malta, Chamber of Advocates.

The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to “[f]urther strengthen efforts to improve the

efficiency of justice including by providing additional resources, particularly to reduce the length of

proceedings”.

Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 8.

Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 15. Concerns on the level of human and logistical resources

have been expressed during the country visit by the Association of Judges and Magistrates.

2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 6.

See CEPEJ (2025).

2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 8.

2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 10.

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amounting to 74.1 % (against 92.8 % in 2022

. These percentages indicate that, on an annual

basis, the number of resolved cases across all jurisdictions remains well below the number of

new cases. Stakeholders report that delays and inadequate efficiency of courts are a concern

for business confidence

. Some preliminary consultations took place regarding reforms

which are in the making, and which are aimed at ensuring a better allocation of cases and

more expedited procedures, including the Commercial Court, the Family Court Reform, and

the reform of compilation of evidence

. Based on the above, there has been some further

progress on the recommendation made in the 2024 Rule of Law Report.

II.

NTI

-C

ORRUPTION

RAMEWORK

The perception among experts, citizens and business executives is that the level of

corruption in the public sector remains high.

In the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index by

Transparency International, Malta scores 46/100

and ranks 24

in the European Union and

globally. This perception has significantly decreased over the past five years

. The 2025

Special Eurobarometer on Corruption shows that 83% of respondents consider corruption

widespread in their country (EU average 69%) and 52% of respondents feel personally

affected by corruption in their daily lives (EU average 30%). As regards businesses, 69% of

companies consider that corruption is widespread (EU average 63%) and 51% consider that

corruption is a problem when doing business (EU average 35%). Furthermore, 32% of

respondents find that there are enough successful prosecutions to deter people from corrupt

practices (EU average 36%), while 27% of companies believe that people and businesses

caught for bribing a senior official are appropriately punished (EU average 33%)

The implementation of the National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy continues and

work remains to be done in order to ensure appropriate follow-up of the anti-

corruption recommendations issued following the public inquiry into the assassination

of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

. Almost half of the actions foreseen under the

National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy were completed in 2024 (including

communication strategies, training programme), and the Co-ordinating Committee reported

improvements across four categories of risk (i.e. unlawful use of resources, public

See CEPEJ (2025).

Country visit Malta, Malta Business Bureau and Malta Chamber of Commerce.

Reforms include (i) The Commercial Court would be a specialised court with competence to hear

commercial and maritime disputes (draft legislation was submitted to Parliament in December 2024,

Maltese Government (2025), p. 8; (ii) Reform of the Family Court, aiming at providing families with a

more supportive and effective access to justice. A public consultation concluded in November 2024 with a

number of submissions from the general public, NGOs, professional bodies and other Government entities.

The Government is assessing the feedback received to develop concrete legislative proposals for the reform.

Maltese Government (2025), p. 8; (iii) A reform of the compilation of evidence is aimed at accelerating the

process and no logner requiring every witness to testify in person. A public consultation was launched in

2023 is informing the preparation of draft legislation Maltese Government (2025), p. 8.

The level of perceived corruption is categorised as follows: low (above 79); relatively low (between 79-60),

relatively high (between 59- 50), high (below 50).

In 2020 the score was 53, while, in 2024, the score is 46. The score significantly increases/decreases when

it changes more than five points; improves/deteriorates (changes between 4-5 points); is relatively stable

(changes from 1-3 points) in the last five years.

Data from Special Eurobarometer 561 (2025) and Flash Eurobarometer 557 (2025).

The public inquiry into the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia issued anti-corruption

recommendations - on asset declaration, whistleblower protection and codes of ethics. Board of Inquiry

(2021). 2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p. 11.

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procurement, conflicts of interest, and other fraud)

. For the full implementation of the anti-

corruption recommendations, key actions remain to be taken, in particular with regard to

lobbying and the code of conduct

. The Government is considering a reform of the asset

declaration system, following a recommendation by the OECD

There has been some further progress in addressing challenges related to the length of

investigations of high-level corruption cases, but no progress in establishing a robust

track record of final judgments

Both the Financial Crimes Investigation Department

(FCID) and the Attorney General office increased their human resources and developed new

tools to facilitate investigations and prosecutions

. This is expected to contribute to reducing

the length of proceedings, also in high-level cases. In 2024, there were new investigations

and prosecutions, although the number of final judgments in corruption cases remains low

However, proceedings are pending in a number of cases involving high-level officials

. The

EPPO investigated 10 corruption cases, which accounts for around a fifth of the total number

of EPPO cases in Malta

. According to the Government, the complexity of the corruption

cases, as well as the workload and the limited number of experts, impact the duration of

investigations

. Furthermore, the lack of judges affects the adjudication of corruption

cases

. Stakeholders continue to criticise the capacity of public authorities to speedily and

effectively investigate corruption cases, accentuating concerns over the recent reform, which

in their view limits the scope for citizen-prompted magisterial inquiries

. In view of the

The Co-ordinating Committee (led by IAID) that is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the

National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy (NAFCS) confirmed that 11 out of 23 actions of the NAFCS

were implemented. IAID (2024). The coordinating committee met twice in 2024, and also communicated

through written procedure, and the reports of the meetings are not published. Country visit Malta, IAID.

Stakeholders regret the lack of transparency in the implementation of the actions set out in the NAFCS.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation (2025), written input, p.13.

According to the Government, once the reform for asset declaration is fully concluded, the other

recommendations issued by both the public inquiry and by the OECD (on lobbying, code of conduct, as

well as on the Commissioner and the Act for Standard in Public Life), will be dealt with. Country visit

Malta, Ministry of Justice. Country visit Malta, Repubblika, Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and

Aditus. Civil Liberties Union for Europe (2025).

OECD (2022), p.31.

The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to

“[c]ontinue efforts to address challenges related

to the length of investigations of high-level corruption cases and step up efforts to establish a robust track

record of final judgments”.

FCID hired 18 officers, including the deputy commissioner, while 8 went on retirement. Country visit

Malta, FCID. The Attorney General office hired 17 prosecutors, updated its standard operating procedure,

and a new case-management program as well as an action plan for effectiveness were being developed.

Attorney General office (2025), written input, p. 3-6.

In 2024, there were 57 new cases on financial crimes (including corruption), 20 investigations (involving 30

individuals and 20 legal persons), and 18 prosecutions. For 2 cases adjudicated, the sentences (to 2 and 3

years of imprisonment) were suspended. In a third case, an individual was convicted of corruption and

trading in influence and sentenced to four years and eight months of imprisonment. The judgment is under

appeal. Attorney General office (2025), written input, p. 9.

Around 51 individuals and 50 legal persons are involved in these proceedings. Attorney General office

(2025), written input, p. 8. NGOs raised concerns on the targeted media campaign allegedly aimed at

discrediting and intimidating judiciary experts. Repubblika, Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and

Aditus (2025), common written input, p.5.

EPPO (2024) p. 45.

Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 20.

See above, pp. 4-5.

Magisterial inquiry procedures had triggered prosecution in a number of corruption cases. NGOs argue that

restricting the scope for individuals to ask for magisterial inquiry would impede future convictions in high-

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above, there has been some further progress in addressing challenges related to the length of

investigations of high-level corruption cases and no progress in establishing a robust track

record of final judgments.

The capacity of the Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC) to achieve

concrete results is still to be demonstrated.

The PCAC continues to operate with only three

Commissioners employed on a part-time basis, supported by one administrative officer,

although international standards require anti-corruption agencies to have adequate and

reliable specialised staff

. The case-management system is not in place yet, and a standard

operating procedure is still under preparation

. While the PCAC presents its annual activity

report to the President of Malta, there is no other oversight mechanism in place

. The PCAC

did not receive any reports of corruption for the past two years

and, after examination, it

forwarded two cases received in 2022 to the Ministry of Justice with no allegations of

corruption

. Since it was established, the PCAC has never transmitted any case to the

Attorney General office for prosecution

Integrity measures for the public service and the police force continue..

The Public

Service Commission (PSC) plans to deliver a training on integrity addressed to heads of

public entities, and it issued an increased number of decisions (about +18% in 2024

compared to 2023)

, following the appointment of a new Executive Director. The mandate

of the Police Commissioner was renewed for another four years in June 2024

. A

continuation Strategy, building on the Malta Police Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 and

integrity measures already implemented, is scheduled for adoption in 2025

. Members of the

profile corruption cases, undermine ongoing prosecutions and prevent new ones from starting. Aditus

(2025). Repubblika, Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and Aditus (2025), common written input, p. 3-6.

See UNDP/UNODC (2012)as well as UNODC (2003).

PCAC planned to hire 2 technology support officers to develop a digital case-management system. Country

visit Malta, PCAC.

In accordance with the UNDP/UNODC supported Jakarta Statement, it is essential that anti-corruption

agencies comply with auditing standards, which strengthen the accountability of their top managers.

Written contribution from PCAC in the context of the country visit to Malta.

Closed cases continue to be sent to the Minister of Justice. PCAC, Country visit Malta, and written input,

p. 5.

2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p. 14.

PSC has a personnel of 16 officers, with a budget of around EUR 728 000. The new Executive Director was

nominated in July 2024 (for a 4-year mandate), one manager returned to the PSC (after a period of

secondment), and one senior manager plus one administrative officer have been hired in 2025. The 5

members of the Commission will end their 3-year renewable mandate in July 2025. In 2024, PSC issued

351 recommendations and 70 disciplinary sanctions. The PSC noticed a decrease in the number of cases

addressed to its examination since 2023, when the permanent secretaries acquired the power to redress

cases directly at their institutional level. Country visit Malta, PSC.

In July 2024, a group of MPs filed a proposal seeking to revise the procedure to appoint or remove the

Police commissioner, proposing a requirement for a two-thirds majority vote within the House of

Representatives. Motion No. 278 (2024).

In 2024, 32 police officers were sanctioned administratively by the Public Service Commission (none on

corruption). The Professional Standards Office investigated 179 cases (5 cases remained pending before

local courts; 6 cases were referred to the PSC; 40 cases resulted in minor disciplinary actions), and the

Police Disciplinary Appeals Board issued 121 decisions (compared to 197 in 2023), and held 9 hearings

(compared to 10 in 2023). Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 21. Country visit Malta, FCID.

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judiciary attended anti-corruption training

, and the Chief Justice suggested improving

integrity and transparency measures of the judiciary

Action to improve integrity measures for high-level politicians and officials remains to

be taken.

While measures are in place addressing prevention and management of conflicts of

interest in the public administration, their scope remains limited as Members of Parliament

(MPs) are not covered by these rules

. Based on the recommendation made by the

Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, the Parliamentary Standards Committee issued a

warning to two sitting Ministers for abuse of power

. Stakeholders still consider inadequate

the parliamentary integrity mechanism, and the sanctions which would apply

. Members of

Parliament, including Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, are required to file their

annual asset and interests’ declarations to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for

examination

. These declarations are accessible for public inspection in accordance with the

provisions of the Code of Ethics and are subject to scrutiny and verification by the

Commissioner for Standards in Public Life. After a delay of a few months, Ministers filed

their declarations in March 2025, although they remain unpublished

. In light of the

recommendations received

, the Government is in the process of reforming the asset and

interests’ declaration system. Action to improve other integrity measures (including stronger

codes of ethics, rules on lobbying, and standards in public life, especially for persons of trust)

remains to be taken

New tools for whistleblowing continue to be under preparation.

Work is ongoing to

develop a digital portal to process whistleblowing reports

. In August 2024, the UN Human

Rights Committee asked Malta to improve, in law and in practice, the regime for the

protection of whistleblowers, going further than the Protection of the Whistleblower Act of

2021, and to ensure that perpetrators of corruption are prosecuted and punished

appropriately

. The Ombudsman office is designated by law as one of the external reporting

channels for persons working in the private sector

. While there are no indications of general

An exchange visit with the US counterparts took place in 2024, and a seminar on anti-corruption is planned

for July 2025. Country visit Malta, Chief of Justice.

Chief of Justice (2024). Members of the judiciary are bound to the Code of Ethics (of 2010), focused on

impartiality, integrity, and independence.

GRECO (2024), pp. 9-10. 2024 Rule of Law report, Malta, pp.15-16.

The Commissioner dealt with 11 complaints and examined 2 cases of ethical misconduct. Country visit

Malta, Commissioner for Standard in Public Life.

Repubblika (2025), written input, p. 16.

After examination by the Commissioner, the declarations from MPs are kept by the Standard Committee of

the Parliament, and those from Ministers are kept by the Prime Minister’s office. The declarations are

publicly accessible, in person only, after request. Country visit Malta, Commissioner for Standards in

Public Life.

Last year the Commissioner addressed a written request to the Prime Minister (urging Ministers to file their

declaration of asset) and to Parliament (invoking the reform of the asset declaration system, in line with the

recommendations from the OECD). Commissioner for Standard in Public Life (2024 and 2025). This

situation raised concerns from stakeholders. Country visit Malta, Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation,

Repubblika and Aditus Foundation.

Board of Inquiry (2021), OECD (2023) and GRECO (2024). 2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, pp. 11-15.

Country visit Malta, Ministry of Justice. Media report concerns the lack of Government action on lobbying.

Malta Today (2025a).

2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p. 17.

UN Human Rights Committee (2024).

The Ombudsman office is designated under the Protection of the Whistleblower Act as the external

reporting channel for persons working in the private sector who want to report on breaches relating to (i)

kom (2025) 0900 - Ingen titel

deficiencies of this mechanism, one stakeholder highlighted that the Ombudsman’ mandate

would only allow for investigations within the public sector, not within the private sector

No whistleblower reports concerning corruption have been identified by public authorities

and notified to the PCAC in 2024

Auditing institutions indicated weaknesses on the use of public funds and changes of

public procurement procedures.

Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU shows

that 38% of companies (EU average 25%) think that corruption has prevented them from

winning a public tender or a public procurement contract in practice in the last three years

70% perceive the level of independence of the public procurement review body (The Public

Contracts Review Board) as very or fairly good

. The Single Market and Competitiveness

Scoreboard on access to public procurement in Malta reports 15% of single bids for 2023

(EU average 29%). In 2024, both the National Audit Office (NAO) and the Internal Audit and

Investigations Department (IAID) increased their personnel

. NAO indicated weaknesses in

the use of public funds, also by municipal authorities, including instances of bypassing public

procurement regulations

. Companies that are members of the Chamber of Commerce are

committed to apply anti-corruption measures

, also to favour a system of incentives in public

tenders for companies that implement integrity programs

The European Court of Justice found that Malta’s investor citizenship scheme is in

breach of EU Law.

In 2023, the European Commission referred Malta to the Court of Justice

of the European Union for its investor citizenship scheme in light of the scheme’s

incompatibility with EU law on EU citizenship and the principle of sincere cooperation

29 April 2025, the CJEU confirmed these violations, stating that the investor citizenship

scheme amounts to the “commercialisation” of Union citizenship

III.

EDIA

LURALISM AND

EDIA

REEDOM

The Government is preparing legislation aiming to provide the media regulator with

new competences.

The legislation under preparation is intended to align Maltese legislation

conduct involving substantial risk to public health or safety or the environment that would if proved,

constitute a criminal offence; and (ii) all matters which constitute improper practices and which are not

designated to be reported to any other authority.

Repubblika (2022), p. 28.

PCAC (2025), written input, p. 4.

Flash Eurobarometer 557 on Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2025). This is 13

percentage points above the EU average.

2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 59.

NAO the hired 12 auditors, and it now has a staff of 55 officers, for a budget EUR 4 450 000. On average,

almost 85% of recommendations issued by the NAO to public authorities are complied with. NAO (2025),

written input, p. 2. NAO (2024a, b and c). In 2024, the IAID hired 17 officials, with a plan to recruit 5 more

in 2025. Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 23, and Country visit Malta, IAID.

In its reports of 2024, NAO indicated the following weaknesses: information for audit purposes not

submitted; weak internal controls; bypassing of public procurement regulations; shortcomings in payments;

unsatisfactory project management; incomplete and inaccurate compilation of accrual accounting returns.

NAO (2024a, b and c).

Anti-corruption measures are part of the Good Governance Manifesto. Chamber of Commerce (2020).

With a system of incentives in public tenders for companies that implement integrity programs. Country

visit Malta, Chamber of Commerce.

2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p.18.

Court of Justice of the European Union, Grand Chamber, case C-181/23,

Commission v Malta (Citizenship

by investment).

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with the European Media Freedom Act by amending the Broadcasting Act

. The

amendments would bestow on the Broadcasting Authority, the country’s media regulator,

further responsibilities, including scrutiny of mergers in the media market and oversight over

the allocation of state advertising. While awaiting the adoption of this legislation, the Media

Pluralism Monitor (MPM) 2025 has raised its risk analysis from low-risk to medium-high

risk in relation to the independence of the media regulator because of certain decisions taken

by the Broadcasting Authority and the lack of implementation of the reforms suggested by

the Caruana Galizia public inquiry report in this respect

. The Monitor confirms its high-risk

score in the area of market plurality and its medium-risk score in relation to transparency of

state advertising

There has been no progress to enhance the independent governance and editorial

independence of public service media

. While the final report of the Committee of Media

Experts specifically recommended the setting up of an

ad hoc

committee to propose measures

to ensure the objectivity, independence, impartiality, and accountability of public

broadcasting

, the Government’s position is that Malta’s constitutional and legal framework

safeguards the independence of public service media in a democratic society

. The MPM has

consistently considered the independence of public service media to be an area presenting

very high risk in Malta, which it confirms again this year highlighting political appointments,

opaque finances and the significant number of instances where political bias was proven in

the broadcaster’s coverage

. Therefore, no progress has been made on the recommendation.

There has been limited progress with regard to adopting safeguards to improve access

to official documents

. The integrated e-management system designed to enhance the

processing, accessibility and transparency of access to documents requests has not yet been

set up, but the Government expects it to be operational in 2025

. In the meantime, there still

appear to be no plans to adopt safeguards to improve access to documents either via a review

of the Freedom of Information Act itself or via an analysis of its implementation in practice.

Civil society organisations confirm that while civil society and journalists face numerous

obstacles when requesting public information, the Data Protection and Information

Commissioner continues to provide a reliable review mechanism when complaints are lodged

with this office

. For these reasons, MPM 2025 confirms its high-risk score for this area,

referring to the various unanswered calls for legislative reform, the numerous obstacles

The Broadcasting Act, Cap 350 of the Laws of Malta.

Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), p.17.

Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), p. 19 and pp. 28-29 respectively.

The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to

“[s]trengthen the rules and mechanisms to

enhance the independent governance and editorial independence of public service media taking into

account European standards on public service media”.

The Committee of Experts on Media was established by the Government on 3 January 2022 and delivered its

Final Report on 24 July 2023. The recommendation in relation to public broadcasting is found on page 15

of the report.

Written contribution from the Government of Malta in the context of the country visit to Malta.

Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), pp. 29-30.

The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to “[a]dopt legislative and other safeguards to

improve … access to official documents, taking into account European standards on access to official

documents”.

Written contribution from the Government of Malta in the context of the country visit to Malta.

Written contributions from Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation (p. 31) and Repubblika (p. 24) in the

context of the country visit to Malta. Information received from Reporters Without Borders (Malta) in the

context of the country visit to Malta.

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journalists and citizens experience to access public information and the numerous appeals

lodged by Government when the right to access is upheld by the Data and Information

Commissioner

. Overall, limited progress has been made on this part of the

recommendation.

Apart from a law on cross-border strategic lawsuits, additional legislation in the area of

the protection of journalists and media freedom remains pending

The Committee on

Media Experts’ Final Report, presented in July 2024, had suggested that various areas of

media freedom and aspects of journalists’ working conditions in Malta required reform. Since

then, only the Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation Order was enacted

in July

2024. Civil society organisations and the Institute of Maltese Journalists have criticised the

fact that the Government did not include amendments which would have extended protection

to lawsuits not involving a cross-border element

. Some stakeholders also point out that the

use of strategic lawsuits against journalists remains an issue

. Whereas the White Paper on

media issues announced by the Government in October 2023

has not been tabled, the

Government is preparing the alignment of Maltese legislation with the European Media

Freedom Act. In that context, the Government has indicated that amendments will provide

safeguards for journalists in relation to protection of sources and confidential

communications, protection against surveillance and a ban on spyware

. For these reasons

MPM 2025 maintains its medium risk score for this area highlighting that there have been no

tangible reforms

. Though various judicial processes are ongoing, there have been no

convictions, to date, for the mastermind behind the assassination of Daphne Caruana

Galizia

. The Council of Europe Platform to promote the protection of journalism and the

safety of journalists has reported no new alerts relating to the safety of journalists since the

publication of the last rule of law report

The Media Freedom Rapid Response mechanism

registered ten new alerts relating to criticism for the above-mentioned anti-SLAPP

legislation; a controversial fine imposed by the media regulator on a radio station;

government calls for the re-introduction of criminal libel; a ban on photographers for a court

ceremony; the Prime Minister labelling certain outlets as ‘fake news’; threats to a news crew

by a crowd and government decisions to reject certain freedom of information requests

Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), pp. 14-15.

The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to ‘adopt legislative and other safeguards to improve

the working environment of journalists, taking into account European standards on the protection of

journalists’.

Subsidiary Legislation 460.40 of the Laws of Malta.

Written contributions from Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation (p. 32) and Repubblika (p.20) in the

context of the country visit to Malta. Information received from the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM)

in the context of the country visit to Malta. See also: Times of Malta (2025a).

Written contributions from Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation (p. 22).

See 2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, pp. 18-19.

Written contribution from the Government of Malta in the context of the country visit to Malta.

Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), p. 11 and pp. 14-16.

On 5 June 2025 a jury found two members of a criminal gang guilty of complicity in Ms Caruana Galizia’s

murder for having supplied the explosives that killed the journalist.

Council of Europe, Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists.

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Media Freedom Rapid Response – Malta.

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IV.

THER

NSTITUTIONAL

SSUES RELATED TO

HECKS AND

ALANCES

There has been limited progress on the recommendation to introduce a formal

framework for public participation in the legislative process

. While there were no

developments regarding the introduction of a formal framework for public participation in the

legislative process, the Government declared its intention to establish a new Public

Consultation Department

. The Department would be responsible for consultations on

national and EU affairs, serving as the Government’s primary channel for public engagement,

facilitating dialogue on a wide array of issues relevant for citizens and stakeholders. The

Government declared its intention to submit a draft law by June 2025. While business

stakeholders admit they are usually consulted on some relevant legislation, they also point out

that slow law-making processes or sudden changes in legislation affect businesses

100

. Based

on the above, limited progress has been made to implement the recommendation to introduce

a formal framework for public participation in the legislative process.

Draft legislation to set up a National Human Rights Institution has yet to be introduced

in Parliament

101

. The Government is continuing working on two draft Bills aiming at

establishing a National Human Rights Institution, with a view to submit it to Parliament by

June 2025

102

. The UN Paris Principles should be a central element in this work. In November

2024, the Parliamentary Ombudsman presented a Bill to the Maltese Government in order to

be designated as the National Human Rights Institution, however this proposal remained

unanswered

103

. Based on the above, no progress has been made to implement the

recommendation to establish a National Human Rights Institution.

On 1 January 2025, Malta had 14 leading judgments of the European Court of Human

Rights pending implementation, a decrease of 1 compared to the previous year

104

that time, Malta’s rate of leading judgments from the past 10 years that had been

implemented was at 43% (unchanged from 2024; 57% remained pending), and the average

time that the judgments had been pending implementation was 6 years and 6 months

(compared to 6 years in 2024)

105

. The oldest leading judgment, pending implementation for

16 years, concerns disproportionate restrictions to property rights

106

. As regards the respect of

payment deadlines, on 31 December 2024 there was 1 case in total awaiting confirmation of

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to “[i]ntroduce a formal framework for public

participation in the legislative process”.

Country visit Malta, Office of the Prime Minister.

Country visit Malta, Malta Business Bureau and Malta Chamber of Commerce.

The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to “[s]tep up measures to establish a National Human

Rights Institution taking into account the UN Paris Principles”.

Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 42. Country visit Malta, Maltese Government.

Parliamentary Ombudsman (2025), written input. In the context of the country visit, Aditus Foundation

expressed doubts about the appointment of the Ombudsman as National Human Rights Institution,

highlighting that it would miss the necessary expertise to cover this role. On the other hand, Repubblika

declared its support to the Ombudsman’s proposal. On a first review, the Government observed that the

Ombudsman lacks alignment with the Paris Principles, and that it should not be entrusted with excessively

broad judicial powers. Maltese Government (2025), reply to targeted questions, p. 20.

For an explanation of the supervision process, see the

website

of the Council of Europe.

All figures calculated by the European Implementation Network (EIN) and based on the number of cases

that are considered pending at the annual cut-off date of 1 January 2025. EIN (2025), written input, pp. 6-7.

Judgment of the ECtHR, judgment of 2006

Ghigo v. Malta,

case 31122/05, pending implementation since

2006.

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payments (compared to 6 in 2023)

107

. On 16June 2025, the number of leading judgments

pending implementation had increased to 16

108

Over two thirds of the companies surveyed in Malta express confidence in the

effectiveness of investment protection

109

77% of companies are very or fairly confident

that investments are protected by law and courts

110

. As regards authorities relevant for

economic operators, 82% perceive the level of independence of the national competition

authority (Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority) as very or fairly good

111

. A

number of judicial mechanisms are in place at the level of the Court of Appeal to ensure the

implementation of administrative court judgments, including fines for responsible officials

for non-compliance, the possibility to quash administrative decisions for continued non-

compliance with the court’s instructions, and to award direct damages and compensation

112

A legislative reform increasing the threshold for citizens to directly petition a

magisterial inquiry has given rise to concerns among some stakeholders about its

potential impact on prosecutions of high-level offences.

In April 2025, Parliament

approved a bill, reforming the mechanism of magisterial inquiries

113

. This procedure had

allowed citizens to trigger investigations on serious offences where law enforcement

authorities (in particular, the Police) had not acted, triggering prosecution in a number of

emblematic cases

114

. The most controversial change relates to the right of citizens to directly

petition for a magisterial inquiry. This process has now been replaced, by a requirement to

file a report with the executive police, requesting the initiation of the inquiry. and some other

conditions, resulting in a higher threshold for a petitioner to prompt an inquiry

115

: Based on

the new provisions, citizens will only have the right to request the opening of a magisterial

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

Council of Europe (2025), p. 157.

Data according to the online database of the Council of Europe (HUDOC).

The level of perceived investment protection is categorised as follows: very low (below 30% of respondents

fairly and very confident that investments are protected by laws and courts); low (between 30-39%),

average (between 40-59%), high (between 60-75%), very high (above 75%). The same categories

analogously apply to the perception of independence of procurement and competition authorities.

2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 54. Only 10% and 9% of the surveyed investors respectively perceive

the frequent changes in legislation or concerns about the quality of the law-making process, and the quality,

efficiency or independence of justice, respectively, as a reason for the lack of confidence in investment

protection.

2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 60.

EU Justice Scoreboard 2025, Figure 49. The data presented reflects exclusively the mechanisms in place at

the level of the highest administrative jurisdictions; the same or other mechanisms may be in place at lower

instance administrative courts.

Bill No. 125. A magisterial inquiry is an investigation carried out by a magistrate, acting as an impartial

officer for justice seeking to delve deeper upon the receipt of any report, information or complaint received

by the Police, the Attorney General or individuals, regarding any offense liable to the punishment of

imprisonment exceeding three years.

Recent magisterial inquiries initiated by individual petitions include 11 corruption cases, also involving

high-level government officials (among others, a former Prime Minister and former Chief of Staff). Open

letter to EU entities regarding Bill 125 (2025), Repubblika, Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and Aditus

(2025), common written input, p. 3-6.

Among others, the Bill introduced: (i) a stricter requirement on the evidence to be provided by citizens; (ii)

the possibility for the Magistrate to condemn the petitioner to pay the costs of the inquest if the complaint

was unfounded; (iii) a retroactive application to pending (at the time of the adoption of the Bill) magisterial

inquiries in respect of which there was no final decision yet as to whether the inquiry should have

commenced or not; (iv) a two-year deadline, after which all collected evidence would be passed on to the

Attorney General, regardless of the inquiry’s status. Stakeholders furthermore highlighted the lack of

meaningful consultation on the Bill.

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inquiry after six months from making the initial report, information or complaint.

116

The

Government explained that the amendment to the Criminal Code aims at avoiding vexatious

claims and abuses of this procedural instrument

117

. The legislative amendment drew strong

criticism from some stakeholders, who see this reform as effectively closing off an important

avenue for accountability and justice in Malta

118

Legislation establishing a regulatory framework for civil society is under preparation.

The civic space continues to be assessed as ‘narrowed’

119

. Following a public consultation, a

draft law aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for the civil society sector is under

preparation, with a view to have it submitted to Parliament by July 2025

120

. The Office of the

Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations continued its comprehensive dialogue with key

stakeholders, including the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, which is the officially

recognised representative body of the voluntary sector and voluntary organisations

121

Stakeholders welcomed the launch of public consultations, while stressing the need to see

concrete advancements and awaiting the presentation of the draft legislation

122

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

In an Open letter to EU entities regarding Bill 125 (2025), Maltese CSOs quoted a report showing that 25

magisterial inquiries were launched by private individuals since 2017.

See the contribution of the Minister of Justice of 2 February 2025, ‘Enhancing the magisterial inquiry

process’, published on Times of Malta (2025b).

Chamber of Advocates (2025), press release of 8 February 2025. Repubblika, Memorandum on the Right of

Individual Petition for Magisterial Inquiries of 4 February 2025. Malta Chamber of Commerce, ‘Quest for

Truth and Justice’, 10 February 2025. Country visit Malta, Aditus Foundation, The Daphne Caruana Galizia

Foundation, Reporters sans Frontières.

See the rating given by CIVICUS. Ratings are on a five-category scale defined as: open, narrowed,

obstructed, repressed and closed.

Country visit Malta, Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.

Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 48.

Country visit Malta, Repubblika, Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and Aditus. Civil Liberties Union for

Europe.

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Annex I: List of sources in alphabetical order*

The list of contributions received in the context of the consultation for the 2025 Rule of Law report

can be found at

https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-targeted-

stakeholder-consultation_en.

Aditus Foundation (2025),

Bill 125 – In Genere Inquests,

https://aditus.org.mt/bill-125-in-genere-

inquests/#:~:text=Key%20Aspects&text=It%20bars%20potential%20complainants%20from,for%20c

onsultation%20with%20any%20stakeholders.

Aditus Foundation (2025),

Written contribution from Aditus Foundation in the context of the country

visit to Malta.

Attorney General office (2025),

Written contribution from the Attorney General office in the context

of the country visit to Malta.

Board of Inquiry (2021),

Public Inquiry Report Daphne Caruana Galizia.

CCBE (2025),

Written contribution received from CCBE in the context of the country visit to Malta.

Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025),

Media Pluralism Monitor 2025, Country

report for Malta,

https://cmpf.eui.eu/projects/media-pluralism-monitor/.

CEPEJ (2025),

Study on the functioning of the judicial systems in the EU Member States.

Chamber of Commerce (2010),

Quest for Truth and Justice,

https://maltachamber.org.mt/quest-for-

truth-and-justice/.

Chamber

Commerce

(2020),

Ethical

Business

calls

for

https://www.maltachamber.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6d60e58d-286e-47dd-8b1f-

12ae7fc20d77.pdf.

change,

Chief of Justice (2024),

Speech on the occasion of the inauguration of the judicial year 2024-2025,

https://judiciary.mt/en/speeches-by-the-chief-justice/.

Commissioner for Standard in Public Life (2025),

Letter to the Speaker of the House of

Representatives,

https://standardscommissioner.mt/wp-content/uploads/letter-to-pm-2025-01-30-

en.pdf.

Commissioner for Standard in Public Life (2024),

Letter to the Prime

https://standardscommissioner.mt/wp-content/uploads/letter-to-pm-2025-01-30-en.pdf.

Minister,

Commissioner for Standard in Public Life (2024b),

Guidance note on persons of trust,

https://standardscommissioner.mt/wp-content/uploads/persons-of-trust-guidance-note-EN.pdf.

Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers (2025),

Supervision of the execution of judgments and

decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, 18

Annual Report of the Committee of Ministers,

https://rm.coe.int/gbr-2001-18e-rapport-annuel-2024/1680b4d77d.

Council of Europe, Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists.

Court of Justice of the European Union, Grand Chamber, Judgment of 29 April 2025,

Commission v

Malta (Citizenship by investment), Case C-181/23.

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Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation (2025),

Written contribution from Daphne Caruana Galizia

Foundation in the context of the country visit to Malta.

Directorate-General for Communication (2025),

Eurobarometer 561.

Directorate-General for Communication (2025),

Flash Eurobarometer 557 – Businesses’ attitudes

towards corruption in the EU.

ECtHR, judgment of 22 October 2024,

J.B. and Others v. Malta,

case 1766/23.

ECtHR, judgment of 26 September 2006,

Ghigo v. Malta,

case 31122/05.

EPPO (2024), Annual Report,

https://www.eppo.europa.eu/assets/annual-report-2024/index.html.

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom,

Media Freedom Rapid Response – Malta.

European Commission (2023),

2023 EU Justice Scoreboard.

European Commission (2025),

2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.

European Commission (2024),

2024 Rule of Law Report, Country chapter on the rule of law situation

in Malta.

European Implementation Network (2025),

Written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.

GRECO (2024), Fifth Evaluation Round, Second Compliance Report,

https://rm.coe.int/fifth-

evaluation-round-preventing-corruption-and-promoting-integrity-i/1680aef0f5.

IAID (2024),

https://iaid.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/National-Risk-Assessment-on-Fraud-

and-Corruption_2024-update.pdf.

Malta

Today

(2025a),

Government

reticent

lobbying

https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/133114/government_reticent_on_lobbying_register.

Maltese Government (2025),

Written contribution from the Maltese Government in the context of the

country visit to Malta.

Motion No. 278 (2024), Act to amend the Constitution of Malta and Police Act, Cap 164, Relative to

the appointment and removal of the Commissioner of Police

https://parlament.mt/14th-

leg/motions/motion-no-278-constitution-of-malta-and-the-police/.

National Audit Office (2024a),

Report by the Auditor General on the Workings of Local Government

for the year 2023,

https://nao.gov.mt/2024/12/16/report-by-the-auditor-general-on-the-workings-of-

local-government-for-the-year-2023/.

National Audit Office (2024b),

Report by The Auditor General on the public accounts,

https://nao.gov.mt/2024/12/11/report-by-the-auditor-general-on-the-public-accounts-2023/.

National Audit Office (2024c),

Follow-up Audits Report by the National Audit Office 2024 Volume II,

https://nao.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Nov-2024-Follow-up-report.pdf.

OECD (2022),

Review of the Standards of Public Life in Malta, recommendations for strengthening

the

integrity

framework

for

elected

and

appointed

officials,

https://one.oecd.org/document/GOV/PGC/INT(2022)9/FINAL/en/pdf.

kom (2025) 0900 - Ingen titel

OECD (2023),

Review of the Asset and Interest Declaration System in Malta: Recommendations to

improve collection and verification of asset and interest declarations for elected and appointed

officials,

https://one.oecd.org/document/GOV/PGC/INT(2023)12/FINAL/en/pdf.

Parliamentary Ombudsman (2025),

Written input from the Parliamentary Ombudsman in the context

of the country visit to Malta.

Permanent Commission Against Corruption (2025),

Written input from the PCAC in the context of the

country visit to Malta.

Repubblika (2025),

Contribution from Repubblika for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.

Repubblika (2025),

Written contribution from Repubblika in the context of the country visit to Malta.

Times of Malta (2025a),

Government shoots down PN amendments to anti-SLAPP law,

https://timesofmalta.com/article/government-shoots-pn-amendments-antislapp-law.1104429

Times

Malta

(2025b),

Enhancing

the

magisterial

inquiry

https://timesofmalta.com/article/enhancing-magisterial-inquiry-process.1104518.

process,

UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2003),

United Nations convention against corruption.

UN Development Programme (UNDP)/UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2012),

Jakarta

Statement on Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies

UN Human Rights Committee (2024),

Third periodic report of Malta, Implementation of the

International

Covenant

Civil

and

Political

Rights

(CCPR/C/MLT/CO/3),

https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4060178?v=pdf#files.

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Annex II: Country visit to Malta

The Commission services held virtual meetings in March 2025 with:

•

Office of the Prime Minister

Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade

Ministry for Justice and Reforms for the Construction Sector

Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality

Court Services Agency

Police: Financial Crimes Investigations Department

Internal Audit and Investigations Department

Permanent Commission Against Corruption

Attorney General

Secretariat of Parliament

Chamber of Advocates

Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations

Chief Justice

Association of Judges and Magistrates of Malta

Malta Business Bureau

Malta Chamber of Commerce

Association of Media Owners

Institute of Maltese Journalists

Broadcasting Authority

Information and Data Protection Commissioner

National Audit Office

Repubblika

Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation

Aditus Foundation

Reporters Sans Frontieres

State Advocate

Commissioner for Standards in Public Life

Public Services Commission

Office of Parliamentary Ombudsman

* The Commission also met the following organisations in a number of horizontal meetings:

•

Amnesty International

Araminta

Civil Liberties Union for Europe

Civil Society Europe

European Civic Forum

European Partnership for Democracy

European Youth Forum,

International Commission of Jurists

International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

JEF Europe

Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association.

Transparency International