26 October 2026 – The Malta Business Bureau (MBB) has issued a clear call for proactive, aligned advocacy across government and industry to secure a business-friendly European framework and an advantageous EU budget package for Malta.

Addressing top EU leaders and national stakeholder gathered to celebrate MBB’s 30th anniversary, CEO Mario Xuereb urged aligned action on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, maritime connectivity, and Single Market competitiveness.

Key political figures addressing the event included European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef, and Minister for European Fund, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti.

Securing Malta’s Priorities and Next MFF Package

Highlighting MBB’s active role in promoting the interests of Maltese business and industry, CEO Mario Xuereb outlined how early intervention is essential to shape incoming EU policies and funding allocations.

“This year, the MBB engaged early to ensure that the interests of Malta’s business community and industry were reflected in the EU Islands Strategy, as well as in the amendments proposed as part of the reform of the Emissions Trading System (ETS),” he said.

Beyond immediate legislative files, the MBB emphasized its active role in advocating for an advantageous MFF package for Malta over the next seven years. It stressed that a robust, tailored financial package is critical to help local SMEs navigate the green and digital transitions while maintaining their competitive edge.

Minister Keith Azzopardi Tanti supported this call for structured collaboration, noting that SMEs need strong institutional back-up to keep pace with complex EU rules. “Malta must be present, engaged and proactive in shaping European decisions. We must ensure that European ambitions translate into practical solutions,” Minister Azzopardi Tanti said, highlighting the need for joint action between ministries, business bodies, and Malta’s Permanent Representation to the EU.

High-Level Political Agenda

Addressing delegates, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commissioner Glenn Micallef reflected on how European policy can better accommodate island state realities through structured dialogue. In a dedicated fireside chat, President Emeritus H.E. George Vella examined the EU’s role in an ever-shifting geopolitical context.

The event was opened by The Malta Chamber President William Spiteri Bailey and MHRA President Tony Zahra. A panel led by MBB Head of Projects Gabriel Cassar examined coordinated Maltese business advocacy alongside former EESC (Employers) President Stefano Mallia and DG EUCD Leandro Borg.

MBB President Raphael Aloisio concluded the meeting by detailing internal operational updates designed to help the organisation respond even faster to Brussels proposals. Mr Aloisio pointed to ongoing joint efforts on ETS maritime impacts, island-state connectivity, and upcoming EU omnibus initiatives aimed at cutting administrative burdens.

Three Decades as an Early-Warning System

The MBB was established in October 1996 by The Malta Chamber and the Federation of Industry to connect local business with European decision-makers. Operating from Brussels, it monitored EU developments ahead of Malta’s accession. In 2004, the MHRA joined as a partner organisation, and the MBB moved into its permanent Brussels headquarters.

Today, the MBB acts as a vital early-warning system for The Malta Chamber and MHRA, and serves as a technical advisor to the Maltese Government in terms of EU policy.

Pan-European Backing

Top administrators from Europe’s leading business associations reinforced the MBB’s collaborative influence in Brussels:

• BusinessEurope: Director General Markus Beyrer commended the MBB’s 30-year contribution and urged EU leaders to join forces with industry to turn competitiveness ambitions into tangible regulatory relief.
• Eurochambres: Chief Executive Officer Ben Butters highlighted the close network of European chambers working to dismantle Single Market barriers, praising MBB as a trusted strategic partner.
• HOTREC: Director General Marie Audren stressed the vital collaboration between HOTREC, MHRA, and the MBB in keeping EU hospitality rules realistic and supportive for SMEs.