Malta advocates for Digital Infrastructure and Clean Tech Investment during EU Council Meetings

In Brussels the Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri spearheaded Malta’s commitment to digital transformation and sustainable technology investment during back-to-back Ministerial Council meetings. Addressing critical issues under the Spanish Presidency, Minister Schembri played a pivotal role in shaping discussions on the future of digital infrastructure and the push towards clean tech investment in Europe.

The Telecoms Council Meeting focused on the Gigabit Infrastructure Act. Minister Schembri voiced support for the act, emphasising the need for a balanced regulatory environment that fosters progress and innovation while safeguarding community safety and privacy rights. Intensive negotiations, incorporating Malta’s concerns, resulted in a general agreement that aims to facilitate the faster, cheaper and more effective rollout of Gigabit networks across the EU.

During the Competitiveness Council Meeting, discussions on the Net Zero Industry Act took centre stage. Minister Schembri successfully advocated for the inclusion of Sustainable Alternative Fuels, underscoring their importance for connectivity. He also stressed the necessity of considering the unique circumstances of smaller member states in introducing nonprice criteria in renewable auctions, calling for additional safeguards.

In his intervention, Minister Schembri expressed Malta’s commitment to ambitious yet reasonable and workable clean tech initiatives. He emphasised the crucial role of foreign direct investment in advancing Malta’s renewable energy projects and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, emphasising the need for a predictable and stable regulatory framework.

Additionally, Minister Schembri participated in discussions on a regulation to strengthen the EU’s capacities in cybersecurity and the development of an international Artificial Intelligence Act. Malta supports the latter, which is currently under negotiation with the European Parliament, as it aims for a human-centred, innovative and safe AI.

In a policy debate on a prohibition of products made with forced labour,

Malta called for the Commission’s active role in information gathering, investigation, decision-making and implementation. Minister Schembri, while highlighting the critical nature of combating forced labour, urged for a balanced approach that minimises undue burdens on businesses, particularly SMEs.

On the margins of both councils, Minister Schembri engaged in positive bilateral talks with Slovenia and Portugal, following up on commitments made during the Digital Economy Ministerial meeting of MED9 held in Malta in September.