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

EN EN
EUROPEAN
COMMISSION
Strasbourg, 8.7.2025
SWD(2025) 918 final
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
{COM(2025) 900 final} - {SWD(2025) 901 final} - {SWD(2025) 902 final} -
{SWD(2025) 903 final} - {SWD(2025) 904 final} - {SWD(2025) 905 final} -
{SWD(2025) 906 final} - {SWD(2025) 907 final} - {SWD(2025) 908 final} -
{SWD(2025) 909 final} - {SWD(2025) 910 final} - {SWD(2025) 911 final} -
{SWD(2025) 912 final} - {SWD(2025) 913 final} - {SWD(2025) 914 final} -
{SWD(2025) 915 final} - {SWD(2025) 916 final} - {SWD(2025) 917 final} -
{SWD(2025) 919 final} - {SWD(2025) 920 final} - {SWD(2025) 921 final} -
{SWD(2025) 922 final} - {SWD(2025) 923 final} - {SWD(2025) 924 final} -
{SWD(2025) 925 final} - {SWD(2025) 926 final} - {SWD(2025) 927 final} -
{SWD(2025) 928 final} - {SWD(2025) 929 final} - {SWD(2025) 930 final} -
{SWD(2025) 931 final}
Offentligt
KOM (2025) 0900 - SWD-dokument
Europaudvalget 2025
1
ABSTRACT
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.
2
RECOMMENDATIONS
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.
3
I. JUSTICE SYSTEM1
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 20252
. 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 sector3. 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 Judiciary4
, 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)5
.
This development allows the Attorney General to exclusively take prosecutorial decisions of
all serious offences6
. As a result of this transfer, the total number of prosecutions initiated by
1
An overview of the institutional framework for all four pillars can be found here.
2
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%).
3
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”.
4
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.
5
2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p. 4. See RPP C6.R.2, milestone 6.8.
6
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).
4
the Office of the Attorney General has significantly increased in recent years: in particular,
the prosecutions which were 11 in 2020, reached 492 in 20247
. 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 Office8
. From July
2024 to February 2025, 8 additional prosecutors joined the Office9
.
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
independence10
. 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 Rights11
. Against this background, concerns about the independence
of specialised tribunals have been reiterated by stakeholders12
.
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 increased13
, it remains among the lowest per inhabitant
in the EU14
. Since July 2024 107 new members were recruited. There is a need to swiftly
increase human resources in order to improve the length of proceedings15
. Stakeholders
7
Maltese Government (2025), written input, pp. 11-14.
8
Reported by the Attorney General. Pursuant to RRP milestone C.6.R2-MT6.5.
9
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.
10
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.
11
European Court of Human Rights, judgment of 22 October 2024, J.B. and Others v. Malta, case 1766/23.
12
Repubblika (2025), written input, p. 6. Aditus Foundation (2025), written input, p. 8.
13
Two new Magistrates were appointed by the President of the Republic of Malta on 15 April 2025.
14
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.
15
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).
5
highlighted that staff shortages are a cause of delays in judicial proceedings, adversely
affecting businesses since delays undermine legal certainty and hamper economic activities16
.
Steps have been taken to improve the level of digitalisation of justice. Following up on
the Digital Justice Strategy (2022-2027)17
, 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 202518
.
The regulation of the activities of lawyers is still pending. In Malta, the legal profession is
regulated across different legislative acts19
. 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 profession20
.
Efficiency
There has been some further progress on the recommendation to reduce the length of
proceedings and to enhance the efficiency of the justice system21. 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 proposals22
. As
regards the increase of court premises, the Government informed that deliberations have
started23
. 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 days24
. In 2023, the disposition time for first instance criminal cases
recorded a significant increase, equal to 713 days against 527 days in 202325
. 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)26
. 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%27
. In 2023, the
clearance rate saw a significant backslide with regard to criminal cases (first instance)
16
Country visit Malta, Malta Business Bureau and Malta Chamber of Commerce.
17
The Digital Justice Strategy is partly financed by the RRF.
18
Maltese Government (2025), reply to targeted questions, p. 3.
19
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.
20
Country visit Malta, Chamber of Advocates.
21
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”.
22
Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 8.
23
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.
24
2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 6.
25
See CEPEJ (2025).
26
2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 8.
27
2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 10.
6
amounting to 74.1 % (against 92.8 % in 202228
. 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 confidence29
. 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 evidence30
. Based on the above, there has been some further
progress on the recommendation made in the 2024 Rule of Law Report.
II. ANTI-CORRUPTION FRAMEWORK
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 46/10031
and ranks 24th
in the European Union and
65th
globally. This perception has significantly decreased over the past five years32
. 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%)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 Galizia34
. 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
28
See CEPEJ (2025).
29
Country visit Malta, Malta Business Bureau and Malta Chamber of Commerce.
30
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.
31
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).
32
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.
33
Data from Special Eurobarometer 561 (2025) and Flash Eurobarometer 557 (2025).
34
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.
7
procurement, conflicts of interest, and other fraud)35
. 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 conduct36
. The Government is considering a reform of the asset
declaration system, following a recommendation by the OECD37
.
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 judgments38. Both the Financial Crimes Investigation Department
(FCID) and the Attorney General office increased their human resources and developed new
tools to facilitate investigations and prosecutions39
. 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 low40
.
However, proceedings are pending in a number of cases involving high-level officials41
. The
EPPO investigated 10 corruption cases, which accounts for around a fifth of the total number
of EPPO cases in Malta42
. 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
investigations43
. Furthermore, the lack of judges affects the adjudication of corruption
cases44
. 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 inquiries45
. In view of the
35
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.
36
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).
37
OECD (2022), p.31.
38
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”.
39
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.
40
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.
41
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.
42
EPPO (2024) p. 45.
43
Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 20.
44
See above, pp. 4-5.
45
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-
8
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 staff46
. The case-management system is not in place yet, and a standard
operating procedure is still under preparation47
. While the PCAC presents its annual activity
report to the President of Malta, there is no other oversight mechanism in place48
. The PCAC
did not receive any reports of corruption for the past two years49
and, after examination, it
forwarded two cases received in 2022 to the Ministry of Justice with no allegations of
corruption50
. Since it was established, the PCAC has never transmitted any case to the
Attorney General office for prosecution51
.
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)52
, following the appointment of a new Executive Director. The mandate
of the Police Commissioner was renewed for another four years in June 202453
. A
continuation Strategy, building on the Malta Police Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 and
integrity measures already implemented, is scheduled for adoption in 202554
. 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.
46
See UNDP/UNODC (2012)as well as UNODC (2003).
47
PCAC planned to hire 2 technology support officers to develop a digital case-management system. Country
visit Malta, PCAC.
48
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.
49
Written contribution from PCAC in the context of the country visit to Malta.
50
Closed cases continue to be sent to the Minister of Justice. PCAC, Country visit Malta, and written input,
p. 5.
51
2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p. 14.
52
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.
53
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).
54
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.
9
judiciary attended anti-corruption training55
, and the Chief Justice suggested improving
integrity and transparency measures of the judiciary56
.
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 rules57
. 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 power58
. Stakeholders still consider inadequate
the parliamentary integrity mechanism, and the sanctions which would apply59
. 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
examination60
. 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 unpublished61
. In light of the
recommendations received62
, 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 taken63
.
New tools for whistleblowing continue to be under preparation. Work is ongoing to
develop a digital portal to process whistleblowing reports64
. 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
appropriately65
. The Ombudsman office is designated by law as one of the external reporting
channels for persons working in the private sector66
. While there are no indications of general
55
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.
56
Chief of Justice (2024). Members of the judiciary are bound to the Code of Ethics (of 2010), focused on
impartiality, integrity, and independence.
57
GRECO (2024), pp. 9-10. 2024 Rule of Law report, Malta, pp.15-16.
58
The Commissioner dealt with 11 complaints and examined 2 cases of ethical misconduct. Country visit
Malta, Commissioner for Standard in Public Life.
59
Repubblika (2025), written input, p. 16.
60
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.
61
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.
62
Board of Inquiry (2021), OECD (2023) and GRECO (2024). 2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, pp. 11-15.
63
Country visit Malta, Ministry of Justice. Media report concerns the lack of Government action on lobbying.
Malta Today (2025a).
64
2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p. 17.
65
UN Human Rights Committee (2024).
66
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)
10
deficiencies of this mechanism, one stakeholder highlighted that the Ombudsman’ mandate
would only allow for investigations within the public sector, not within the private sector67
.
No whistleblower reports concerning corruption have been identified by public authorities
and notified to the PCAC in 2024 68
.
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 years69
.
70% perceive the level of independence of the public procurement review body (The Public
Contracts Review Board) as very or fairly good70
. 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 personnel71
. NAO indicated weaknesses in
the use of public funds, also by municipal authorities, including instances of bypassing public
procurement regulations72
. Companies that are members of the Chamber of Commerce are
committed to apply anti-corruption measures73
, also to favour a system of incentives in public
tenders for companies that implement integrity programs 74
.
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 cooperation75
. On
29 April 2025, the CJEU confirmed these violations, stating that the investor citizenship
scheme amounts to the “commercialisation” of Union citizenship76
.
III. MEDIA PLURALISM AND MEDIA FREEDOM
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.
67
Repubblika (2022), p. 28.
68
PCAC (2025), written input, p. 4.
69
Flash Eurobarometer 557 on Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2025). This is 13
percentage points above the EU average.
70
2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 59.
71
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.
72
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).
73
Anti-corruption measures are part of the Good Governance Manifesto. Chamber of Commerce (2020).
74
With a system of incentives in public tenders for companies that implement integrity programs. Country
visit Malta, Chamber of Commerce.
75
2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, p.18.
76
Court of Justice of the European Union, Grand Chamber, case C-181/23, Commission v Malta (Citizenship
by investment).
11
with the European Media Freedom Act by amending the Broadcasting Act77
. 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 respect78
. The Monitor confirms its high-risk
score in the area of market plurality and its medium-risk score in relation to transparency of
state advertising79
.
There has been no progress to enhance the independent governance and editorial
independence of public service media80. 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
broadcasting81
, the Government’s position is that Malta’s constitutional and legal framework
safeguards the independence of public service media in a democratic society82
. 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 coverage83
. Therefore, no progress has been made on the recommendation.
There has been limited progress with regard to adopting safeguards to improve access
to official documents84. 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 202585
. 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 office86
. 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
77
The Broadcasting Act, Cap 350 of the Laws of Malta.
78
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), p.17.
79
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), p. 19 and pp. 28-29 respectively.
80
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”.
81
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.
82
Written contribution from the Government of Malta in the context of the country visit to Malta.
83
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), pp. 29-30.
84
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”.
85
Written contribution from the Government of Malta in the context of the country visit to Malta.
86
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.
12
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
Commissioner87
. 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 pending88. 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 enacted89
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 element90
. Some stakeholders also point out that the
use of strategic lawsuits against journalists remains an issue91
. Whereas the White Paper on
media issues announced by the Government in October 202392
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 spyware93
. For these reasons
MPM 2025 maintains its medium risk score for this area highlighting that there have been no
tangible reforms94
. Though various judicial processes are ongoing, there have been no
convictions, to date, for the mastermind behind the assassination of Daphne Caruana
Galizia95
. 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 report96
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 requests97
.
87
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), pp. 14-15.
88
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’.
89
Subsidiary Legislation 460.40 of the Laws of Malta.
90
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).
91
Written contributions from Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation (p. 22).
92
See 2024 Rule of Law Report, Malta, pp. 18-19.
93
Written contribution from the Government of Malta in the context of the country visit to Malta.
94
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), p. 11 and pp. 14-16.
95
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.
96
Council of Europe, Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists.
97
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Media Freedom Rapid Response – Malta.
13
IV. OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES RELATED TO CHECKS AND BALANCES
There has been limited progress on the recommendation to introduce a formal
framework for public participation in the legislative process98. 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 Department99
. 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 businesses100
. 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 Parliament101. 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 2025102
. 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
unanswered103
. 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 year104. At
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 rights106
. As regards the respect of
payment deadlines, on 31 December 2024 there was 1 case in total awaiting confirmation of
98
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Malta to “[i]ntroduce a formal framework for public
participation in the legislative process”.
99
Country visit Malta, Office of the Prime Minister.
100
Country visit Malta, Malta Business Bureau and Malta Chamber of Commerce.
101
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”.
102
Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 42. Country visit Malta, Maltese Government.
103
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.
104
For an explanation of the supervision process, see the website of the Council of Europe.
105
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.
106
Judgment of the ECtHR, judgment of 2006 Ghigo v. Malta, case 31122/05, pending implementation since
2006.
14
payments (compared to 6 in 2023)107
. On 16June 2025, the number of leading judgments
pending implementation had increased to 16108
.
Over two thirds of the companies surveyed in Malta express confidence in the
effectiveness of investment protection109. 77% of companies are very or fairly confident
that investments are protected by law and courts110
. 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 good111
. 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 compensation112
.
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 inquiries113
. 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 cases114
. 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 inquiry115
: Based on
the new provisions, citizens will only have the right to request the opening of a magisterial
107
Council of Europe (2025), p. 157.
108
Data according to the online database of the Council of Europe (HUDOC).
109
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.
110
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.
111
2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 60.
112
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.
113
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.
114
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.
115
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.
15
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 instrument117
. 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 Malta118
.
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 2025120
. 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 organisations121
.
Stakeholders welcomed the launch of public consultations, while stressing the need to see
concrete advancements and awaiting the presentation of the draft legislation122
.
116
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.
117
See the contribution of the Minister of Justice of 2 February 2025, ‘Enhancing the magisterial inquiry
process’, published on Times of Malta (2025b).
118
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.
119
See the rating given by CIVICUS. Ratings are on a five-category scale defined as: open, narrowed,
obstructed, repressed and closed.
120
Country visit Malta, Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
121
Maltese Government (2025), written input, p. 48.
122
Country visit Malta, Repubblika, Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and Aditus. Civil Liberties Union for
Europe.
16
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 of Commerce (2020), Ethical Business calls for change,
https://www.maltachamber.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/6d60e58d-286e-47dd-8b1f-
12ae7fc20d77.pdf.
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 Minister,
https://standardscommissioner.mt/wp-content/uploads/letter-to-pm-2025-01-30-en.pdf.
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, 18th
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.
17
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 on lobbying register,
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.
18
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 of Malta (2025b), Enhancing the magisterial inquiry process,
https://timesofmalta.com/article/enhancing-magisterial-inquiry-process.1104518.
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 on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR/C/MLT/CO/3),
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4060178?v=pdf#files.
19
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