Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547021
PETER Agius wants a temporary halving of EU emission charges on air and sea transport to and from Malta, arguing the current system is unfair on island states. The Nationalist MEP on Tues- day tabled 86 amendments to the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), calling for an "island derogation" to be inserted. The intention is to in- clude a derogation that would expire in 2040, allowing a reduc- tion of ETS charges by 50%. The amendments would rec- ognise Malta's unique depend- ence on maritime and air links because it has no railways or highways linking it to mainland Europe. The ETS imposes costs on transport operators based on the emissions generated by maritime and aviation activity. Agius said Malta is being disproportionate- ly affected because practically all goods entering the country must arrive by sea or air. This, he add- ed, ultimately feeds into the cost of living. "Right now Malta is paying a disproportionate price for all sea and air transport with an added EU ETS tax which unfortunately is not taking into consideration the total dependency of islands like Malta on sea and air trans- port," Agius said. His proposals would introduce a temporary 50% reduction in applicable ETS charges for air and maritime transport to and from islands, with the deroga- tion remaining in place until 2040. Agius said calling for a 50% reduction made it possible to gather support for the measure. "This balanced approach makes it possible for me to gath- er support for an 'Islands dero- gation' which can save Malta €60 million yearly on our cost of liv- ing," Agius said. He added that according to the Association of Tractor and Trailer Operators (ATTO), around 67,000 containers travel to and from Malta by sea every year, with ETS charges estimat- ed at around €530 per container. A 50% reduction would there- fore cut that charge by around €265 per container, potentially reducing transport costs for im- porters. Agius argues this would ease the pressure on consumer prices. The impact is also significant in aviation. Agius cited Central Bank of Malta figures estimat- ing the cost of ETS charges on flights to and from Malta at €88 million. Agius said Malta should con- tinue contributing to Europe's climate objectives but insisted the transition must take the par- ticular realities of island states into account. "We want to support meas- ures to save the planet for our families and future generations, however these efforts need to be proportionate on their impact on islands," he said. The proposed exemptions would not be permanent. Agi- us is proposing that they be gradually phased out while en- couraging transport operators and public authorities to invest more heavily in greener forms of transport ahead of 2040. He said the changes are intend- ed to correct what he described as government's failure to secure adequate protection for Malta when the ETS rules were origi- nally negotiated. 3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS Peter Agius wants 'unfair' EU emissions charges on Malta transport halved JAELLE BORG jborgmediatoday.com.mt MEP Peter Agius tables 86 amendments to the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme, seeking a 50% reduction in charges on transport to and from Malta until 2040 MEP Peter Agius Parliament launches official Facebook page Speaker Carmelo Abela says that the Facebook page will provide information regarding parliamentary proceedings, sittings, and activities PARLIAMENT has launched its official Facebook page to stay in closer contact with Maltese citizens, share information, and continue communicating about work inside Parliament. "Here, we will share informa- tion regarding parliamentary proceedings, sittings, and activ- ities—both my own as Speaker and those of the Parliament in general," Speaker Carmelo Abela said in a Facebook video shared on Tuesday morning. He said he also wishes to pro- vide a platform for Members of Parliament to showcase their work. Parliament re-opened on Monday afternoon after the summer recess. Abela also said the page intends to be a space for information, participation, and civic dialogue, encouraging anyone who wishes to do so responsibly. He emphasised that offensive or inappropriate comments will be removed. "I invite you to follow this page so that you can stay informed about the work of our country's highest institution," he conclud- ed. JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt Parliament Speaker Carmelo Abela also said the page intends to be a space for information, participation, and civic dialogue, encouraging anyone who wishes to do so responsibly