The European Commission’s (EC) country specific reports has recommended that Malta safeguards the sustainability of healthcare and pension systems, “including by increasing the statutory retirement age and by restricting early retirement”.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, the government said “it is committed to retain free health care for its citizens and to continue to work towards a more sustainable pension system without changing the pensionable age”.
The Commission’s recommendations are with reference to the 2018 National Reform Programme of Malta. In its second recommendation, the EC called for Malta to take action in 2018 and 2019 to:
“Strengthen the overall governance framework by enhancing the national supervision of internationally oriented financial businesses licensed in Malta, by ensuring the effective enforcement of the anti-money laundering framework and by continuing to step up the fight against corruption”.
In the government press statement, the EC’s acknowledgment of the the government’s engagement and progress in various areas, notably its management of the economy was noted.
“The government also notes the recommendations of the European Commission which are meant to continue the work it has already undertaken concerning the strengthening of the institutions, combatting money laundering, and fighting international tax avoidance. The report also notes that Malta has transposed the 4th Anti-Money Laundering directive and that it has taken action by presenting an integrated strategy to fight money laundering and terrorist financing.
“Efforts to consolidate the Maltese legal framework and to strengthen the country’s infrastructure to reflect Malta’s economic advancement will continue.”