Prime Minister Robert Abela met with the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector at the Castille Palace on Monday.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted volunteering as a beautiful aspect of our society and expressed the government's commitment to support the valuable work carried out through volunteering.

Abela stated that the voluntary sector needs to stay updated with the times and adapt, while emphasizing the government's aim to be proactive in supporting such work by simplifying processes for organizations to benefit from funds.

The Prime Minister noted the importance of training individuals involved in volunteering and highlighted an increase in the allocated budget for this purpose compared to previous years. This funding, in addition to supporting other initiatives that encourage youth involvement in volunteering, aims to promote and facilitate the engagement of young people.

On her part, Gertrude Buttigieg, Chairperson of the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector, expressed satisfaction with the meeting held with Prime Minister Abela. She explained how the government's commitment to reducing taxes on monetary donations is an important step in incentivizing and strengthening the field of volunteering.

Also present at the meeting in Castille Palace was Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Sector, and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli.