Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced that in 2026, the government will be commencing processes for a large-scale land reclamation project outside the Freeport perimeter.

Minister Caruana stated that this reclaimed land will be used primarily for industrial purposes, including to attract maritime and aviation activity. In addition, this project is also aimed to "relocate commercial activity from other areas," so that those spaces can be better enjoyed by local families.

Caruana added that while a land reclamation project is already ongoing at the Freeport, "it is time to take the next step."

Artificial intelligence and digitalisation were major aspects of the government's announced measures to strengthen the Maltese economy. Among such measures was that the government shall be offering free artificial intelligence (AI) courses, national certification, and practical sessions to everyone.

"We will show you how AI can help you study better, work faster, and live more comfortably," Minister Caruana said.

Caruana remarked that following the completion of an artificial intelligence course, people will be granted a free subscription to an AI service, "such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or another service to be selected later." He said that this is being done to empower Maltese people to use AI in their everyday lives responsibly. Works for this project were said to be in an advanced stage; this project is expected to begin in early 2026.

At the end of 2025, a public call will be announced for the government to implement a "National Digital Identity Wallet." This digital wallet will give businesses and citizens "a secure, simple and under their control way to share and verify their identity and digital certificates."

This software is aimed to reduce bureaucracy while boosting faster and easier access to services. People applying for this National Digital Identity Wallet will be requested to provide their data once, with consent, in a transparent manner compliant with EU standards.

New and existing companies investing in added-value and productivity, such as but not limited to sectors like manufacturing, IT software, cybersecurity, machinery, etc., that make an investment in such sectors in the next two years will be eligible to a 60% tax credit of the investment value, spread over four years.

Cooperatives shall be made exempt from the obligation to submit audited accounts for tax purposes, Minister Caruana also announced.

Minister Caruana also announced a €100 million investment towards digitalisation and the adoption of technological services like AI, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), blockchain, and robotics. This will be done via funds from Malta Enterprise, the MDIA, the EU, and other governmental agencies "to remove manual processes and improve efficiency and competitiveness."

Public calls for open spaces shall be launched next year for the restructuring of Selmun Palace and Fort Campbell. Fort Campbell will have open spaces for families while Selmun Palace will have its economic potential maximised, the Minister said.

Intentions were also announced for an open space in Sliema, with underground parking beneath it to reduce traffic, plus for a family amusement park in Ta' Qali.

Furthermore, the Government of Malta shall be introducing a mental health incentive for workplace, as well as new support for start-ups looking to promote the Maltese language, culture and arts.

The Minister said that legal amendments shall be coming in for teenage entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 18 years old will be empowered to partake in such activity through a safe and regulated manner. Hence, a legal framework shall be installed to allow these young entrepreneurs to carry out these commercial activities by allowing them to operate bank accounts "under a structure adapted to their age," implying some level of restrictions.

All existing benefit schemes will be extended for family businesses to ensure their stable and sustainable growth, Minister Caruana said.

In the coming days, INDIS is expected to publish a new policy for industrial roofs to make better use of their space for photovoltaic panels to be installed.