Position Paper

The Malta Business Bureau (MBB) welcomes the European Commission’s Environment Omnibus as a necessary initiative aimed at simplifying environmental legislation and reducing administrative burdens for businesses across the EU . At a moment when European competitiveness is under increasing pressure from global competitors, regulatory fragmentation and inefficiencies risk undermining business investment, innovation, and the proper functioning of the Single Market.

The European Business Wallet (EBW) is a core component of the Digital Package, proposed as a harmonised digital solution to significantly simplify administrative procedures for companies and public sector bodies across the EU.

The European Commission has presented plans to strengthen European industry’s access to critical raw materials.

Proposals such as joint purchasing, stockpiling, and increased funding promise to bring benefits for small economies such as Malta. Nonetheless, we emphasise our concerns on plans to restrict exports of waste materials.

The Malta Business Bureau welcomes the EU’s efforts to cut red tape through the fourth Omnibus Simplification Package. The new plan introduces a “Small Mid-Cap” (SMC) category, extending certain SME regulatory benefits to companies just above the SME threshold. This move aims to remove growth barriers for mid-sized businesses and boost EU competitiveness, as recommended by Draghi and Letta reports.

The Malta Business Bureau (MBB) favours sustainable and responsible business practices and believes that these could be achieved through smart and practical solutions engrained in competitiveness.

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.

The EU Talent Pool aims to address labour and skills shortages through economic migration.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

EU’s Listing Act proposes changes for SMEs, emphasising market reforms and financial flexibility.

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

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

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

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