EU Policy

Malta Business Bureau's policy & advocacy.

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EU Policy

Brief introduction

Discover the main areas covered by the MBB policy team.

Our primary role is to follow EU policy developments, relay information to members of The Malta Chamber and MHRA, and represent their interests with EU policymakers. The MBB achieves this by liaising directly with the EU institutions, the Maltese EU Permanent Representation, and Maltese Government Ministries on salient issues and policy proposals affecting businesses.

MBB position papers

MBB Position Papers.

Quality Traineeships Initiatives

September 18, 2024
Traineeships have long been recognized as a crucial mechanism for developing skills and gaining practical experience, effectively bridging the gap between academic education and professional careers.

EU Talent Pool

May 24, 2024
The EU Talent Pool aims to address labour and skills shortages through economic migration.

Revision of the Energy Tax Directive (Updated)

April 18, 2024

Revised Travel Package Directive

April 12, 2024
The revised package travel directive brings about several updates to traveller rights in Europe, namely on processes such as downpayments, refunds, vouchers, insolvency protection, and linked travel arrangements.

Transfer Payments Directive

February 16, 2024
The Transfer Pricing Directive aims to harmonize rules but faces concerns over complexity and compliance costs.

Late Payment Regulation

January 22, 2024
EU proposes 30-day max payment, interest, and enforcement for late payments, benefiting SMEs.

EU Customs Reform Package

October 2, 2023
EU Customs Union reform addresses e-commerce challenges, introduces AI, and aims for efficient trade facilitation.

Green Claims Directive

July 25, 2023
Proposal combats greenwashing, enforces transparency, and impacts businesses, consumers, and labelling schemes for environmental claims.

Right to Repair Directive

June 20, 2023
EU proposes Repair Directive to reduce waste, strengthen consumer rights, and navigate business challenges responsibly.

EU Listing Act

May 18, 2023
EU's Listing Act proposes changes for SMEs, emphasising market reforms and financial flexibility.

Short-Term Rentals Initiative

March 9, 2023
EU Short-Term Rental (STR) regulation tackles challenges, promotes transparency, and benefits tourism; addresses data gaps, compliance, and accountability.

Cybersecurity Resilience Act

February 24, 2023
The Cyber Resilience Act enhances EU cybersecurity, covering product life cycle, market surveillance, design, and vulnerabilities reporting.

Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation

February 6, 2023
EU proposes recycling-oriented Packaging Directive revision; businesses face challenges; call for clear guidelines and support.

Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI)

January 6, 2023
EU proposes SMEI for crisis resilience; businesses voice concerns over obligations, sanctions, and SME impact.

EU Data Act

October 17, 2022

Digital Education – Enabling factors for success

September 19, 2022

Revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

September 12, 2022

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

August 31, 2022

Single Market Emergency Instrument

July 5, 2022

Revised Combined Transport Directive

June 30, 2022

Revised Package Travel Directive

May 31, 2022

Collective Agreements of Self-employed Persons

February 26, 2022

Fit For 55 First Package

December 3, 2021

Tourism Transition Pathways

September 29, 2021

Unshell EU

August 31, 2021

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive

July 7, 2021

Directive on Administrative Cooperation

June 25, 2021

EU Pay Transparency Directive

June 18, 2021

VAT Reform of Financial and Insurance Services

May 31, 2021

Digital Services Act

May 17, 2021

Adequate Minimum Wages

March 11, 2021

EU Trade Policy Review

November 16, 2020

Revision of Energy Tax Directive

October 24, 2020
Eurochambres urges cautious Energy Taxation Directive (ETD) changes to avoid harm to businesses, consumers, and tourism.

Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions

April 17, 2018

Mutual Recognition

April 5, 2018

Goods Package

March 2, 2018

Work-Life Balance for Parents and Carers

February 17, 2018

Single Digital Gateway

October 31, 2017

Single Market Information Tool

October 31, 2017

Geo-blocking

January 12, 2016

MBB policy briefs

MBB Policy Briefs.

Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation – Final Outcomes

September 30, 2024
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: New Packaging Regulations for a Sustainable Future. Discover the latest rules on recyclable packaging, minimum recycled content, package minimization, and bans on single-use plastics in hotels and food establishments.

Aerospace Transition Pathway

June 19, 2024
The initiative aims to bolster Europe’s economic and strategic autonomy, by focusing on resilience, sustainability, and digital competitiveness.

Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing

June 4, 2024
The latest initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing is set to revolutionize the EU’s approach towards sustainable production. Discover how the EU proposes to tackle regulatory hurdles, boost innovation, and foster investment to unlock the full potential of biotech.

Quality Traineeships Initiative

May 17, 2024
The EU is revising the framework to ensure fair, transparent, and informative traineeships. Key measures include fair pay, social protection, and preventing disguised employment. These changes aim to bridge skills gaps and support young professionals

Labour & Skills Shortages Policy Brief

May 15, 2024

Transition Pathway Platform

May 8, 2024
The EU's Transition Pathway Platform focuses on a sustainable and resilient agri-food system by 2030.

Communication: The Clean Transition Dialogues – Stocktaking

May 3, 2024
The European Commission aims to make Europe the world's first cliamte-neutral continent by 2050

Digital Infrastructures of Tomorrow

April 17, 2024
The European Commission has unveiled a holistic strategy to enhance Europe's Digital Infrastructures of tomorrow

EESS Policy Brief

April 11, 2024
The new European Economic Security Strategy paves the way for the European economy of the future

Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership

March 6, 2024
The EU prioritizes advanced materials for green and digital transitions

Package Travel Directive

February 28, 2024
The revised package travel directive proposes changes to the functioning of travel package operators, on the aspects of refunds, downpayments, insolvency protection, and linked travel arrangements, among others.

VAT in the Digital Age Package

November 22, 2023
EU introduces VAT overhaul: real-time reporting, updated rules for transport platforms, single registration for businesses.

Skills and Talent Mobility Package Policy Brief

November 21, 2023
EU unveils Skills and Talent Mobility package, featuring EU Talent Pool, qualifications recognition, and learner mobility.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Package

October 25, 2023
EU Commission proposes ADR framework review, broadening digital tools, simplifying consumer redress for cross-border disputes.

Regulation on Combating Late Payment in Commercial Transactions

October 11, 2023
EU businesses, especially SMEs, face late payment challenges; proposed Late Payment Regulation aims to improve payment discipline, protect companies.

Revised Waste Framework Directive

July 31, 2023
EU proposes Waste Framework Directive revision focusing on textile and food waste reduction targets. Key obligations outlined for producers.

Single Currency Package

July 17, 2023
EU proposes measures for euro banknotes, coins, and a legal framework for a digital euro. Prioritizes accessibility, privacy, and monetary sovereignty.

Consultation on CBAM Transitional Period

June 23, 2023
EU's CBAM sets rules for carbon-equivalent pricing on imports, reporting obligations, penalties for non-compliance.

EU Customs Reform Package Brief

June 23, 2023
EU proposes Customs Union reform for streamlined procedures, digital transformation, risk management, and e-commerce focus.

Revision of the EU General Pharmaceuticals Legislation

June 14, 2023
EU proposes major pharmaceutical legislation reform for better access, affordability, innovation; addressing patient access, supply security, and AMR.

Digital Company Law

May 22, 2023
EU proposes amendments to enhance digital tools in Company Law, reduce administrative burdens for businesses.

Update on Fit for 55 Packages (May 2023)

May 18, 2023
Revised EU directives target energy efficiency, renewables, emissions reduction, sustainable fuels, infrastructure, and tax reform.

Intellectual Property Package

May 16, 2023
EU proposes IP regulations for transparent framework, covering patents, crisis licensing, and supplementary protection certificates.

Cyber Security Package

May 8, 2023
EU Cyber Security Package boosts resilience, skills; Malta adopts measures, National Cyber Security Strategy.

Digital Skills in Education and Training & Key Enabling Factors for Successful Digital Education and Training

May 2, 2023
EU Council Recommendations emphasize digital education, skills, and strategies for Member States' implementation.

Net-Zero Industry Act

April 12, 2023
EU's Net Zero Industry Act accelerates net-zero tech production, faster permits, sustainability in public procurement.

Green Claims Directive

April 5, 2023
EU proposes Directive to curb misleading green claims by companies, ensuring reliability, preventing greenwashing, and promoting circular economy.

Right to Repair Directive

April 5, 2023
EU proposes Right to Repair Directive to cut product waste, boost circularity, and enhance consumer protection.

EU Design Reform Package

February 2, 2023
EU proposes Industrial Design Reform for broader product scope, digital forms, and defence mechanisms.

EU Listing Act

January 23, 2023
EU's Listing Act addresses finance gaps, offering viable alternatives for European companies' sustainable growth.

Product Liability Directive (PLD) & Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive (AILD)

January 20, 2023
EU adopts directives for fair compensation, updates liability rules, includes AI, aligns with circular economy.

Short-Term Rental Initiative

January 18, 2023
EU proposes Short Term Rental regulation for fair play, host registration, and transparency in accommodation services.

Regulation on Prohibiting Products made with Forced Labour on the Union Market

December 16, 2022

Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation

December 16, 2022
EU proposes recycling-oriented Packaging Directive revision; businesses face challenges; call for clear guidelines and support.

Cyber Resilience Act

December 7, 2022

Recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

November 7, 2022

Artificial Intelligence Act

August 23, 2022

Interim Update on Fit For 55 Package

July 31, 2022

Attracting Skills and Talent to the EU

June 8, 2022

EU Data Act

June 6, 2022

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products

May 26, 2022

EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work

July 21, 2021

Business Taxation for the 21st Century

June 10, 2021

European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan

May 22, 2021

2030 Digital Compass

May 18, 2021

Better Regulation

May 6, 2021

EU Southern Neighbourhood Strategy

February 15, 2021

Single Market Governance Package

October 1, 2020

EU Farm to Fork Strategy

September 11, 2020

EU Africa Strategy

July 10, 2020

Digital Services Act

June 16, 2020

An SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe

May 28, 2020

A New Industrial Strategy for Europe

April 20, 2020

EU Gender Equality Strategy

March 17, 2020

Shaping Europe’s Digital Future

March 9, 2020

A Strong Social Europe for Just Transition

February 19, 2020

Sustainable Europe Investment Plan

January 31, 2020

General Data Protection Regulation

September 16, 2016

Data Protection

March 10, 2016

Single Member Companies Directive

September 24, 2015

Food Safety Inspections

May 19, 2015