Malta’s Justice System: EU Scrutiny Continues

NGOs Sound Alarm: Malta’s Justice System Still Under EU Microscope

Malta’s Constitution Square, a symbol of our democratic values, has been the backdrop to protests and calls for justice reform. Today, it’s the setting where non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are raising the alarm once again. They’re urging the European Union to keep Malta’s justice system under close scrutiny, arguing that significant reforms are still needed.

EU’s Rule of Law Mechanism: A Watchful Eye

The EU’s Rule of Law Mechanism, triggered in 2020 following Malta’s response to the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, is still in place. This means the EU is closely monitoring Malta’s judicial reforms. The Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and the European Commission have both issued critical reports, highlighting concerns over the independence of the judiciary and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.

Malta’s government has responded with a series of reforms, including the establishment of a new independent public service and a new anti-corruption agency. However, NGOs argue that these changes are not enough and that the pace of reform is too slow.

NGOs: More Than Words, Action Needed

Transparency Malta, the Institute for Journalists, and the Malta Human Rights’ Institute are among the NGOs calling for more decisive action. They argue that Malta’s justice system still lacks the independence and effectiveness needed to tackle corruption and organised crime effectively.

“We’ve seen a lot of talk about reform, but we need to see concrete action,” says Helena Dalli, President of Transparency Malta. “Malta’s reputation is at stake, and we can’t afford to let this slide.”

The NGOs are calling on the EU to maintain pressure on Malta, ensuring that the promised reforms are implemented fully and effectively. They also urge the Maltese government to engage more openly with civil society in this process.