Susan MeierAccording to the 31st Annual Report on Monitoring the Application of EU Law, recently released by the European Commission, Malta has been recognised as one of the most compliant Member States in the bloc.
The statistics highlight countries with the fewest pending infringement proceedings, with Malta securing second place. Across the board, the number of infringements against EU Member States has decreased, while the resolution rate for issues has improved. These figures reflect a growing determination among Member States to work closely with the European Commission to resolve compliance issues swiftly when they arise.
The majority of infringements (62%) relate to taxation, the environment, and the internal market and services. The Member States with the poorest compliance records were Italy, Spain, and Greece. Conversely, the top performers were Latvia, Malta, and Estonia.
One notable issue Malta successfully resolved involved the two-tier pricing system for public transport. When the private operator Arriva took over the bus network in 2011, they introduced a fare structure that offered significant discounts to residents while charging non-residents more. The European Commission heavily criticized this measure, citing the requirement for equal treatment of all EU citizens. Since the beginning of 2014, bus fares have been standardised for residents and visitors alike.
In our view, Malta is making significant strides to align with EU regulations while improving the economy and quality of life on the islands. It is an excellent time to consider relocating to Malta. The outlook is positive, and the island is truly thriving.
