People Before Numbers: MCF Calls for Fairer Budget Measures Affecting TCNs
The Malta Co-operative Federation (MCF) has called on the Government to reconsider the measures introduced in Budget 2027 affecting third-country nationals who have been living in Malta for less than five years, warning that they risk placing an unfair burden on some of the country's most vulnerable workers. The Federation believes that these measures run counter to the principles of solidarity, fairness and human dignity, and could further deepen divisions within Maltese society. Protecting Social Cohesion and Fairness The MCF has expressed concern that the measures risk reinforcing an “us and them” mentality, where people who live and work [...]
Budget 2027: Putting communities at the heart of Malta’s prosperity
MCF’s 13 proposals show how co-operative ownership can turn public assets, essential services and economic opportunity into lasting community benefit.Malta’s economic success should be measured not only by growth, but by whether it improves the everyday lives of people in Malta and Gozo. That is the central message of the Malta Co-operative Federation’s proposals for Budget 2027, presented under the theme “Shared Prosperity, Stronger Communities”. Developed after consultations with the Local Councils Association, the 13 proposals argue that co-operatives are practical, democratically managed enterprises that can help communities shape their own futures. They focus on public assets, housing, care, banking, [...]
Cooperatives for a Peaceful World: Building Bridges Through Cooperation
On Saturday, 4 July 2026, cooperatives around the world mark the International Day of Cooperatives under the theme “Cooperatives for a peaceful world.” At first glance, peace may seem like a subject reserved for governments, diplomats, and international institutions. Yet peace is not built only around negotiating tables. It is also built in communities, workplaces, villages, towns, and local economies. It is built wherever people choose dialogue over division, participation over exclusion, and solidarity over indifference. This is where cooperatives have always had an important role to play. The cooperative model is based on a simple but powerful idea: [...]
Made in EU, Owned in EU: The Coop Case for Retaining Value in Europe
As the European Union works to strengthen strategic autonomy, increase local production and reduce dependence on external supply chains, greater attention must also be given to where the value created by European businesses ultimately remains. CECOP and Cooperatives Europe, both organisations of which the Malta Cooperative Federation is a member, have published a new joint position paper with the support of REScoop.eu and Euro Coop. The paper calls for the emerging “Made in EU” framework to be underpinned by an “Owned by EU” principle. The position paper argues that manufacturing in Europe is not enough if profits, ownership and [...]
Coops & Decent Work: Putting People at the centre of the Economy
On International Workers’ Day, the cooperative movement reminds us of something very simple but very important: work is not only about earning a living. It is also about dignity, fairness, security, and having a voice. For many people around the world, decent work is still out of reach. Too many workers continue to face low wages, unsafe conditions, informal employment, and limited access to social protection. At the same time, new pressures, from technological change to climate challenges, are reshaping the world of work and often making existing inequalities worse. Cooperatives: A Proven People-Centred Model Cooperatives offer [...]
MCF Welcomes Landmark Transition of Co-operatives Office to MBR
The Malta Co-operative Federation (MCF) welcomes the recent announcement by the Malta Business Registry (MBR) confirming that, with effect from 13th April 2026, the Office of the Co-operatives has been relocated to the Malta Business Registry. MCF views this development as a positive and important step forward for Malta’s co-operative sector. The transition is expected to enhance efficiency, improve accessibility, and streamline both the registration process for co-operatives as well as ongoing reporting requirements. This move also marks an important step towards further mainstreaming the co-operative business model in Malta; recognising co-operatives not only as community-driven organisations, but also [...]