Overview
Capital: Valletta
Official EU language(s): Maltese, English
EU member country: since 1 May 2004
Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2008
Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007
Figures: Geographical size - population - gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
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.
Trade and economy
The most important sectors of Malta’s economy in 2020 were public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (18.3%), Professional, scientific and technical activities; administrative and support service activities (17.3%) and wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (14.0%).
Intra-EU trade accounts for 50% of Malta’s exports (Germany 17%, France 9% and Italy 7%), while outside the EU 6% go to both Singapore and Hong Kong.
In terms of imports, 57% come from EU Member States (Italy 20% and Germany and France 7%), while outside the EU 8% come from China and the United Kingdom.
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
Current presidency of the Council of the EU
European Commission
The Commissioner nominated by Malta to the European Commission is Helena Dalli, who is responsible for Equality.
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 pay and receive?
How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated 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 focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole.
Figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:
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.