Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544529
CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 Malta's performance places it just behind frontrunners such as Luxembourg (75%), Denmark (70%), Estonia (68%) and Bel- gium (64%). At the same time, it significantly outpaces regional counterparts including Greece (40%), Cyprus (29%), Bulgaria (26%) and Italy (13%). Notably, Malta also records one of the highest proportions of citizens who are "very satisfied," ranking third in this category, while maintaining a relatively low overall dissatisfaction rate of 16%. This comparative advantage suggests that Malta has succeed- ed in fostering a more responsive and citizen-oriented adminis- trative culture than many of its peers. While satisfaction levels alone do not tell the full story, they are closely tied to efficiency, accessibility and trust in institu- tions. One of the survey's more re- vealing indicators concerns pre- dictability in dealings with public services. Malta ranks first in the EU for citizens reporting that they only occasionally need more contact than initially expected when handling administrative procedures. Some 65% of respondents said additional interaction was re- quired only about a quarter of the time. This points to a system where processes are generally clear from the outset, reducing frustration and uncertainty. The data also highlights strong citizen engagement with pub- lic administration. Only 3% of respondents in Malta reported having no interaction with public services over the past two years— less than half the EU average of 7%. This indicates not only acces- sibility but also the central role public services play in Maltese society. Importantly, dissatisfaction remains limited. Just 5% of re- spondents said they were "very dissatisfied", suggesting negative experiences are not widespread. Malta also stands out for the flexibility of its data management systems. 60% of respondents say it is easy to update personal da- ta held by public authorities— well above figures recorded in countries such as Netherlands (32%), Slovenia (25%) and Fin- land (20%). This positions Malta among the stronger performers in enabling citizens to keep their official records accurate and up to date. Expectations for digital service delivery are also notably high. While 58% of Maltese respond- ents say easy-to-use digital servic- es are "very important"—above the EU average—this reflects a population that increasingly sees digital access not as an added benefit but as a basic standard. This demand is matched by strong uptake: 76% of citizens reported interacting with public administration to use a service, such as requesting documents or registering life events. This fig- ure surpasses similarly high-per- forming countries like the Neth- erlands (72%) and Sweden (75%), underlining the centrality of pub- lic services in everyday life. However, the survey also high- lights a clear area for improve- ment. A significant 81% of Mal- tese respondents say they are asked to provide the same per- sonal data repeatedly. While this issue is not unique to Malta— being even higher in countries like Poland (92%) and Romania (78%)—it points to the need for further progress towards a streamlined "once-only" princi- ple in data handling. At the same time, Malta's ad- ministration appears to be suc- cessfully balancing digital and traditional channels. Two main methods of interac- tion are used by 50% and 47% of citizens respectively, suggesting a hybrid model that accommo- dates different preferences while maintaining consistent service quality. 2 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 APRIL 2026 NEWS Jurgen Cassar identified as man who died after getting crushed by garbage truck machinery JURGEN Cassar had been identified as the man who was found dead after being crushed by the machinery of a garbage truck he was work- ing with on Tuesday morn- ing. The 40-year-old father of one was working on the back of his truck in Triq il-Kaċċa- tur, Ħal Qormi, when he was caught underneath the waste collection truck. Police were informed and immediately arrived at the scene together with mem- bers of the Civil Protection. The man was certified dead at the scene. Magistrate Monica Borg Galea was informed about the case and appointed an inquiry. Investigations by the police and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority are on- going. EVA BRANNON ebrannon@mediatoday.com.mt Flash Eurobarometer shows strong citizen engagement, predictability and trust in Maltese administration Prime minister visits db Group's upcoming Hard Rock Hotel PRIME Minister Robert Abela visited the controversial Hard Rock Hotel being constructed by db Group in St Julian's. Abela spoke highly of the pro- ject, describing it as one which "continues to strengthen Mal- ta's position as a high quality tourism destination." According to a statement by the OPM, the hotel is be- ing built with sustainability in mind, as it will be a primary Hard Rock hotel in Europe, Af- rica, and the Middle East. The db Group was the only bidder when the government had issued a controversial re- quest for proposals for the de- velopment of the former Insti- tute for Tourism Studies site in 2015. Last September, MaltaToday visited the project's surround- ings, as residents bore the brunt of having their home right next to a massive construction site. Residents also anticipate a rise in traffic in the area like never before once the hotel is built. On Monday, Abela boasted that the massive private invest- ment is being made during a time of international economic turmoil. He also mentioned new regu- lations for the hospitality sec- tor that will "raise the quality of the sector." Meanwhile, db Group Chair- man Silvio Debono stated that the project inspires the com- pany to broaden its horizons, promising to keep investing in Malta and to keep bringing global brands to the island. MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Prime Minister Robert Abela (Photo: DOI)