Malta

A Maltese jury acquitted businessman Yorgen Fenech of complicity in the 2017 car bomb murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, voting eight-to-one that he could not be proven guilty. Fenech was accused of paying €150,000 via a middleman for the killing. The verdict, which prosecutors are expected to appeal, ends one of Malta's longest murder trials and leaves the question of who ordered the attack unresolved.

8 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 3, 03:30 PM UTC

Former French international Mathieu Valbuena, 41, has signed a one-season contract with Santa Lucia FC in the Maltese second division, with an option for another year. The attacking midfielder, who has 52 caps for France, traveled to Malta by private jet to finalize the deal. Santa Lucia, relegated in June 2024, aims for promotion. Valbuena previously played for Olympiakos' reserve team in Greece and has delayed retirement, stating "age is just a number."

6 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 28, 04:13 PM UTC

Trust Stamp Inc (NASDAQ:IDAI) has been selected as a direct participant in the European Union's Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) semiconductor initiative, aimed at developing an integrated semiconductor value chain across Europe. Executive Director Berta Pappenheim stated the selection validates the company's expertise in identity and data security. Trust Stamp has signed two cooperation agreements: one focusing on trusted hardware to link device identity to verified user identity for applications like medical devices and critical infrastructure, and another exploring brain-computer interfaces to potentially use brain-wave signals for individual identification. Malta Enterprise, Malta's economic development agency, selected Trust Stamp for the program. The participation opens pathways into semiconductor hardware, trusted identity solutions, and emerging biometric applications.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 04:00 PM UTC

The European Commission's EU4Health work programme for 2026 faced a significant setback as seven member states voted against it, ten abstained, and ten supported it, failing to secure the required majority. The main point of contention was the Commission's decision to remove core funding for civil-society health organisations, including operating grants for patient and health advocacy groups. Countries opposing included Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and likely Slovenia. Even some supporting states shared concerns about the NGO cuts. The vote occurs amid broader restructuring, with the €4.4 billion EU4Health programme being folded into the new European Competitiveness Fund. The Commission may either refer the matter to an appeal committee or amend the programme for a new vote. Health NGOs welcomed the outcome as a positive signal for independent civil society.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:42 PM UTC

The European Commission's EU4Health work programme for 2026 faced a divided vote among EU member states, with seven countries voting against, ten abstaining, and ten supporting. The main point of contention was the Commission's proposed cuts to operating grants for civil-society health organizations, which several member states and NGOs argued would weaken health advocacy. Among the opposing countries were Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and likely Slovenia. The Commission failed to secure the required majority for approval. The vote occurs amid broader restructuring, including the planned merger of EU4Health into the European Competitiveness Fund and a nearly 20% budget cut from €5.3 billion to €4.1 billion. Possible next steps include referring the matter to an appeal committee or amending the programme for a new vote. NGOs such as the European Patient Forum and EURORDIS welcomed the outcome as a positive signal for independent health advocacy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:42 PM UTC

Iranian forces have apparently seized the Kavomaleas, a tanker owned by Greek billionaire George Prokopiou's company Dynacom, after striking it with two projectiles off the Omani coast in the Strait of Hormuz. The crew abandoned ship, and European Space Agency satellite images show the vessel with smoke rising from its engine in Iranian waters. Another Dynacom ship, the Acheloos, was also hit while carrying 2 million barrels of oil. The seizure would be the third such capture since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began in February, effectively closing the strategic waterway. President Trump escalated threats, vowing to bomb Iranian bridges or power plants for any further attacks. Prokopiou, worth $4.7 billion, has continued sailing through contested waters, comparing his actions to Greek merchants breaking blockades in the Napoleonic Wars. The Pentagon has requested an additional $67 billion for the conflict, which has already cost $37.5 billion.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:37 PM UTC

The Armed Forces of Malta has officially accepted delivery of its fourth Beechcraft King Air aircraft, following the completion of assembly and successful flight testing. This acquisition marks a continued expansion of Malta's aerial surveillance and transport capabilities. The King Air is a versatile twin-engine turboprop commonly used for maritime patrol, search and rescue, and utility missions. The addition of this fourth aircraft enhances the operational readiness and flexibility of the Maltese military. The news was reported by Naval Technology, a defense industry publication.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:19 PM UTC

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) has accepted its fourth Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, following assembly and successful flight testing at Textron Aviation's facilities in Wichita, Kansas. Procured under a 2025 contract, the factory-new aircraft will support maritime patrol operations in the central Mediterranean. After delivery to Aerodata in Braunschweig, Germany, the platform will undergo mission-specific modifications including advanced surveillance systems for roles such as maritime patrol, border security, search and rescue, and law enforcement. The modifications will involve systems integration, certification, and testing based on AFM's operational requirements. The aircraft is expected to enter formal service with the AFM in 2027. The King Air 360ER features increased fuel capacity, higher payload, and longer range, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines with Pro Line Fusion avionics. Textron Aviation highlighted the aircraft's suitability for long-endurance maritime patrol missions across the central Mediterranean.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:19 PM UTC

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) has accepted its fourth Beechcraft King Air aircraft, a factory-new King Air 360ER, following assembly and successful flight testing at Textron Aviation's facilities in Wichita, Kansas. Procured under a 2025 contract, the aircraft will support AFM's maritime patrol operations in the central Mediterranean, maintaining fleet consistency. After delivery, it was sent to Aerodata in Braunschweig, Germany, for a comprehensive mission-specific modification program. Aerodata will equip the platform with advanced surveillance and mission systems for roles including maritime patrol, border security, search and rescue, and law enforcement. The modifications involve systems integration, certification, and testing based on AFM's operational requirements. The aircraft is expected to enter formal service in 2027. The King Air 360ER, an extended-range variant, features increased fuel capacity, higher payload, and longer range, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines with Pro Line Fusion avionics. Textron Aviation's vice president highlighted the platform's suitability for maritime patrol missions in the central Mediterranean.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:19 PM UTC

Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales is in New York meeting with the club's Saudi owners, led by chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey. The PIF brand is prominently displayed at World Cup venues as a warm-up for Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup. Eales' trip includes meetings with new sponsor KNOX, Adidas, and four potential commercial partners. The club has completed three signings and sold two key players during a busy summer transfer window. PIF remains committed to Newcastle's long-term development. Additionally, Newcastle partnered with VisitMalta to sponsor a 2026 football event, sending club legends Keith Gillespie, Nobby Solano, and Ryan Taylor to Malta for promotion. PIF corporate brand head Mohamed AlSayyad stated the fund is expanding its global sports footprint with football at the core.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:05 PM UTC

In a dramatic Conference League first qualifying round return leg on July 16, 2026, Maltese club Hamrun Spartans conceded a bizarre penalty in stoppage time against Faroe Islands side NSÍ Runavik. With the aggregate score tied at 2-2 and extra time looming, Hamrun defender Emerson Marcelina mistakenly picked up the ball with his hands, believing it had gone out of play for a goal kick. However, the linesman did not signal the ball out, and the Luxembourgish referee awarded a penalty. Runavik's Aron Knudsen converted the spot kick, giving his team a 2-1 win on the night and a 3-2 aggregate victory. The incident was especially notable because VAR was not available in this early qualifying round. The match had been evenly poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, making the error particularly costly for the Maltese side.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 12:19 PM UTC

Hamrun Spartans, a Maltese top-division football club, were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a controversial 90'+4 penalty against NSÍ Runavík of the Faroe Islands. In the final minutes, the assistant referee failed to signal a goal kick for Hamrun despite the ball going out of play over the end line. A Hamrun defender, mistakenly believing the whistle had been blown, lost concentration and handled the ball inside the penalty area. Referee Jérémy Muller awarded a penalty, which Petur Knudsen converted at 90'+4, sealing Hamrun's elimination from the competition. The incident was described as surreal by the Portuguese sports outlet Record.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 12:03 PM UTC

In a dramatic turn of events during the return leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers, Maltese club Hamrun Spartans were eliminated by Faroe Islands side NSI Runavik after a bizarre handball incident. With the match tied 1-1 in added time, Hamrun captain and defender Emerson mistakenly picked up the ball inside his own penalty area, believing it had gone out for a goal kick. However, referee Jérémy Muller ruled that the ball had not fully crossed the line and awarded a penalty to NSI Runavik. Aron Knudsen converted the spot kick, giving the Faroese team a 2-1 victory on the night and a 3-2 aggregate win. The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, has left the Maltese club and its fans stunned by the costly error in judgment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 12:01 PM UTC

According to the latest data from the Rainbow Map, Spain has become the European country with the strongest legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, ending Malta's decade-long reign at the top of the rankings. The survey assesses 49 European nations based on their laws and policies affecting the queer population. Following Spain, the top five includes Malta, Iceland, Belgium, and Denmark. Conversely, Belarus, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Russia occupy the bottom positions, with Russia ranking last amid increasing crackdowns on LGBTQ+ organizations. Spain's ascent to first place is attributed to recent legislative advances, including the 2023 Trans Law, which banned conversion therapies, allowed gender self-determination from age 16, and depathologized trans identities within the health system. Additionally, the Spanish government established an independent authority to combat discrimination and resisted ultra-right attempts to roll back these rights. However, the report cautions that the Rainbow Map measures legal frameworks rather than lived experiences, noting that a significant gap remains between statutory progress and the daily reality for LGBTQ+ people in Spain.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Basic Court in Prishtina has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Kosovo businessman Blerim Devolli against BIRN Kosovo, its director Jeta Xharra, and public broadcaster RTK. The dismissal occurred after Devolli and his legal team failed to attend the scheduled hearing, leading the court to consider the case withdrawn. The lawsuit originated in 2020 following an award-winning investigative report titled 'Unclean energy: The Kosovar Who Would Own the Sun,' which exposed how shell companies registered in Malta and owned by Devolli exploited solar energy incentive tariffs, thereby violating monopoly regulations. Devolli had alleged that the reporting used denigrating language and contained false information. This ruling represents a significant victory for press freedom advocates, who had characterized the legal action as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) intended to intimidate journalists. It follows a previous decision where courts overturned a sanction by the Independent Media Commission against the program. The investigation previously received top honors from the EU and the OSCE for economic journalism.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Basic Court in Pristina has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Kosovo businessman Blerim Devolli against BIRN Kosovo director Jeta Xharra and public broadcaster RTK. The dismissal occurred after Devolli and his legal team failed to appear at the scheduled hearing, leading the court to consider the case withdrawn. The lawsuit originated in 2020 following an award-winning investigative report titled "Unclean energy: The Kosovar Who Would Own the Sun," which exposed a scheme involving Maltese shell companies owned by Devolli. These entities allegedly exploited solar energy incentive tariffs while violating monopoly rules by concealing true ownership. Devolli had claimed the reporting used denigrating language and contained false information. Civil society groups criticized the suit as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) aimed at intimidating journalists. This ruling represents another legal victory for BIRN, following earlier decisions that overturned findings by the Independent Media Commission. The investigation previously received top honors from the EU and the OSCE for its journalistic excellence in economic reporting.

1 reports · 1 sources

Malta’s entry for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, titled 'Bella' and performed by Aidan Cassar, has advanced to the finals despite a significant boycott of the event. The song was co-written by Joep van den Boom, a 24-year-old Dutch-Swedish songwriter, highlighting continued Dutch creative involvement even as the Netherlands officially withdrew from the competition. The 70th anniversary of the contest, held in Vienna, is marked by controversy and a five-country boycott led by the Netherlands, joined by Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland. These nations protested the inclusion of Israel, citing humanitarian concerns in Gaza and alleged political interference by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Critics have accused the EBU of hypocrisy for banning Russia and Belarus while allowing Israel to participate. Despite the boycott, Israeli singer Noam Bettan also advanced to the finals. While the boycotting countries are not airing the event, Dutch public broadcaster NPO1 is still providing coverage. The EBU recently changed voting rules following allegations of vote manipulation by Israel and issued warnings regarding pro-Israel voting advertisements.

1 reports · 1 sources

Romania has successfully qualified for the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, held in Vienna, Austria. Singer Alexandra Căpitănescu secured her place in the final by advancing from the second semi-final with her performance of the song "Choke Me." She performed third during the Thursday evening event at the Wiener Stadthalle arena. Romania joined nine other countries from the second semi-final, including Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, Australia, Malta, Cyprus, Albania, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, to reach the May 16 Grand Final. These qualifiers will compete alongside finalists from the first semi-final, the "Big Four" nations (France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom), and the reigning champion, Austria. The 2026 contest operates under the slogan "United by Music," following Austria's victory in the previous edition with JJ's song "Wasted Love." Since its debut in 1993, Romania's best historical results include two third-place finishes in 2005 and 2010, and a fourth-place finish in 2006. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Romanian participation in the prestigious international music competition.

1 reports · 1 sources

Cyprus has successfully secured its place in the grand final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, which is scheduled to take place in Vienna. The Cypriot entry, performed by Antigoni Buxton with the song "Jalla," qualified during the second semi-final held on Thursday night. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the nation in this prestigious international music competition. Alongside Cyprus, nine other countries advanced from the second semi-final: Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Malta, Norway, Romania, and Ukraine. These nations joined the ten qualifiers from the first semi-final, which occurred earlier in the week on Tuesday. The countries that qualified from the first semi-final include Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, Moldavia, Poland, Serbia, and Sweden. With all twenty finalists now determined, attention turns to the upcoming final event on Saturday, where these participants will compete for the Eurovision title. The qualification results highlight the diverse geographic representation in this year's contest, featuring entries from across Europe and Australia.

1 reports · 1 sources

The second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, held in Vienna on Thursday, determined the final lineup for the upcoming grand final. Notable qualifiers include a Romanian metal band, a Danish club anthem, and Australian singer Delta Goodrem, who successfully advanced to the next stage of the competition. They are joined by entries from Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Malta, Norway, and Ukraine, all of which secured their places in the final event. The grand final is scheduled to take place this Saturday at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna. This development marks a significant moment in the contest, highlighting the diverse musical genres and international representation characteristic of Eurovision. The inclusion of a metal act from Romania and a high-profile Australian artist underscores the evolving nature of the competition's participant pool. Fans and viewers across Europe and beyond now anticipate the final showdown where these qualified nations will compete for the prestigious title. The event continues to be a major cultural spectacle, drawing attention from global media outlets such as France 24, which reported on the thrilling conclusions of the semi-final rounds.

1 reports · 1 sources

The second semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna concluded with significant results for several participating nations. Favorites Denmark, Australia, and Ukraine successfully advanced to the grand final, continuing Denmark's strong momentum. Conversely, Luxembourg failed to qualify for the first time since its return to the competition in 2024, breaking a streak of final appearances. Switzerland also missed out on a spot in the final, while Malta celebrated a successful qualification. The broadcast opened with a chaotic comedic sketch by hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, which satirized previous performances. Notable musical highlights included Bulgaria's Dara, who qualified with her energetic track 'Bangaranga,' marking a successful return for the country after a three-year absence. Ukraine's Wiktorija Leléka also secured a final place with her ballad 'Ridnym,' featuring a distinctive thirty-second vocal hold. The article highlights the diverse performances and the shifting dynamics of the competition, noting Ukraine's consistent presence in finals since 2003, barring specific exceptions. The event showcased a mix of high-energy pop and emotional ballads, setting the stage for the upcoming final showdown in Vienna.

1 reports · 1 sources

The second semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna concluded with significant results for several participating nations. Favorites Denmark and Australia successfully advanced to the grand final, continuing Denmark's strong momentum. Ukraine also secured a spot in the final with Wiktorija Leléka’s performance of 'Ridnym,' a ballad featuring a notable 30-second vocal hold and themes of overcoming fear. Bulgaria’s Dara qualified with her energetic track 'Bangaranga,' marking a successful return after a three-year absence. Conversely, Luxembourg failed to qualify for the first time since its recent return to the competition, breaking a streak of final appearances since 2024. Switzerland also missed out on a final berth. Malta, however, celebrated a successful qualification. The event opened with a comedic skit by presenters Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, who humorously reenacted a chaotic boat disaster. The night highlighted a trend toward national languages, as seen with Denmark’s entry, emphasizing storytelling over linguistic universality.

1 reports · 1 sources

The second semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna concluded without visible protests against Israel's participation, contrasting with disruptions during the first semi-final. Fifteen countries competed for spots in the final, with Romania, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Australia, Malta, Albania, and the Czech Republic successfully qualifying. Notable performances included Romania’s Alexandra Capitanescu with the controversial track 'Choke me,' Denmark’s Søren Torpegaard Lund crawling over a glass cage, and Norway’s JONAS LOVV, whose act had previously faced censorship concerns from organizers. Despite tensions surrounding Israel's presence due to the conflict in Gaza, the broadcast remained peaceful. However, minor controversy arose when the BBC withheld a humorous video featuring an 'Eurovision professor' discussing LGBTQ+ artists, which was deemed uncomfortable by commentators. While nations like the Netherlands and Spain boycotted the event, others returned after absences. The evening highlighted both the celebratory nature of the contest and the underlying geopolitical and social tensions, as presenters emphasized unity amidst a divided world. Israel also advanced to the final, ensuring their continued presence in the competition despite ongoing international debate.

1 reports · 1 sources

Australian singer Delta Goodrem has successfully qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest grand final following a stunning semi-final performance in Vienna, Austria. Performing her song 'Eclipse' to a live audience of 16,000 and millions of television viewers, Goodrem utilized elaborate stage automation, including the Versa Ribbon Lift, to create a visual narrative transitioning from moonlight to a shimmering sun. Her hand-crafted gold gown, adorned with 7,000 Swarovski crystals, complemented the high-tech production designed by Dan Shipton and Ross Nicholson. This achievement restores Australia’s standing in the competition, securing one of the ten available spots from the second semi-final. Joining Australia in the final are Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, Romania, Malta, Cyprus, Albania, Denmark, and Czechia. They will compete against qualifiers from the first semi-final, the host country Austria, and four members of the 'Big Five' (France, Germany, Italy, and the UK). Notably, Spain withdrew from the contest in protest of Israel's inclusion, joined by boycotts from Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. Goodrem’s progression highlights the importance of combining compelling songwriting with innovative stage design in the modern Eurovision landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources

The second semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest saw favorites Denmark and Australia secure their spots in the grand final, meeting expectations. Denmark’s Søren Torpegaard Lund delivered a varied performance with his song “Før vi går hjem,” while Australian star Delta Goodrem impressed with a professional staging of “Eclipse,” featuring dramatic pyrotechnics. A standout moment was provided by Austria’s representative, Cosmó (Benjamin Gedeon), whose contemporary track “Tanzschein” was praised for its esprit and spontaneous energy, defying cautious betting forecasts. The semi-final, hosted by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, was noted for being musically stronger than the first. Other qualifiers included Ukraine, Malta, Albania, and Norway, with Jonas Lovv receiving strong audience support for his rock anthem. Conversely, entries from Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and the Czech Republic were eliminated. The event highlighted a mix of high vocal performances, elaborate stage productions, and diverse musical styles, setting the stage for a competitive final.

1 reports · 1 sources

The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Vienna, Austria, from May 12 to May 16, 2026, marks a significant linguistic shift. For the second consecutive year, songs performed entirely in English no longer constitute the majority of entries. Historically Anglophone-leaning nations, including Austria, Denmark, Azerbaijan, and Malta, have broken tradition by incorporating native languages into their performances. Austria’s representative, Cosmo, performs fully in German with the track "Tanzschein," marking the country's first German-language entry since 2012. Similarly, Malta’s Aidan includes a verse in Maltese in his song "Bella," a rare occurrence since 2000. This trend indicates that contestants no longer feel compelled to sing in English to secure victory, reflecting a broader cultural embrace of linguistic diversity within the competition. With less than half of the 35 competing titles sung entirely in English, the 2026 contest highlights a moving away from the lingua franca dominance that previously characterized the event, showcasing a renewed pride in national identities and local languages on the international stage.

1 reports · 1 sources

A dormant smuggling corridor between eastern Libya and Greece has reawakened, with migrant movements surging significantly. In mid-April 2026, Greek authorities rescued over 300 migrants off Crete, highlighting the route's rapid growth. This pathway has recently eclipsed other major entry points into Europe, such as the Western Mediterranean and Balkan routes. Data indicates a sharp increase in attempts, rising from 815 in 2023 to over 25,000 in 2025, with further increases expected in 2026. The shift occurred after the Libyan Arab Armed Forces cracked down on high-volume departures to Italy following the 2023 Pylos disaster. Smugglers subsequently adapted by using smaller, discreet vessels targeting Crete. Competition among smuggling networks, often linked to established trafficking families, has driven prices down significantly, from thousands of euros to under €1,500. This expansion poses serious protection risks for migrants and strains Greek response capacities. Local infrastructure in eastern Libya is adapting, with increased local boat production and holding facilities. The situation demands urgent strategic planning to manage the expanding flows and address the humanitarian dangers associated with this increasingly active maritime route.

1 reports · 1 sources

This analysis argues that while political controversies, such as Spain's withdrawal over Israel's participation, dominate headlines, economic factors are increasingly driving countries away from the Eurovision Song Contest. Participation has become a costly and risky investment for broadcasters, particularly the 'Big Five' nations that contribute heavily to funding. Hosting duties impose significant financial burdens, as seen with Liverpool's £20 million cost in 2023, which is difficult to justify amid tightening media budgets. Although the contest can generate substantial economic boosts and branding opportunities, these rewards are unevenly distributed. Furthermore, the unpredictability of results, driven by diverging jury and public voting patterns influenced by geopolitics and diaspora networks, disadvantages smaller nations. Countries like Malta, Montenegro, and Bulgaria have previously cited financial pressures and limited returns when stepping away. Consequently, Eurovision is evolving into a marketplace where nations weigh costs, risks, and reputational exposure against potential soft power gains. The article suggests that beyond the spectacle, the contest is now deeply intertwined with economic viability and political strategy, making participation a complex decision for national broadcasters facing fiscal constraints.

1 reports · 1 sources

Alkagesta is significantly expanding its energy operations across Europe, focusing on aviation fuel, low-sulfur marine fuel (ULSFO), and advanced biofuels. Since February 2026, the company has supplied Jet A-1 aviation fuel via the NATO pipeline system to five airports in Germany and Belgium, strengthening its market position. In the marine sector, Alkagesta delivered over 500,000 tons of ULSFO in the Mediterranean during 2025, complying with new ECA environmental regulations. The company is also developing its biofuels division, with Alkagesta Romania playing a key role in its Eastern European renewable energy strategy. Anthony Guida, a Biofuels Trader at Alkagesta, highlighted the establishment of a certified end-to-end trading platform launched in 2025. Additionally, the firm reported substantial growth in Used Cooking Oil (UCO) recycling, with collection volumes rising from 734 to 1,860 tons since investing in processing facilities in 2022. Currently operating in 48 countries with 17 offices, Alkagesta manages over 700,000 cubic meters of fuel storage infrastructure across Europe and Asia, positioning biofuels as a scalable decarbonization solution.

1 reports · 1 sources

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute's 'Youth with Statistics 2025' report, Türkiye's young population aged 15-24 reached 12,708,348 by the end of 2025. This demographic constitutes 14.8 percent of the country's total population, with a gender distribution of 51.2 percent male and 48.8 percent female. The report highlights significant regional disparities, with Şırnak, Hakkari, and Siirt recording the highest youth ratios, while Balıkesir, Ordu, and Muğla had the lowest. Comparative analysis reveals that Türkiye's youth proportion is notably higher than the European Union average of 10.7 percent, though it remains below the global average of 15.6 percent. The study also provides long-term projections under main, low, and high fertility scenarios, predicting a gradual decline in the youth population rate to between 7.2 percent and 11.4 percent by 2100, depending on demographic trends. These findings underscore Türkiye's relatively young demographic structure compared to Europe, offering insights for future social and economic planning.

1 reports · 1 sources