Malta faces EU action over failures to meet rules on recycling, water, transport
European Commission opens or advances infringement procedures in four areas
Malta is facing a series of infringement procedures from the European Commission over shortcomings in areas ranging from waste recycling and water management to transport legislation and reporting obligations.
The European Commission has opened infringement proceedings against Malta for failing to correctly implement EU rules requiring periodic reviews of water permits.
In its report issued on Thursday, the Commission said a letter of formal notice has been sent to Malta for failing to carry out periodic reviews of water permits under the Water Framework Directive.
The full implementation of the EU's water quality standards is crucial for protecting both human health and the environment, the Commission said.
The Commission pointed out Malta has failed to establish a registration requirement for surface water abstraction and a prior authorisation regime to control the abstraction of both surface water and groundwater.
In addition, Maltese law does not ensure periodic reviews of controls on surface water and groundwater abstraction that have a significant impact on water bodies.
Malta has been given two months to respond and address the shortcomings.
Waste recycling
The European Commission issued Malta a reasoned opinion for failing to met EU waste recycling targets. Malta failed to achieve the required 50 per cent target for preparing municipal waste for reuse and recycling, including materials such as paper, metal, plastic and glass.
This target was due to be reached by 2020.
Malta also failed to meet packaging waste recycling targets for total packaging waste, paper and cardboard, and metals for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
The Commission had already sent Malta a formal notice in July 2024. It now has two months to take corrective action.
“Increasing reuse and recycling also minimises the amount of waste generated and reduces landfill disposal, while supporting resource efficiency, circularity and the EU’s strategic autonomy,” the Commission said.
“Member States must step up their implementation efforts to meet the obligations outlined above, particularly in light of the increased targets that will apply from 2025, 2030 and 2035 respectively.”
Reduced reporting requirements
The Commission has opened infringement proceedings against Malta for failing to notify the full transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/2839 which reduces certain reporting obligations for Member States and economic operators.
The directive concerns, among other things, reporting requirements related to noise emissions from outdoor equipment.
Malta has two months to respond to the formal notice.
Intelligent transport systems
The Commission has issued Malta a reasoned opinion for failing to fully transpose into national law the amended EU Directive on Intelligent Transport Systems by the December 2025 deadline.
The directive aims to improve connected, automated and sustainable transport systems, including better integration between road and other transport modes.
Malta has two months to comply.