The Malta Chamber of SMEs continues to support the CROSSWORK platform (https://crossworkjobs.eu/), ensuring its ongoing accessibility and effective operation in line with the project’s long-term commitments.
As part of its post-project sustainability efforts, the Chamber offers a helpdesk service of up to two hours per week, available upon request. This support is designed to assist businesses and job seekers using the platform, particularly those interested in cross-border employment and collaboration opportunities, ensuring they can make the most of the services provided.
Malta Chamber of SMEs officer Mr Marcel Mizzi participated in a conference entitled “Managing Risk, Growth and Public Value in a Constrained Island Economy,” organised by Ecostack Innovations.
The conference also featured a GREEN TALENT project networking session, where participants were introduced to the project and engaged in discussions across three main thematic areas: Climate and Environmental Risk, Nature-Based Solutions, and Health and Well-being.
How SOLVIT Helps Businesses Navigate the European Single Market
The European Union’s Single Market offers businesses across Member States great opportunities for growth, trade, and collaboration. However, navigating different national rules and administrative procedures can pose significant challenges, especially when problems arise in cross-border operations. The EU’s SOLVIT Network steps in as a practical solution, helping businesses resolve disputes with public authorities swiftly and without unnecessary bureaucracy.
SOLVIT is a free and informal problem-solving service provided by the national administrations of each EU member state, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Established in 2002, the network’s primary purpose is to address cases where EU law on the Single Market is not applied correctly by public authorities—helping both citizens and businesses overcome obstacles to cross-border trade, establishment, or operation.
Each Member State hosts a SOLVIT centre. This is strategically placed within the Public Administration so that centres can dialogue and negotiate with entities who are allegedly infringing EU Law. With regards to Malta, the SOLVIT Centre is hosted by the Commerce Department, within the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects.
When a business encounters a problem with a public authority in another Member State, SOLVIT can intervene.
A case can be submitted online via the SOLVIT website. The case is then handled directly by the SOLVIT centres of the home and host countries, aiming for practical solutions within ten weeks.
Members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs can benefit from SOLVIT’s cost-free alternative to lengthy legal proceedings. The network’s informal approach means that many cases are resolved quickly, with communication tailored to the needs of business users. SOLVIT does not replace courts but provides an efficient means to resolve disputes before litigation becomes necessary this mainly due to the strong networking connection between the SOLVIT centres established in all the Member States.
Businesses can submit their case through the official SOLVIT website https://ec.europe.eu/solvit. The process is simple: provide details of the issue and supporting documents, and the home country SOLVIT centre will make contact to discuss next steps. The service is available in all EU languages, and strict confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.
The EU’s SOLVIT Network is an essential support mechanism for businesses operating across European borders. By resolving disputes with public authorities efficiently and informally, SOLVIT helps maintain the integrity of the Single Market and ensures that businesses can make the most of the opportunities it provides. For members looking to expand or operate internationally, SOLVIT is a resource worth knowing and using.
For more information, or to submit a case, visit the official SOLVIT portal at https://ec.europe.eu/solvit. The Malta SOLVIT Centre can also contacted on 25690329 or by email .
Members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs with an interest in expanding into Gulf markets are invited to register for a new initiative led by the Office of the Government Envoy for the Gulf.
This platform aims to support Malta-based businesses by providing access to monthly newsletters, market insights, information on upcoming incoming and outbound delegations, private roundtables, and direct business opportunities across the Gulf region. Registration will also be used to prioritise participation in future engagements and targeted initiatives.
The objective is to build a strong pipeline of Maltese companies ready to engage as opportunities materialise, with near-term prospects already expected in April here in Malta. This presents a timely opportunity for businesses looking to explore new partnerships and expand their international footprint.
Interested members are encouraged to register through the following form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/FV9frKLKYd
Early registration is recommended to ensure inclusion in upcoming activities and access to the first round of opportunities.
Employers’ Associations within MCESD – the Malta Employers, the Malta Chamber, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, and the Malta Chamber of SMSs – call for immediate withdrawal of ARUC sponsorship of children’s football programme.
The employers’ associations within MCESD strongly condemn the decision to associate a children’s football programme with the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis.
This is a serious error of judgment. Children’s sport must represent discipline, health, self-control, ambition and clean living. It must never, under any circumstances, be linked to cannabis or to any authority associated with its use.
Whether direct or indirect, the message is wrong, confusing and unacceptable. No social objective can justify blurring the line between youth development and substances that should never be normalized in the minds of children. Sport must inspire young people to choose healthy lifestyles, not create associations that risk weakening that message.
For years, society worked hard to remove cigarettes and alcohol from sport because the principle was clear: harmful substances have no place in an environment meant to shape children’s values and aspirations. The same principle must apply here. There can be no double standards. Cannabis is not a symbol of health, discipline or performance. Football is. The two should never be placed in the same space, especially where children are involved.
This sponsorship should be dismantled immediately and replaced by support from entities that reflect the true values of youth sport and responsible social leadership. Children deserve better. Parents deserve clarity. Sport deserves to remain clean.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with SHE: Social Hub Entrepreneurs, proudly hosted Give To Gain 2026, bringing together more than 100 women in business for a powerful and energising morning marking International Women’s Day.
From the moment participants entered the room, the atmosphere reflected the spirit of collaboration and empowerment that defines this annual initiative. The event went beyond traditional networking, it created a space where women openly shared experiences, challenged ideas, supported one another, and engaged in meaningful conversations aimed at strengthening Malta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A highlight of the morning was the keynote delivered by Rebecca Bonnici of BELS English Language Schools. Her honest and powerful reflections resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the message that leadership is not about perfection but about lived experiences, resilience, and authenticity.
The interactive “Teach One Thing” sessions, facilitated by Helen Chorley, Markita Falzon, Giselle Borg Olivier, Shaylah Grech, Ayla Haverkamp, Olga Albers, Angela Tabone, Greta Rapinett, and Carolina Benetti, created dynamic spaces for knowledge-sharing and genuine exchange. Their contributions helped foster the collaborative environment that defines the Give To Gain initiative.
The SME Chamber also extends sincere appreciation to Angie Amato for hosting the gathering at the stunning Palazzo Guarena, and to Elaine Cordina for closing the morning with a thoughtful reflection that captured the essence of the event.
This year’s edition was made possible thanks to the support of partners including FIMBank, JOI Gaming Ltd, European Parliament in Malta, Carisma Collections, M&Z Ltd, Equipp.mt, Crispy Studio Ltd, The Blooming Bunch, L’OCCITANE en Provence, VJ Salomone Marketing, People And Skin, Villa Arrigo and Citadel Insurance.
Give To Gain 2026 once again demonstrated the strength of community-driven growth. When women show up, share knowledge, and open doors for one another, they create impact that extends far beyond a single event.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs remains committed to nurturing platforms that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen networks, and champion inclusive economic growth and this year’s gathering was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved together.
Mr Philip Fenech confirmed as Deputy President and Mr Marcel Mizzi confirmed as Officer.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs held its 78th Annual General Meeting, during which Mr Paul Abela was confirmed as President for the coming year.
During his opening address, President Mr Paul Abela highlighted the Chamber’s achievements throughout 2025, including the organisation of key events, ongoing lobbying efforts and a series of high-level meetings aimed at supporting SMEs.
During the Annual General Meeting, six council members were elected for a three-year term: Mr Sergio Camilleri, Mr Robert Micallef, Mr Dino Fino, Dr James Cassar, Mr Luke Zahra, and Mr John Ellul. The Council is composed of a total of 18 members.
Following Mr Abela’s address, Mr Marcel Mizzi read and the minutes of the 2025 Annual General Meeting were approved.
Malta Chamber of SMEs COO Mr Andrew Aquilina presented the Annual Report, outlining the main highlights together with Mr Fabian Demicoli, Head of Communication and Business Development, and Mr Jamie Tanti, Head of Policy.
The AGM was held at The Palace, Sliema, with all members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs invited to attend.
As required by statute, the first council meeting was held immediately following the AGM. During this meeting, Mr Paul Abela was confirmed as President for the next year, Mr Philip Fenech was confirmed as Deputy President, and Mr Marcel Mizzi was confirmed as Officer.
Malta Chamber of SMEs COO, Mr Andrew Aquilina, participated in a panel discussion held as part of a three-day initiative organised by the National Skills Council, which brought together representatives from 10 different industry sectors.
The discussions focused on the growing skills misalignment between education and industry, while exploring practical solutions to address this disconnect. Mr Aquilina shared valuable insights from the perspective of SMEs, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between education providers and industry stakeholders to better reflect labour market realities.
The sessions provided a platform for open dialogue, highlighting key challenges faced by employers and encouraging joint efforts towards more relevant education outcomes.
Council Member Donha Muscat and Head of Policy Jamie Tanti, together with Mr Aquilina, also facilitated various workshops.
Three days of constructive conversations, shared perspectives, and a clear commitment towards tangible outcomes.
