Insights

Legal Updates

Unfair Trading Practices Regulations in the Food Industry now in Force

On 18 June 2021, the Unfair Trading Practices in the Food Supply Chain Regulations (Legal Notice 266 of 2021 and hereinafter the 'UTP Regulations'), transposing Directive 2019/633 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain, came into force.The UTP Regulations aim to combat practices that deviate from commercial conduct that is contrary to good faith and fair dealing and which are unilaterally imposed by one trading party onto another. They list several unfair trading practices that are prohibited in relations between buyers…

MamoTCV Advocates6th July 2021

Immigration

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit

Residency Malta Agency, the local Government entity responsible for the management and promotion of Malta's residency-by-investment programmes, has launched a new residence permit, the Nomad Residence Permit. This initiative offers third-country nationals the opportunity to work remotely and reside in Malta for a temporary period.The holder of a Nomad Residence Permit shall retain their current employment in another country whilst residing in Malta. The residence permit is issued for one year and can be renewed upon the discretion of the authority if the holder of the permit continues to meet the eligibility criteria. Alternatively, those applicants who are interested in…

Julian Fenech Adami9th June 2021

Corporate and M&A

Navigating the new regulatory landscape for Company Service Providers – Part 2

This article was written by Dr. Simon Pullicino & Dr. Laura SpiteriIn this second instalment of our series 'Navigating the new regulatory landscape for Company Service Providers', we take a closer look at the application process for CSPs seeking regulatory authorisation, the appointment of key office holders and applicable exemptions to the new regime. Part 1 of this series can be accessed here.The Application ProcessAny person operating in or from Malta who acts, or holds himself out as acting as a CSP by way of its business is required to apply for authorisation from the MFSA, unless such person is able to benefit…

Simon Pullicino6th May 2021

Corporate and M&A

Navigating the new regulatory landscape for Company Service Providers – Part 1

This article was written by Dr Simon Pullicino, Dr Petra Attard and Dr Laura SpiteriFollowing the entry into force of the Company Service Providers (Amendment) Act 2020 (the "Amendments") on 16 March, 2021 a number of significant amendments have been introduced to the local regulatory framework governing the provision of company services. The most notable amendments consist of the removal of previous exemptions available to warranted professionals and the end of the de minimis rule. The Amendments also introduce a classification system, assigning CSPs to a specific class by reference to the services provided. These Amendments form part of a broader reform…

Simon Pullicino4th May 2021

Aviation Shipping, Yachting and Transport

Segregated Cells in Aviation and Shipping Companies

Pursuant to amendments to the Companies Act, the Companies Act (Shipping and Aviation Cell Companies) Regulations (the "Regulations") allow for the incorporation of cell companies that conduct shipping or aviation business. The Regulations also allow for the conversion of an existing company that conducts shipping or aviation business into a cell company. To understand what is meant by shipping or aviation business, please click here.A cell company may create one or more cells within itself for the purposes of segregating and protecting cellular assets. Each cell has distinct assets and liabilities and can therefore be used to carry out separate…

Joshua Chircop29th April 2021

Environment Law

Has the CJEU Shut the Door on Climate Change Litigation?

LEGAL BACKGROUNDIn recent years, numerous ecologists and environmental organisations have brought proceedings against national governments for their failure to reach the objectives contained in the 2015 Paris Agreement on combating climate change. That Agreement is unique for two reasons. First, it has been ratified by almost all countries in the world, representing over 95% of global greenhouse emissions. Secondly, it contains a specific climate target which our governments have promised to achieve. This consists in the maintenance of global temperatures to well below 2°C and preferably to not more than 1,5°C above pre-industrial levels from the date of the Agreement…

Mark Soler23rd April 2021