Government is publishing a Green Paper through which it is launching a wide public consultation aimed at further strengthening the legal framework on the environment in our country, while ensuring that the rights, traditions, and livelihoods of citizens remain safeguarded.
This initiative was announced during a press conference by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli, and Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard.
Currently, Parliament is discussing a Private Member’s Bill presented by the Opposition, which proposes constitutional amendments. Such a process requires broad consultation in order to gather everyone’s views and to properly assess the impact of the proposals.
Among other things, the Green Paper explains that environmental protection is already enshrined as one of the principles of our Constitution in Chapter 2, and it invites positions from all stakeholders.
The Green Paper invites citizens, NGOs, businesses, and experts to participate in shaping stronger environmental laws, better governance, and a more sustainable future. The document provides both local and legal context, along with consultation questions designed to collect public opinions.
“We believe that wherever necessary, we should strengthen the laws that protect the environment, and that is what we will continue to do. But every change requires broad consultation involving society as a whole. That is why we are inviting everyone to participate in the consultation process. We want everyone’s opinion on the priorities for environmental protection, public participation and transparency, the actions and remedies, and the long-term vision,” Minister Miriam Dalli explained to journalists present.
“Government firmly believes in the right to a healthy environment, but this must be done seriously, on solid constitutional grounds, and with a vision that safeguards the common good. The draft proposed by the Opposition not only introduces this right in a vague way and without procedural safeguards, but also opens the door to unfounded, speculative, and potentially malicious lawsuits. This is not the way to protect the environment. This is a way of endangering legal stability, investment, and people’s daily lives,” said Minister Jonathan Attard.
The consultation on the Green Paper opens today, 3 October, and will close on 4 December 2025. The document is available at: https://www.gov.mt/en/publicconsultation/Pages/2025/NL-0032-2025.aspx. Comments may be submitted to: consultations.meec@gov.mt.
