Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542822
16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 JANUARY 2026 NEWS Malta climbs index but progress MALTA has improved its stand- ing in the 2026 Climate Change Performance Index, moving up nine places to 25th and classified as a medium performer. The country received medium ratings for greenhouse gas emis- sions, energy use, and climate policy, while its renewable energy adoption remains low. Since the introduction of the Climate Action Act in 2015, Mal- ta has legally committed to cli- mate protection. However, CCPI experts note a gap between legis- lation and actual results. The es- tablishment of the Climate Action Authority in 2024 was intended to improve coordination of climate policies, but tangible reductions in greenhouse gas emissions remain limited, and implementation is weak. JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Offshore wind projects have stalled despite decades of planning with the contractor for Malta's first floating offshore installation expected to be chosen in 2028 Economy minister teases 'largest' foreign direct investment yet ECONOMY Minister Silvio Schembri said the next foreign direct investment in Malta is a medical technology firm and it will be the "largest" investment ever. Describing the development as "good news for Malta", Schembri said this will be the "largest foreign direct invest- ment" ever in the country's his- tory. The minister posted a video of himself on social media on Fri- day, saying he was in Chicago, the United States, with a dele- gation from Malta Enterprise, the state's investment arm, and Indis, a government industrial estate management agency. Schembri gave no details apart from the fact that the company specialised in medical technology (medtech) and talks have been going on for the past two years. He said the investment fits nicely with Vision 2050, the long-term strategic plan the government will unveil shortly, of attracting investment that creates value added and jobs without putting a strain on the country's resources. Schembri said the deal would help diversify Malta's economy and secure "new opportunities for young Maltese workers". Chicago is a hotbed of med- tech companies in the US, host- ing some of the largest firms in the sector. Medtech firms spe- cialise in medical equipment that can range from syringes to robots that perform surgery and are a crucial cog in the life sciences sector alongside phar- maceutical companies. KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt Silvio Schembri addressing the MedTech World congress held in Malta last November (Photo: MedTech World)