MEP Peter Agius pushes for action on Environmental standards in a meeting with Commissioner Jessika Roswall

Strasbourg, July 2025 – MEP Peter Agius has called on the European Commission to ensure the full implementation of EU environmental standards in Malta, amid growing concerns over the continued degradation of the country’s natural environment.

MEP Agius met European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and the Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, and voiced the frustration of many Maltese and Gozitan communities who are witnessing their quality of life deteriorate due to unchecked environmental mismanagement. From repeated beach closures caused by sewage spills to the proposed construction of a massive incinerator in Magħtab and the resulting dust in the air, residents across Malta are facing the consequences of poor planning, inadequate enforcement, and a lack of transparency.

“The people of Malta and Gozo deserve to enjoy the same environmental rights and protections as every other EU citizen,” Agius said. “It is unacceptable that we must rely on legal action from Brussels to gain access to clean seas and a safe, healthy environment. The Maltese government continues to ignore warnings and court cases, while people are denied the most basic environmental safeguards,” said MEP Peter Agius after the meeting with Commissioner Roswall in Strasbourg.

The European Commission has already launched legal proceedings against Malta regarding untreated sewage discharges into the sea.

MEP Agius insisted that Maltese families need to see standards turn into real rights. ‘Our families just want the clean beaches. I call on the European Commission to assist all the Maltese authorities, including with more targeted EU funding, to make the high EU standards a reality in Malta.’

Commissioner Roswall said, “We put forward the Water Resilience Strategy precisely because we understand how crucial water is—especially for island states like Malta,” Roswall said. “It’s not just about following rules; it’s about protecting people’s health and future.”

The role of farming in the waste cycle is coming under the spotlight as the Government just launched a tender for the construction of a multi-million manure treatment facility expected to treat 300,000 tonnes of manure yearly in Magħtab. ‘Farmers can be partners in waste treatment, cashing in the proceeds and not being lumped with extra costs,’ said MEP Agius

Dr. Agius also raised concerns about the proposed incinerator project at Magħtab, which has sparked widespread anxiety among residents over its environmental and health impact. 

On behalf of residents, MEP Agius said that residents in affected areas need to be included and heard before any such projects are deployed. MEP Agius also asked Commission services for technical input to see that the project responds to the highest standards and safeguards for monitoring emissions.

Peter Agius welcomed the Commissioner’s openness and stressed that political will must now be matched with firm action. “We cannot allow environmental standards to be optional. The well-being of our citizens, our children, and our natural heritage is at stake. Europe can do more by ensuring that our high standards in our laws become effective rights for citizens, by helping us build a cleaner, fairer, more sustainable future.”