PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ECONOMY, TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGIC PROJECTS Government affirms its commitment to a robust legal framework for social enterprises

In response to the statement by the Shadow Minister for the Self-Employed, Small Enterprises and Cooperatives, Michael Piccinino, the Government wishes to affirm and assure that the Bill amending the Social Enterprise Act was presented in Parliament in March 2026 and was subsequently published in the Government Gazette the following month. The remaining steps are simply a matter of parliamentary procedure.

This process could not continue because Parliament was dissolved due to the general election.

The Social Enterprise Act requires the appointment of the Regulator before it can come into force. Following developments in the sector, it was felt that further amendments were necessary for the implementation of the Act.

The Opposition is well aware of this. It was kept updated on the work being carried out with the stakeholders concerned throughout the entire process.

The Government remains committed to implementing a credible and robust framework for social enterprises — one that provides certainty to operators, protects the integrity of the term “social enterprise”, and ensures that this sector can continue to grow in a serious, transparent and sustainable manner.