Local Councils' Association Malta

01/11/2026

🌍🚀 New Month, New Challenges, New Commitments!

🇲🇹 November kicks off in Barcelona at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2026, taking place from 3–5 November!

We are particularly proud to share that, for the very first time, the Local Councils’ Association will be hosting its own information stand at this prestigious international event, showcasing Malta’s local government sector, our achievements, initiatives and vision for the future of our communities.

🏙️ This is another important milestone in our efforts to give Maltese local government greater visibility on the international stage, while creating opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing and cooperation with cities and regions from across the world.

Together with a delegation of Maltese Mayors, Local Councillors, Regional Presidents and Executive Secretaries, we will be exploring innovative approaches to sustainable mobility, smart cities, digital transformation, urban planning, environmental sustainability and better public services.

🤝 But our presence is about much more than attending an international congress. It is about building relationships, opening doors, exchanging ideas and bringing practical solutions back to our localities.

Malta may be a small island nation, but we have every reason to participate, contribute and make our voices heard in discussions shaping the future of cities and communities.

Our guiding principle remains unchanged: Residents First – Better Quality of Life.

💡 Innovation should never be an end in itself. It must translate into better, more inclusive, sustainable and liveable communities for the people we represent.

🇲🇹 Together, we are proud to see Malta's local government sector taking another step forward on the international stage!

🔗 https://www.smartcityexpo.com/

Join Smart City Expo World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, the world’s biggest event for smart cities. Discover top projects, connect with global leaders.

30/10/2026

🇲🇹 🇹🇷 STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION THROUGH CULTURE, HERITAGE AND LOCAL GOVERNANCE!

🌍 A delegation of three Maltese Mayors represented the Local Councils’ Association in our annual international engagement in Muratpaşa, Türkiye, as part of the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival.

Our delegation consisted of:

Ms Joan Agius – Mayor of Żejtun

Mr Paul Vella – Mayor of Mġarr

Mr Paul Buttigieg – Mayor of Qala, Gozo

🍽️ This year's festival was dedicated to the theme of “World Ancient Cuisine”, celebrating the culinary traditions, cultural heritage and historical identities that connect communities across different countries.

As part of Malta's contribution, the Local Councils’ Association produced an authentic video presentation showcasing our traditional cuisine and its deep connection to our history, culture and identity.

A special word of appreciation goes to Dr Liam Gauci for his valuable contribution towards bringing Malta's rich culinary heritage to life through this presentation.

🌿 The three Mayors also took the opportunity to promote the distinctive culinary traditions and gastronomic attractions of their respective localities and regions.

🫒 Mayor Joan Agius highlighted Żejtun's longstanding association with olive cultivation and olive oil production, an important element of the locality's agricultural and cultural heritage.

🍓 Mayor Paul Vella promoted Mġarr's renowned Festa Frawli, a celebration of locally grown strawberries, agricultural traditions and the work of the farming community.

🍽️ Mayor Paul Buttigieg showcased Gozo's rich culinary heritage and promoted the Gozo Region's recognition as a European Region of Gastronomy, highlighting the island's traditional food, local produce and gastronomic identity.

Together, these contributions demonstrated how food and culinary traditions can serve as powerful instruments for promoting local identity, supporting agricultural communities and strengthening cultural tourism.

🤝 Our participation in the Kaleiçi Old Town Festival goes well beyond an annual cultural exchange.

Over the years, the Local Councils’ Association has developed a strong and lasting relationship with Muratpaşa Municipality, built on mutual respect, cultural understanding and a shared commitment to international cooperation.

🇪🇺 This partnership continues throughout the year through collaboration on European project proposals, joint project development and submissions, and the exchange of experiences and good practices in local governance.

Such relationships demonstrate how international partnerships between municipalities can create meaningful opportunities for our communities, extending beyond cultural activities into practical cooperation and shared initiatives.

🙏 We extend our sincere appreciation to Muratpaşa Municipality for its hospitality, friendship and continued commitment to this longstanding partnership.

👏 Our thanks also go to our three Mayors for representing the Local Councils’ Association and Malta, promoting our local traditions and strengthening these important international ties.

🌍 International cooperation is not simply about attending events. It is about building lasting relationships, creating opportunities and ensuring that our local communities remain connected to the wider world.

🇲🇹 Proud of our heritage. Committed to cooperation. Building bridges between communities.

29/10/2026

🇲🇹 🇪🇺 Small Island, Strong Commitment, Valuable Contributions!

👏 Congratulations to Emvin Bartolo, member of the Maltese Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, for his contribution as Rapporteur on the observation of the partial local elections held in 10 municipalities in Serbia on 29 March 2026.

Malta may be a small island nation, but our size does not limit the knowledge, experience and commitment that our representatives bring to international institutions.

Through their participation in the Congress, members of the Maltese Delegation contribute to important discussions and initiatives concerning local democracy, electoral processes, good governance and the strengthening of democratic institutions across Europe.

Such responsibilities also demonstrate the importance of having knowledgeable and committed representatives who are prepared to contribute beyond our shores, while bringing valuable international experience back to Malta's local government sector.

👏 Well done, Emvin, and thank you for your commitment and contribution to the work of the Congress and the Maltese Delegation.

29/10/2026

WHEN DEFENDING RESIDENTS BECOMES A PERSONAL FINANCIAL RISK, SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG!

Yesterday, a Mayor was reportedly faced with a garnishee order (mandat ta’ sekwestru) in connection with the local council’s objection to a proposed development within an Urban Conservation Area in their locality.

Their objection was submitted in the course of carrying out their responsibilities as democratically elected representatives, seeking to safeguard the interests, heritage and quality of life of the residents they represent.

Let us be absolutely clear. Mayors and Councillors have both a right and a responsibility to represent their communities, including raising legitimate objections to developments they believe could negatively affect their localities.

Developers have every right to pursue their projects and defend their interests through lawful means. Equally, Local Councils must be free to exercise their statutory responsibilities without their elected members having to fear personal financial consequences simply for representing their residents.

We are deeply concerned by the use of personal legal measures in circumstances such as these. Such action risks creating a chilling effect, discouraging elected representatives from speaking up on matters of legitimate public concern.

Those who seek to use financial pressure to silence democratically elected representatives should reflect seriously on the implications of their actions. There is nothing to be proud of in attempting to discourage public representatives from carrying out their duties.

As the Local Councils’ Association, we stand firmly alongside our Mayors and Councillors.

We are monitoring this situation very closely and are pursuing the matter at Government level together with the respective Ministries to examine what legal and institutional safeguards are necessary to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.

This is not simply about protecting elected representatives in their official capacity. It is also about safeguarding their personal financial security, their livelihoods and, above all, their families, who should not have to bear the consequences of decisions taken in good faith in the exercise of public duties.

We will continue pressing for clear and effective protections for locally elected members acting lawfully and within their remit, so that they are not left personally exposed when defending the legitimate interests of their communities.

Local democracy cannot function properly if those elected to represent residents are afraid to speak, object or take a stand.

Our Mayors and Councillors must never be left to face such situations alone.

We will stand by them, defend their legitimate interests and continue working to ensure that their families are not made vulnerable simply because they chose to serve their communities.

Mario Fava
President

Times of Malta MaltaToday L-Orizzont Lovin Malta The Malta Independent TVMnews Kunsill Regjonali Port Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant Reġjun Punent Kunsill Reġjonali Għawdex Regjun Tramuntana Kunsill Reġjonali tan-Nofsinhar Local Councils' Association Malta Resident First

29/10/2026

🇲🇹 🇪🇺 GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE IN LOCAL DEMOCRACY!

👏 Kudos to Malta’s Youth Delegate to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Ms Cara Borg Aquilina, for taking the floor during today's session of the Chamber of Local Authorities in Strasbourg.

Cara contributed to two important discussions addressing challenges directly affecting local democracy and our communities:

🏛️ The Application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in the Smallest States – An important debate examining the particular realities, challenges and governance structures of Europe's smallest countries, including Malta.

🌍 Too Many or Too Few? When Overtourism and Depopulation Challenge Local Self-Government – A thematic debate addressing the pressures of tourism, demographic changes, housing affordability and the sustainability of our towns and villages.

At the Local Councils’ Association, we strongly believe that young people should not simply be observers of democratic processes but active participants in shaping policies and decisions that affect their communities and their future.

🤝 Seeing our Youth Delegate actively contributing to discussions alongside elected local and regional representatives from across Europe is precisely the kind of meaningful youth participation we want to encourage.

Youth participation is not just about discussing youth-related issues. Young people have a voice, an interest and a contribution to make across every aspect of local governance.

👏 Well done, Cara, for representing Malta and contributing to these important European discussions!

🇲🇹 The future of local democracy must be shaped with young people, not simply for them.

Borg aquilina

28/10/2026

🇲🇹 🐦 COULDN’T BE MORE DELIGHTED AND PROUD!

Our Rillu Merillu project has been selected as one of the finalists for the European Local Democracy Action (ELDA) Awards taking place in Cascais, Portugal!

🏆 This recognition means a great deal to us at the Local Councils’ Association, particularly because the project reflects something we strongly believe in: teaching children the values of active citizenship, participation and local democracy from an early age.

🐦 Through Rillu Merillu, we have brought local democracy closer to children by personifying Malta’s national bird, il-Merill, as a Mayor who takes a bird’s-eye view of the locality, observing its challenges, understanding the needs of its residents and encouraging everyone to play an active role in making their community a better place.

The idea is simple but carries an important message: democracy does not begin when someone reaches voting age. It begins when children learn that their opinions matter, that they have responsibilities towards their communities and that they too can contribute to positive change.

🏛️ Through storytelling, creativity and education, Rillu Merillu introduces children to the role of Local Councils, the responsibilities of Mayors and the importance of participation, inclusion, respect and community spirit.

🌍 Being recognised among the finalists at a European level is an encouraging acknowledgement of our efforts to make local democracy more accessible, engaging and meaningful to the youngest members of our communities.

For us, Rillu Merillu is much more than an educational project. It is an investment in the next generation of active citizens and, ultimately, in the future of our democracy.

👏 My sincere appreciation goes to everyone who contributed to developing and bringing this initiative to life.

🇲🇹 Whatever the final outcome in Cascais, seeing a Maltese initiative promoting children's participation and local democracy recognised internationally is already a proud achievement.

🐦 Because today's children are not only tomorrow's citizens. They are already members of our communities, and their voices deserve to be heard today!

28/10/2026

🇲🇹 🇪🇺 REPRESENTING MALTA'S LOCAL AND REGIONAL COMMUNITIES AT THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

🏛️ The Local Councils’ Association would like to thank the members of the Maltese Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe for their active participation during an intensive morning of discussions and debates in Strasbourg.

Today, Wednesday 28 October, the Congress held parallel sessions of the Chamber of Local Authorities and the Chamber of Regions, addressing several important challenges that directly affect our communities and the work of our Local and Regional Councils.

Among the key topics discussed were:

🔹 Local self-government in small states – Examining how the European Charter of Local Self-Government applies to Europe's smallest states, a particularly relevant discussion for Malta, where Local and Regional Councils operate within a highly centralised governance structure.

🔹 Financing local resilience – Discussing the financial pressures faced by municipalities during crises and the importance of ensuring that local authorities have adequate resources, capacity and support to respond effectively.

🔹 Overtourism and depopulation – Exploring how excessive tourism pressures and demographic changes affect housing affordability, infrastructure, public services and the ability of residents to continue living in their communities. These challenges are particularly relevant to Malta's coastal localities and historic urban centres.

🔹 Regional depopulation and territorial cohesion – Addressing the causes of population decline and the need to create sustainable opportunities that enable communities to retain their residents.

🔹 Cross-border and interregional cooperation – Highlighting the importance of cooperation between regions in addressing common challenges, sharing experiences and developing joint solutions.

🔹 Democratic resilience in times of crisis – Examining how regional institutions can strengthen democracy, maintain public trust and safeguard local governance during periods of uncertainty.

🌍 These discussions demonstrate why Malta's presence in European and international institutions is so important.

Many of the challenges affecting our communities are shared by municipalities and regions across Europe. However, our realities as a small island state, with limited land, high population density and particular pressures on infrastructure and public services, must also be understood and recognised.

🤝 The LCA remains committed to ensuring that the experiences, concerns and priorities of our Local and Regional Councils are reflected in these discussions, while bringing back knowledge, experiences and policy developments that can contribute to better local governance.

We extend our appreciation to all members of the Maltese Delegation for their commitment, contribution and continued representation of our communities.

🇲🇹 Our communities may be small, but their voice and their challenges deserve to be heard at European level.

Stephen Sultana Emvin Bartolo

28/10/2026

🇲🇹🇪🇺 Shaping the Future of Local Democracy – Giving Young People a Voice!

On behalf of the Local Councils’ Association and the Maltese delegation, we are participating in a side event at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, focusing on “Shaping the Future of Local Democracy: Putting the New European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life into Practice.”

Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are an essential part of our communities today. Their voices, ideas and active participation are vital in building more inclusive, representative and vibrant local democracies.

For Malta, this is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening youth participation, empowering young people to contribute to decisions that affect their lives, and ensuring that local councils remain accessible and responsive to the needs and aspirations of younger generations.

Meaningful youth participation must go beyond listening — it means involving young people in shaping policies, influencing decisions and building the future of their communities.

Together, let us turn the principles of the Charter into concrete action and ensure that every young person has a voice in local and regional democracy.

Mario Fava Stephen Sultana Emvin Bartolo

27/10/2026

🌊 Coastal Erosion: Protecting Our Coastlines, Communities and Future

🇲🇹 The Maltese Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, meeting in Strasbourg, voted in favour of the adoption of the resolution and recommendation on “How Can We Cope with Coastal Erosion?”, which were approved by a majority of Congress members.

🌍 Coastal erosion is no longer simply an environmental concern. It is a growing challenge affecting our communities, infrastructure, cultural heritage, local economies and, above all, the quality of life of residents.

The adopted texts highlight the importance of long-term coastal planning, climate resilience, stronger cooperation between different levels of government, adequate financial support and simplified access to funding for local and regional authorities.

🏝️ For Malta, as an island nation with numerous coastal localities, these challenges are particularly relevant. Our limited land resources, concentration of development along the coastline and dependence on coastal infrastructure make the protection of our shores an essential priority.

🤝 The Local Councils' Association firmly believes that coastal communities must be supported with the necessary resources, expertise and legislative frameworks to address these challenges effectively. Local authorities cannot be expected to shoulder these responsibilities without adequate financial and institutional support.

🏘️ Equally important is the recognition of residents' right to remain in their communities wherever it is safe and sustainable to do so. Climate adaptation must protect not only our physical environment but also our communities' identity, livelihoods and social fabric.

Coastal protection is ultimately about territorial cohesion, solidarity and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy safe, resilient and thriving communities.

🇪🇺 Through its participation in the Congress, the Maltese Delegation will continue advocating for European policies that recognise the particular vulnerabilities of islands and place local communities at the heart of climate adaptation.

Kunsill Regjonali Port Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant Reġjun Punent Kunsill Reġjonali Għawdex Regjun TramuntanaKunsill Reġjonali tan-Nofsinhar Resident First Local Councils' Association Malta Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe