PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE AND THE REFORM OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR Justice Minister highlights Malta’s progress in Rule of Law reforms at the General Affairs Council

Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard delivered a comprehensive presentation at the General Affairs Council held in Brussels, focusing on Malta's significant reforms in the context of the 2024 Rule of Law Report. This presentation marks the third round of country-specific discussions, which also includes key developments in the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland.

The minister expressed his gratitude to the European Commission for its ongoing cooperation and support throughout Malta's reform journey. “Malta has undergone pivotal institutional and judicial reforms since 2020, responding to recommendations from various international partners, including the Commission, the Venice Commission, GRECO, and the OSCE," he stated.

The reforms initiated in 2020 were comprehensive, addressing fundamental constitutional arrangements that had remained unchanged since Malta's independence. The minister highlighted the successful implementation of these reforms, noting that many initiatives have shown positive results, while others continue to evolve. “The establishment of a fully separate Prosecution Service has been a significant milestone. As of 1 October 2024, the Attorney General now prosecutes all non-summary offences, marking a transformative step in our justice system," he explained. The Office of the Attorney General has expanded its staff by 80% from 2020 to 2024, with 73% of the staff currently serving as prosecutors.

Since the last presentation in 2022, Malta has made notable appointments in institutional roles using revised procedures that ensure a two-thirds majority approval in the House of Representatives. This has led to an increase in the number of judges and magistrates in Malta by 34% since 2020, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing the judiciary. The minister also emphasised the substantial investments made in the Malta Police Force, particularly in the Financial Crimes Investigations Department, which has seen an 81% increase in staff and a 260% rise in expenditures from 2018 to 2023.

Looking ahead, Minister Jonathan Attard outlined key actions currently being implemented or proposed, particularly in the justice sector. Additionally, reforms are underway to enhance the efficiency of the justice system, including the establishment of a specialised Commercial Court and a Family Court reform aimed at prioritising the well-being of children in legal proceedings.

On anti-corruption efforts, the minister noted that the government is addressing challenges related to the length of investigations in high-level corruption cases. New magistrates have been appointed to expedite inquiries, and draft legislation is being developed to reform the system of inquests.

In terms of media pluralism and freedom, Malta has taken significant strides, being the first EU Member State to transpose the Anti-SLAPP Directive. This was also highlighted and acknowledged by EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. This legislation aims to protect public participation and prevent abusive legal actions against individuals exercising their rights to free speech.

The minister concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to continuous improvement in the rule of law. “While we have made significant progress, we recognise that there is still much work to be done. Our enthusiasm for maintaining positive momentum in these reforms is unwavering," he stated.

The presentation at the General Affairs Council underscores Malta's dedication to upholding the rule of law and fostering a robust democratic framework, aligning with the European Union's values and standards.