AGP Executive Report

Malta Tourism Tech: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is bringing 100+ global speakers to Valletta for its 26th Global Summit (7–9 Oct) under FUTU[RE]SET, with sessions on AI, digital identity, connectivity, sustainability, workforce and investment. Startup Funding in Malta: Notey has closed a $3M seed round led by Tivoli Ventures with Malta Venture Capital, backed by a €1M Malta Enterprise grant, and is expanding via a distribution partnership with Telemach across the Balkans. Gambling & Cybersecurity: A German court has sided with researcher Lilith Wittmann in her case involving the Malta Gaming Authority, allowing her to keep using documents she says were obtained after unauthorized access. EU Travel Systems: The Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out across Schengen, requiring biometric registration for many UK travellers and affecting countries including Malta. Space Tech: A report highlights Europe’s first commercial lunar rover confirming a 2029 Moon flight tied to Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander. Water & Infrastructure: Anglian Water is advancing plans for seawater desalination in Norfolk and Lincolnshire as part of a wider drought-proofing push.

Malta Gaming Authority court setback: German security researcher Lilith Wittmann won a case allowing her to keep using documents taken from the MGA after an alleged unauthorized breach, limiting the regulator’s push to restrict her reporting. EU digital policy: The European Parliament is pushing an EU-wide “digital levy” that could raise up to €25.2bn a year, widening the scope beyond what the European Commission calculated. Semiconductors in focus: Japan and the US are in talks over a new US semiconductor fabrication plant (GlobalFoundries expected to run it), with an estimated cost of roughly $12.8bn–$19.3bn. Malta in migration tech: Malta’s minister Colm Brophy addressed the EU asylum pact rollout, highlighting identity checks, document verification and electronic tools. Space science: UK-led CosmoCube aims to listen from the Moon’s far side for the faint “21-centimeter” signal from before the first stars. Local tech & tourism: Breaking Travel News is set to report from Valletta at the WTTC Global Summit (7–9 Oct), where AI and investment are on the agenda. Health & tourism angle: European spas are calling for stronger EU support, arguing medical spa care can aid rehabilitation and chronic disease treatment.

Cybersecurity & Regulation: A German court has backed IT security researcher Lilith Wittmann in her dispute with Malta’s Gaming Authority, allowing her to keep using documents she says were obtained via unauthorized access, while also rejecting a bid to stop her linking the regulator to organized crime. EU Policy & Tech: Malta’s Minister for Migration Colm Brophy says the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact is already improving asylum processing in Ireland, pointing to early identity checks, better document verification and more use of electronic evidence. Research Funding in Malta: Xjenza Malta is launching €1.7m in new thematic research and innovation funding opportunities aimed at national priorities, with government highlighting cross-sector collaboration and pathways from lab work to real-world impact. Semiconductors & Global Industry: Japan and the US are discussing a major semiconductor plant in the US, with GlobalFoundries expected to operate it—an effort that could reshape regional chip capacity. Space Science: A UK-led team plans to send the CosmoCube satellite to listen for the universe’s faint “21-centimeter” signal from the dark ages, using the Moon to block Earth interference. Malta Tourism & Media: Breaking Travel News has been named media partner for the WTTC Global Summit in Valletta (7–9 Oct), with coverage focused on how AI and investment are reshaping travel. Hospitality Tech: Cloudbeds has announced an alliance with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, aiming to bring AI-driven hotel operations and revenue tools to member properties. Travel Tech: Opera for Android now offers a free trial eSIM with 3GB of data in multiple countries including Malta, designed to reduce reliance on roaming.

Malta Research Funding: Xjenza Malta is rolling out €1.7 million in new thematic research and innovation funding to back national priorities and emerging sector needs, with ministerial and cross-sector input shaping the calls. EU Digital Tax Push: The European Parliament’s proposed EU-wide digital levy on online gambling, digital services and crypto could raise up to €25.2bn a year, far above the Commission’s estimate, as negotiations on the next budget intensify. Semiconductor Investment Talks: Japan and the US are discussing a major semiconductor fabrication plant in the US (estimated $12.8bn–$19.3bn), with GlobalFoundries expected to operate it. Asylum Tech in Malta: Malta’s migration minister Colm Brophy says the EU Migration and Asylum Pact is already improving asylum processing, pointing to better identity checks, document verification and electronic evidence use. Travel Tech for Locals: Opera’s Android browser adds a travel eSIM feature with 3GB of free 5G data in many countries (including Malta), usable for a limited trial period. Space Science: A UK-led team plans to send the suitcase-sized CosmoCube to the Moon’s far side to listen for the faint “21-centimeter” signal from before the first stars. Oil Spill Chemistry: Malta-based Alkagesta backs early lab tests of two chemical treatments aimed at containing and separating oil from contaminated water. Local Design & Craft: designMT returns to Valletta with its most international edition yet, blending heritage and new materials/technology across exhibitions and talks.

Space Science: A suitcase-sized lunar far-side spacecraft, CosmoCube, is set to hunt the faint “21 centimeter” hydrogen signal from the universe’s dark ages, using the Moon to block Earth radio noise. Malta Tourism Tech: Malta’s Tourism Authority has launched a public AI Tourism Platform that merges MTA Traveller Survey data with NSO inbound tourism statistics into one free interface for operators, researchers and the public. Research Funding: Xjenza Malta is rolling out €1.7 million in new thematic research and innovation funding to target national priorities and emerging sector needs. Education & AI: Malta’s government is preparing a new student behavioural framework covering school conduct, searches and emergency responses, while also addressing AI and social media impacts on young people. EU Migration Tech: Malta’s minister Colm Brophy says the EU Migration and Asylum Pact is already improving asylum processing, including identity checks and electronic evidence use. Design & Craft: designMT returns to Valletta with its most international edition, blending heritage and technology across fashion, jewellery, furniture and experimental objects. Cybersecurity: Curaçao’s gaming regulator is considering legal action after a leak exposed tens of thousands of documents from its online licensing portal.

Tourism Policy in the Spotlight: Europe’s Travel and Tourism Summit opens in Brussels with record summer demand on the agenda, as policymakers debate how to manage overtourism and keep travel greener. Malta AI for Tourism Data: The Malta Tourism Authority launched a public AI Tourism Platform, bringing together MTA Traveller Survey insights and National Statistics Office data in one place for operators, researchers and the public. Research Funding Boost: Xjenza Malta announced €1.7 million in new thematic research and innovation funding opportunities aimed at national priorities, including cancer research. Education and AI Readiness: Prime Minister Robert Abela said a new student behavioural framework is coming, covering school behaviour, searches and emergency protocols, alongside ongoing work on how Malta adapts to AI. EU Defence Industry Push: The EU endorsed five European Defence Projects of Common Interest, covering drones, maritime defence, space security, air and missile defence, and Eastern Flank surveillance, with Malta opting out of the drone project. Oil Spill Chemistry Trial: Malta-based Alkagesta-backed Clean Caspian researchers report early lab results on two chemical treatments to contain and separate oil from water. Cybersecurity in Gaming: Curaçao’s gaming regulator is considering legal action after a major portal leak exposed tens of thousands of documents.

Malta Research Funding: Xjenza Malta announced €1.7 million in new thematic research and innovation funding, aiming to turn ideas into real-world impact across national priorities. AI in Tourism: The Malta Tourism Authority launched a free AI Tourism Platform that brings together MTA Traveller Survey insights and NSO inbound tourism statistics in one place for operators, researchers and the public. Education & AI Policy: Prime Minister Robert Abela said a new student behavioural framework is coming, covering school conduct, searches and emergency responses, alongside ongoing debate on AI’s role in education. Cancer Support in Malta: The Action for Breast Cancer Foundation highlighted 19 years of volunteer-led work, including funding genomic testing and donating a high-tech ultrasound machine to a state clinic. Equine-Assisted Therapy: A Malta-based expert says “horse time” can help therapists stay present and regulate emotions, with new qualitative research backing the approach. EU Defence Tech: The EU approved five joint defence projects, including drone and counter-drone work (Malta not participating), plus maritime, space and air/missile defence programmes with Ukraine in most. Oil Spill Chemistry: Clean Caspian, backed by Malta-based Alkagesta, completed initial lab tests of two chemical treatments to contain and separate oil from water. Cybersecurity Watch: Curaçao Gaming Authority is considering legal action after a German researcher-linked leak exposed tens of thousands of documents from its licensing portal.

UN Child Protection: Malta’s UN mission hosted a high-level discussion on protecting children in armed conflict, spotlighting how explosive weapons in populated areas and new warfare tech keep harming kids. Education & AI: Malta’s PISA results are pushing calls for a “hard look” at education, with Alex Borg urging stronger critical thinking and shared policy input, while Prime Minister Abela says a new student behaviour framework and emergency protocols are coming, alongside ongoing work on AI’s role in schools. Tourism Data, Malta Style: The Malta Tourism Authority launched an AI Tourism Platform that brings together MTA Traveller Survey insights and NSO inbound tourism stats into one free interface for operators, policymakers, researchers and the public. Ocean Tech Funding: OceanEye’s Malta-linked global push continues as Canada and the EU back a major ocean observing alliance with hundreds of millions in pledges for sensors, drones and data systems. Cyber & Gaming Oversight: A Berlin court ruling in the Malta Gaming Authority injunction case reportedly bars a security researcher from accessing MGA systems again after the “Casino Secrets” leak. Space & Earth Observation: Europe’s commercial lunar rover plans move forward with a 2029 south-pole mission, while satellite-driven environmental monitoring (Sentinel data) is being used to track biodiversity and tourism pressure on Lanzarote.

World Tourism Day & Malta’s AI push: Malta’s Tourism Authority has launched a public AI Tourism Platform that brings together MTA Traveller Survey data and National Statistics Office inbound tourism figures in one place for operators, policymakers, researchers and the public. Education & AI governance: Prime Minister Robert Abela says a new student behavioural framework is coming, with protocols on school behaviour, search procedures and emergency responses, while PISA results are prompting calls for a “hard look” at Malta’s education direction and stronger critical thinking. Central Bank strategy: The Central Bank of Malta unveiled its 2027–2030 Strategic Plan, stressing cyber threats, financial innovation and climate risks, with priorities across payments, financial stability and operational excellence. Responsible AI in gaming: Malta Gaming Authority developments include an AI charter for responsible use across the sector. Space & ocean science: Europe’s first commercial lunar rover mission confirms a 2029 Moon flight, while OceanEye’s international alliance secured major pledges to expand global ocean observing. EU tech regulation: The European Commission published big-tech reports on Digital Services Act compliance, including disinformation measures. Tourism tech partnerships: Trust Payments and felloh formalised a deeper deal linking payment processing with back-office reconciliation and reporting for travel businesses. Health preparedness: Deputy PM Ian Borg told the UN that pandemic preparedness for small states must be practical, flexible and built on international cooperation.

Malta’s AI in health talks: Deputy PM and Health Minister Ian Borg met Mayo Clinic in the US to discuss AI in clinical practice and digital health, with a focus on how Malta can integrate advanced tech into patient care. Central Bank strategy: The Central Bank of Malta unveiled its Strategic Plan 2027–2030, highlighting cyber threats, payments modernisation, financial stability and operational resilience. Armed Forces upgrade: Malta’s AFM will receive about €7.4m for a King Air mid-life upgrade and Malta’s first Ground Simulator Training Device. Ocean observing funding: The OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System was launched at the UN, with the EU pledging €92m and Canada C$82m over five years. Space for Europe: Belgium’s LUVMI-M lunar rover is set to fly to the Moon’s south pole in early 2029 on Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1. EU tech compliance push: The European Commission published DSA compliance reports from major platforms including Meta, TikTok and Google, stepping up enforcement on disinformation. Malta culture-tech link: Victoria (Gozo) was recommended as European Capital of Culture 2031, with projects mixing ecology and digital fabrication.

Pandemic Preparedness: Malta’s Deputy PM and Health Minister Ian Borg told a UN meeting in New York that future pandemic planning must be practical for small states, stressing flexible regional and international cooperation and stronger health-system readiness. AI in Healthcare: Borg also met Mayo Clinic in the US to discuss AI use in clinical practice and digital health, exploring how Malta could cooperate on complex patient care. Ocean Monitoring Funding: The OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System was launched at the UN, with Canada pledging C$82m and the EU €92m to expand ocean data for weather, climate, safety and coastal protection. Central Banking Strategy: Malta’s Central Bank unveiled its 2027–2030 strategic plan, highlighting cyber threats, climate risks and payments/cash services alongside financial stability and operational excellence. Malta Gaming & Cybersecurity: A Berlin court backed Malta Gaming Authority’s injunction case in the “Casino Secrets” dispute, reportedly barring a security researcher from hacking MGA systems again. Defence Tech Upgrade: Malta’s Armed Forces will receive about €7.4m for King Air upgrades and a new ground simulator training device. Local Tech & Governance: Gozo appointed Juergen Attard as CEO of GRDA and Abigail Camilleri as its first chairperson. EU Legal Pressure: The European Commission opened infringement steps against Malta and other states over incomplete transposition of industrial emissions and energy-market rules.

Ocean Monitoring Funding: The OceanEye International Alliance was launched at the UN in New York, with the EU pledging €92m and Canada adding C$82m over five years to strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System, supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions, maritime safety and coastal protection. Malta Tech & Research: Malta’s University of Malta is using Satlink satellite-connected surface drifters for the TecMAReco project to track surface currents and sea-surface temperature in real time, helping study the movement of floating marine debris. Space for Europe: Belgium’s LUVMI-M lunar rover is set for a 2029 Moon south-pole mission on Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 lander, a milestone for European commercial lunar plans. AI & Youth Health: A large JAMA Pediatrics study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems in children and teens, raising questions about when AI becomes an emotional refuge. Local Governance & Security Tech: Malta’s Armed Forces will receive about €7.4m for King Air upgrades and a new ground simulator training device. Policy & Compliance: The EU Commission opened infringement steps against Malta and others over incomplete transposition of industrial emissions and other rules. Central Banking: Malta’s Central Bank unveiled its 2027–2030 strategic plan, stressing cyber threats, innovation and operational resilience.

Malta Security Upgrade: Malta’s Armed Forces will receive about €7.4 million to modernise its King Air fleet and buy Malta’s first Ground Simulator Training Device, boosting surveillance, border control and crew training. AI & Healthcare Links: Deputy PM and Health Minister Ian Borg met Mayo Clinic to discuss AI in clinical practice and digital health cooperation for Malta’s future patient care. Ocean Tech Funding: The EU and Canada launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at the UN, with pledges adding up to at least €211 million to strengthen ocean monitoring worldwide. Marine Research in Malta: The University of Malta is using Satlink satellite-connected surface drifters for TecMAReco to track surface currents and help study floating marine debris. Work-Life Balance Push: Malta’s equality body is urging work-life balance measures in the 2027 budget after alarm over the country’s extremely low fertility rate. EU Digital Rules: The European Commission published Digital Services Act disinformation compliance reports from major platforms, detailing election-related speech restrictions. Business & Tech Leadership: Logicom reshuffled its top team, with Anthoulis Papachristoforou taking CEO responsibilities for day-to-day technology operations. Logistics Costs: DHL Express Malta announced 2027 price adjustments, with an average increase of 4.9%.

Culture & Tech in Malta: Malta’s city of Victoria has been recommended as European Capital of Culture 2031, with a programme that explicitly mixes arts, scientists and communities—plus projects like “Atlas of Liquid Memory” and “Ġenerazzjoni 31,” which uses digital fabrication and other new technologies. Ocean Data for Malta: The University of Malta is using Satlink satellite-connected surface drifters for TecMAReco to track surface currents and sea-surface temperature in real time, helping researchers study the transport of floating marine debris and validate ocean circulation models. EU-Canada Ocean Observing Push: The OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System was launched at the UN in New York, with EU seed funding of €92m and Canada pledging C$82m over five years, aiming to plug data gaps and strengthen GOOS coordination. Semiconductors & AI Supply: GlobalFoundries says it will accelerate capacity expansion for RF and other chips as AI demand grows, including optimisations across sites and a focus on its Singapore capacity. EU Crypto Rules: The EBA is urging tighter EU oversight of crypto borrowing and lending, including access to DeFi lending protocols under MiCA, with suitability tests, leverage limits and extra disclosures. Malta Legal Update: The European Court of Human Rights rejected the Degiorgio brothers’ complaints over their defence in the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder case.

Ocean Tech Funding: The EU and Canada have launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at UNGA, with almost €220m in pledges so far (including €92m from the EU and CA$82m from Canada) to back sensors, drones, vessels and data hubs. EU Crypto Regulation: The EBA is pushing to bring crypto borrowing and lending, including access to DeFi lending protocols, under MiCA—potentially adding suitability checks, leverage limits and extra disclosures. Malta-Cyprus Business & Cyber: Cyprus and Malta firms are meeting to expand joint investment and partnerships across technology, financial services, manufacturing and cyber security. Medtech Support: Malta-linked Elevate Medtech has relaunched its website around the device journey to market, mapping regulatory pathways across Europe, the UK and the US. Climate & Water Pressure: Eurostat reports Cyprus emissions rose 67.1% since 1990, while drought hit 13% of Cyprus’ land in 2024—Malta tops drought impact at 57.5%. Malta Planning Watch: Malta’s planning directorate backs in-principle approval for a first crematorium near Addolorata, despite environmental and local council objections. AI in Gaming (Malta): Malta Gaming Authority moves to formalise responsible AI use via an AI Gaming Charter. iGaming Testing Expansion: Malta-based RiskCherry expands to five new regulated jurisdictions, reaching 24 markets for online casino game certification.

Malta AI & gambling governance: The Malta Gaming Authority, with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, has launched an AI Gaming Charter for responsible use across the sector, stressing human oversight, transparency, data governance, fairness, system robustness and even environmental sustainability. Climate & drought pressure: Eurostat reports Cyprus’ greenhouse gas emissions rose 67.1% from 1990 to 2024 (EU overall fell), while drought impacts hit 13% of Cyprus’ land in 2024; Malta tops the EU drought-affected share at 57.5%. Ocean science funding: Canada and the EU backed the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, securing about $339m in pledges to boost ocean observation for forecasting, climate and coastal protection. Health research push: UC Davis announced a Translational Brain Tumor Center linking human and veterinary teams, with trials underway for canine glioma to speed better treatments across species. Payments & fintech: A Trust Payments study says missed payments aren’t just customer intent—administrative errors and limited payment options also play a role. Cybersecurity in gaming: A Curaçao Gaming Authority breach exposed hundreds of gambling ownership records after a researcher gained portal access using a fictitious identity.