Updated 1.30pm
Lorenzo Vella, the head of the European Commission Representation in Malta has died aged 43 following a short illness.
Foreign affairs minister Ian Borg and prime minister Robert Abela broke the news on Facebook on Sunday morning, offering condolences to the family of the father-of-two.
Borg said Vella suffered a lot before dying at such a young age.
Abela thanked the former PL youth activist for his "impeccable service" to the country.
Former PL deputy leader Daniel Micallef said he had known Vella for 20 years.
"We worked together from a young age within the Żgħażagħ Laburisti, where he also served as Secretary General," he added, saying he was deeply saddened by his death.
Other politicians, including ministers Owen Bonnici, Clyde Caruana and former MEP Cyrus Engerer also paid tribute to Vella.
Engerer said Vella was one of the most loyal friends and a mentor.
"A person whose wise words guided many of us. You were always the person I called for hours on the phone and you were always there to listen and guide. They say that only the good die young...and good is an understatement when it comes to you," he added.
The Żgħażagħ Laburisti and PN paid tribute in separate statements.
PN said Vella always served his roles with the diplomacy and care required of such posts.
'Malta will miss him. Europe will miss him' - Metsola
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola said she was "heartbroken" at the news.
In all his roles - whether as deputy permanent representative to the EU or head of the European Commission in Malta - he distinguished himself as a leader, a diplomat and a committed public servant, Metsola added.
"I've known him since his days as an activist at university, arguing student motions and counter-motions to make this world a little bit better for everyone.
"In all our conversations since, he never lost sight of that aim, working tirelessly to bring people around the same table. He fought hard and bravely - always. I will miss him. Malta will miss him. Europe will miss him."
Vella took on the role of head of the European Commission in Malta in March of last year.
His career saw him fill top European affairs roles as well as key civil service positions, including that of Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
Prior to that, he served as deputy Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU in Brussels.
He also worked within the European Commission’s directorate-general for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
He also served as chief of staff to former health minister Chris Fearne during the COVID pandemic.
Photo of Lorenzo Vella by the European Commission Representation in Malta .The European Commission Representation in Malta added its voice to the stream of tributes that poured in on Sunday morning.
Since taking office in June 2023, Vella brought with him "a sense of positive energy" that each person at the Representation's office will remember very fondly, the office said in a statement on Facebook.
The office will "seek to ensure that the legacy he has left us will continue".