Author: SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs as part of Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) held its first meeting of this legislature yesterday with Prime Minister Robert Abela.

During the meeting, the Government outlined a number of key targets for the current legislature. One of its main objectives is to improve the country’s overall wellbeing by 25%.

Other targets include reducing public debt from 46% to 40% of GDP by 2030, maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rates in the eurozone, and increasing the proportion of businesses using artificial intelligence to 40%. Currently, around 30% of workers use AI tools in their jobs.

The Minister responsible for Social Dialogue, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Minister Omar Farrugia, and other Government officials were also present.

New rules on pay transparency have now come into force in Malta as part of the implementation of the EU’s Pay Transparency Directive.

The changes are intended to strengthen the principle of equal pay for equal work and to make it easier for employees and job applicants to understand how salary decisions are made. While some of the reporting obligations introduced in the regulations only apply to larger organisations, other changes will affect businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises. One of the most significant changes concerns recruitment. Employers must, from now on, provide job applicants with information about the salary or the salary range for a position before the recruitment process is concluded. This information may be included in vacancy advertisements or provided during the recruitment process to enable informed salary decisions.

Employers are now also prohibited from asking applicants about their current or previous salary history. The aim is to ensure that salary decisions are based on the requirements of the role and on objective criteria rather than on an individual’s previous earnings. Furthermore, employers are required to ensure that job vacancy notices, job titles and recruitment processes are gender-neutral and free from discrimination. The legislation also offers employees greater transparency regarding salaries. Workers may request information about their own salary and how it compares, on average, with that of colleagues performing the same work or work of equal value, with the information provided being broken down by gender. Employers are also obliged to remind employees of this right on an annual basis and may not restrict workers from discussing or disclosing details of their own salary. Importantly, the regulations do not require all employees performing the same role to receive identical salaries. Differences in salaries may still be justified where they are based on objective factors such as performance, competence, experience, qualifications, responsibilities or other legitimate business considerations. The regulations also introduce obligations regarding salary policies.

Employers are expected to maintain objective and gender-neutral criteria governing salary levels and salary progression. While employers with fewer than fifty employees benefit from certain exemptions relating to formal salary progression policies, businesses employing twenty-five or more workers must still, internally document the criteria used to determine salary and salary progression. The most widely publicised aspect of the new rules concerns gender pay gap reporting, however, these obligations only apply to employers with at least one hundred employees. Employers with fewer than one hundred employees are not required to submit gender pay gap reports, although they may choose to do so voluntarily. For larger employers, reporting obligations will apply on a phased basis depending on workforce size. In certain circumstances, employers may also be required to carry out a joint salary assessment where a significant and unjustified gender pay gap is identified. As a practical first step, businesses should review their recruitment procedures, employment contracts and salary setting practices and ensure that differences can be justified by objective criteria, that any restrictions on salary discussions are removed, and that appropriate records are maintained.

This article provides a general overview of the legislation and should not be regarded as legal advice.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs will be hosting a webinar on this subject on the 18th June 2026.

Legal experts will be available to explain in further detail and to answer questions. Click here to register.

Article by Marcel Mizzi
Senior Officer, Malta Chamber of SMEs

The Climate Action Authority (CAA) invites you to an online information session on the public consultation concerning the possible extension of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), to be held on Monday 22 June 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00 via the following Teams link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/347270599721099?p=nCYKMsj3fGtpz2D6O4

CBAM, established by Regulation (EU) 2023/956, applies a carbon charge to certain carbon‑intensive goods imported into the EU (currently steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen) and is applicable to importers above the 50‑tonne annual threshold. The EU is now considering extending CBAM to additional downstream products, mainly steel/iron/aluminium‑based goods, as well as strengthening anti‑avoidance measures through additional checks and evidence requirements.

We are also pleased to note that the Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Action Authority will join the session for an opening intervention, underlining the importance of stakeholders’ feedback in shaping Malta’s position at EU level.

Meeting agenda (online):

• 10:00–10:15 – Welcome and opening remarks (including CEO intervention)
• 10:15–10:40 – Overview of CBAM and planned extensions (scope, timelines, key changes)
• 10:40–11:00 – Walk‑through of the CAA consultation form
• 11:00–11:50 – Q&A and discussion
• 11:50–12:00 – Next steps and closing

Consultation form (please review in advance):

To make the session as useful as possible, participants are kindly requested to review the consultation form in advance and, where feasible, prepare initial inputs or take note of specific questions: CBAM Extension Stakeholder Consultation Form

The consultation seeks feedback from importers, manufacturers, traders and other stakeholders on how the proposed CBAM extension and anti‑avoidance measures may affect costs, operations and administrative workload, with particular attention to Malta’s economic structure and trade patterns.

Your input will help the Authority to:

• better understand potential impacts on businesses operating in and through Malta
• identify sector‑specific challenges and risks
• inform Malta’s engagement in ongoing and future EU‑level discussions on CBAM

Participation is particularly encouraged for importers, manufacturers, traders, customs representatives and other operators who are already within CBAM scope or may be affected by its extension.

On Thursday, 25th June 2026, AE Business Advisors invites Malta’s SME community to the Hyatt Regency Malta, St Julian’s, for the an SME Business Breakfast, taking place from 9:00am to 12:00pm. 

Designed for SME owners, founders, and decision-makers, this event will explore how businesses can gain greater financial clarity, improve decision-making, and build a stronger foundation for future growth through Fractional CFO support. As businesses grow, financial decisions become more complex, and while a full-time CFO may not be the right fit for every organisation, strategic financial guidance remains essential. 

Attendees will gain insights into planning strategically, turning financial data into actionable business decisions, bridging the gap between bookkeeping and executive-level financial leadership, and creating sustainable growth without the cost of a full-time CFO. 

Attendance is free of charge and participants will also have the opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders, and discover practical strategies to help their businesses move forward with confidence. 

Sign up now 

*Sponsored article by AE Business Advisors

Businesses operating eCommerce websites should be aware of the new requirements that will come into effect on 19th June 2026 regarding consumers’ rights of withdrawal. Although the recent changes to the EU consumer legislation are largely aimed at financial services sold online, they also introduce obligations for eCommerce websites selling physical products to consumers.

Under current EU consumer protection legislation, consumers purchasing online benefit from a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions, mostly on customised goods. During this period, consumers have the right to withdraw from the purchase without having to provide a reason. This right applies to most distance contracts concluded through websites, mobile applications and other online sales channels. Online traders have traditionally been required to provide consumers with a standard withdrawal form. In Malta, compliance with consumer protection legislation is overseen by the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) and they do check local eCommerce websites regularly for conformity.

Typically, the withdrawal form is made available as a downloadable pdf document within a website’s Terms and Conditions or Returns Policy. The user is expected to print it and make sure that the hard copy accompanies the product on return. In practice, locally, this is rarely an issue.

Consumers usually choose not to download and mess around with forms. Typically, they contact the seller directly by email or telephone to request a return, an exchange or a refund. For many Maltese businesses, such requests are typically resolved amicably and efficiently through direct communication.  The new rules do not introduce a new consumer right. The existing 14-day right of withdrawal remains unchanged. Instead, the changes focus on making it easier for consumers to exercise this right electronically, reflecting the EU’s objective of providing a simpler and more accessible withdrawal process. Businesses operating eCommerce websites will now be required to provide consumers with an easily accessible electronic withdrawal function. While the exact implementation may vary depending on the nature of the website, the intention is that consumers should be able to submit a withdrawal request on the same online interface where the sales contract is concluded and without the need to send an email or contact customer service separately.

Furthermore, once a consumer submits a withdrawal request through the electronic process, the legislation specifies that the trader must acknowledge receipt of the request, such as by email, and without undue delay. In practice, this can easily be done through an automated response which should then be followed up with the appropriate action.

For most businesses, compliance with the new requirements is likely to involve only limited changes to existing procedures. Website owners are encouraged to review how withdrawal requests are currently handled and where necessary, consider introducing a simple electronic process that allows consumers to submit requests and receive confirmation that their request has been received.

Article by Mr Marcel Mizzi – Officer, Malta Chamber of SMEs

The Malta Chamber of SMEs is proud to have been awarded the IMPACT – Inclusive Mental Health Practices and Community Transformation project, funded under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 2021–2027.

IMPACT will help lay the foundations for a more inclusive labour market by promoting greater awareness and understanding of financial literacy, mental health, and inclusive workplace practices. The project aims to support both employers and employees in fostering healthier, more inclusive and resilient working environments

The certificate was presented to Ms Xylona Spiteri on behalf the Malta Chamber of SMEs by Hon. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme.

Applications now open – www.maltabusinessawards.mt

The Malta Chamber of SMEs and Malta Enterprise launched the 5^th edition of the Malta Business Awards.

This year’s edition features 20 awards, and business owners and companies are encouraged to submit their applications through the official website: www.maltabusinessawards.mt. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 30^th June 2026.

The awards are divided into 3 main categories:

• Distinct initiatives,

• Innovative & Sustainable Initiatives

• Celebrating business

Adjudication Process

• Phase 1 (50% of total score):

  Each adjudicator independently reviews and scores all applications received in their category.

• Phase 2 (50% of total score):

  The top five applicants from each category will be shortlisted and invited for an in-person interview with the adjudication committee. The scores from Phase 1 remain valid and are combined with the interview score to determine the final result.

Finalists will be announced on the 7^th of September, and the prestigious Malta Business Awards Gala Night will take place on the 20^th of November 2025.

The launch was addressed by the President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, Mr Paul Abela, who stated that the Malta Business Awards provide an opportunity to showcase Malta’s successful businesses.

Malta Enterprise CEO Mr George Gregory highlighted the importance of these awards, as well as the integrity and seriousness of the adjudication process.

SME Chamber COO Mr Andrew Aquilina explained that applications for the 19 awards will remain open until 30th June and emphasised that there is no application fee. Mr Aquilina also noted that, over the past four editions, the Malta Business Awards received more than 1,500 applications.

List of Awards:

– Distinct Initiatives category

1. Exceptional Wellbeing at the Workplace
2. Social Impact Award (up to 25 Employees)
3. Social Impact Award (26+ Employees)
4. Customer Service Excellence Award
5. Local Cultural Contributor

– Innovative & Sustainable category

6. Innovative & Sustainable Initiative
7. Best Waste Management Strategy
8. Business Leader in Energy and Water Sustainability
9. Leader in Quality Tourism
10. Innovative Digital Solution Award
11. Green Transport Initiative

– Celebrating Business category

12. Presidents Choice Award
13. SME of the Year (25+)
14. Small Business of the Year (up to 25)
15. Gozo Business of the Year
16. Young Entrepreneur of the Year
17. Female Entrepreneur of the Year
18. Start-Up Business of the Year
19. Family Business of the year (Up to 25)
20. Family Business of the year (26+)

 

Partners:

Malta Enterprise, Malta Vision, Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works and Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects

Headliners: Malta Food Agency, Malta Tourism Authority, Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Trust Payments, WasteServ,  Infrastructure Malta and Citadel Insurance.

Platinum: Malta International Airport, Energy and Water Agency & Arts Council Malta.

Gold: APS Bank plc, Ministry for Gozo, Malta Development Bank, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, Project Green, Family Business Office & Xjenza Malta.

For more information about the Malta Business Awards, visit www.maltabusinessawards.mt.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs’ leaders’ debate generated significant public interest, attracting more than 200,000 views. The event brought together Malta’s political leaders to discuss the issues most affecting businesses, workers, and the wider economy.

During the debate, participants addressed topics including economic growth, taxation, energy, labour shortages, digital transformation and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Chamber’s format encouraged direct exchanges between the leaders, giving viewers the opportunity to compare their proposals and priorities ahead of key political decisions.

SME Chamber’s representatives described the strong viewing figures as evidence of the public’s appetite for informed discussion on economic and business policy. They noted that SMEs remain a crucial pillar of Malta’s economy and that open dialogue between policymakers and the business community is essential for sustainable growth.

The debate was streamed live and shared widely online, reaching audiences beyond the traditional business sector.