Political system

Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.

Location on the EU map

Trade and economy

The most important sectors of Malta’s economy in 2016 were wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (20.9 %), public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (17.7 %) and Professional, scientific and technical activities; administrative and support service activities (12.7 %).

Intra-EU trade accounts for 39% of Malta’s exports (Germany 14% and France 8%), while outside the EU 27% go to the United States, 6% to Singapore and 5% to Japan.

In terms of imports, 54% come from EU countries (Italy 21%, Germany and the United Kingdom both 6%), while outside the EU 12% come from the Cayman Islands and 10% from Canada.

Malta in the EU

European Parliament

There are 6 members of the European Parliament from Malta. Find out who these MEPs are.

European Parliament office in Malta

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Maltese government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

Dates of Maltese presidencies:

Jan-Jun 2017

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The following link is a redirection to an external websiteCurrent presidency of the Council of the EU

European Commission

The Commissioner nominated by Malta to the European Commission is Karmenu Vella, who is responsible for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".

Commission representation in Malta

European Economic & Social Committee

Malta has 5 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

European Committee of the Regions

Malta has 5 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

Malta also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Malta's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does Malta contribute and receive?

Member countries' financial contributions to the EU budget are shared fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa. The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather to focus on the needs of all Europeans as a whole.

Breakdown of Malta's finances with the EU in 2017:

• Total EU spending in Malta: € 0.201 billion
• Total EU spending as % of Malta’s gross national income (GNI): 1.93 %
• Total Maltese contribution to the EU budget: € 0.082 billion
• Malta’s contribution to the EU budget as % of its GNI: 0.79 %

More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:

• EU budget in Malta
• Money & the EU
• EU spending & revenue

EU-funded projects in Malta

The money paid into the EU budget by Malta helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.

Find out more about how Malta benefits from EU funding.