The European Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report highlights the significant progress made by Malta over the past year in upholding the rule of law by strengthening the justice sector, combatting corruption, safeguarding media freedom and reinforcing institutional standards and checks and balances, the Justice Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
The ministry said that the report notes the Government’s continued prioritisation of justice, including an 11% increase in the sector’s budget for 2026. This investment is supporting infrastructural projects, recruitment, training and the digital transformation strategy.
The Commission also refers to the opening of the new court premises in Valletta for inquiring magistrates, the Commercial Court and the Family Court, as well as an additional court hall that now allows two jury trials to be held simultaneously.
The report recognises Malta’s progress towards a more specialised court system, particularly through the establishment of a fully-fledged Commercial Court and the reform of the Family Court, both adopted in March 2026 following public consultation.
These reforms form part of Government’s broader commitment to delivering a more effective and accessible justice system. The report also notes that the online legal aid platform is now operational, supported by increased resources for the Legal Aid Agency, the ministry said.
With regards to judicial accountability, the Commission highlights the appointment of the new Commissioner for Standards of the Judiciary, providing a structured mechanism for complaints concerning members of the judiciary.
The ministry said that from an anti-corruption perspective, the Commission recognises the continued implementation of Malta’s National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy, noting that most measures have been completed and that work is underway on a successor strategy.
It also highlights the increased resources allocated to the Malta Police Force and the Office of the Attorney General, which have supported new investigations and prosecutions in corruption-related cases.
The report further acknowledges several initiatives aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability, including the operational launch of a digital whistleblowing portal, the introduction of an integrated e-management system for access-to-documents requests, and additional safeguards relating to media protection and governance. It also highlights the adoption of legislation granting new powers to the media regulator and strengthening aspects of the independent governance of public service media.
Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, welcomed the report’s findings, stating that they reflect the substantial progress achieved by Government in recent years. He emphasised that strengthening the rule of law in Malta remains a priority and that Government will continue pursuing an ambitious reform agenda through sustained investment, institutional strengthening and constructive engagement with European and international partners.
Minister Grima reiterated that Government remains committed to building on the progress achieved by investing in institutions, taking forward meaningful reforms and ensuring that Malta’s justice system serves citizens with efficiency, fairness and trust.