The government has announced that more than €93 million has been allocated for 2026 aimed at strengthening Malta's justice system and driving forward long-awaited reforms in the construction sector.
The details were presented during a press conference held at the Courts of Justice in Valletta, led by Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard and the CEO of the Court Services Agency Vanessa Grech.
The funding package represents an 11% increase over the previous year, marking what officials described as a "historic investment" to reinforce the rule of law, widen access to justice, and modernise institutions at every level. The budget centres around four main priorities: an effective and accessible justice system, ongoing reforms in the construction sector, more transparent and resilient institutions, and a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future for upcoming generations.
Speaking at the press conference, Minister Attard said the central objective is to ensure that justice becomes more accessible to every citizen. He noted that court processes must continue to improve through added efficiency, further specialisation, and stronger human, infrastructural, and digital resources. Throughout the past year alone, eight draft laws and 17 subsidiary legislations were approved across various stages, with three bills currently before committee and another eight listed on the parliamentary agenda.
The Budget includes an allocation of around €74 million for the justice sector, a 10% increase when compared to last year.
Several reforms were highlighted, including the establishment of the new Drug Court, which places rehabilitation at its core while introducing more efficient procedures for drug-related cases. Developments were also enacted in the realm of magisterial inquiries, where four new inquiring magistrates were appointed alongside the establishment of a dedicated building. Legislative changes have also been enacted to strengthen victims' rights, clarify the roles of all parties involved, and introduce new timeframes to improve case management, it was said.
A major structural reform this year was the launch of the new Commercial Court in Valletta. This specialised court focuses on commercial, aviation, maritime, and other business-related disputes, supported by modern technology and professional-grade facilities. Further reforms are planned for the Family Court and compilation processes, with two major updates expected by the end of the year to streamline procedures and reduce delays, he said.
The courts have also seen an expansion in human resources, with 598 employees now serving-the largest workforce in the court's history. This includes 41 court attorneys and 51 judicial assistants, it was said. Additionally, two new judges and two new magistrates were sworn in this week, bringing the judiciary to its highest-ever complement. A new call has also been issued to appoint one more judge and three magistrates. Officials also pointed to a record number of new collective agreements signed for workers within the sector.
Updates were also provided on the jury system, which recorded 18 juries this year. An even higher number is expected next year. The courts will also introduce a new tablet-based system for jurors, aimed at reducing paper consumption and improving efficiency, it was said.
Infrastructure improvements also continue to be made, he said, including a new building for magisterial inquiries featuring two specialised halls, modern technology, and dedicated spaces for evidence collection. This unit achieved a clearance rate of 65% this year.
Public service improvements were also noted. The Court Help Desk has assisted 886 people to date, offering clearer and more accessible guidance to citizens seeking information. Nearly €2 million has been invested in a new audio system for all courtrooms in Malta and Gozo. Work is also ongoing on a new Court Information Management System, which will centralise case data, improve the management of criminal records, and ensure the fair distribution of cases within the judiciary, it was said.
Minister Attard said that this investment reflects the government's commitment to "a justice system that serves people efficiently, transparently, and with dignity", ensuring long-term institutional strength and societal benefit.