The Council of the European Union has amended its 5 October 2021 decision approving Malta's recovery and resilience plan, introducing updated milestones and targets for climate neutrality measures. The amendment, published on 13 July 2026, sets binding deadlines for reforms and investments in building renovation, waste management, and renewable energy, which Malta must meet to access EU recovery funds.
The revised plan, originally approved in October 2021, now includes specific requirements: Malta must establish a Regulator for Buildings by 30 June 2023, with at least 50 staff and a €2 million budget by the first quarter of 2023, and train 500 construction professionals by the second quarter of 2023. A ban on certain single-use plastics was required by the fourth quarter of 2021, alongside a Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy. Six regional waste collection bodies must be set up by the fourth quarter of 2022, and a new regulatory framework for construction waste by the fourth quarter of 2023.
Investment targets include renovating at least 9,232 square metres of public buildings by the second quarter of 2023, achieving a 30% reduction in primary energy demand by the fourth quarter of 2025. Private building renovation grants were to be launched by the first quarter of 2022. Specific projects include renovating block 1 of Mount Carmel Hospital by the second quarter of 2026, and two public schools (St Benedict College Għaxaq Primary and Gozo College Nadur Primary) by 31 December 2023, with a 30% primary energy demand reduction and 70% construction waste reuse or recycling. A near carbon-neutral pilot school (St. Theresa College Msida Primary) must be built by 31 December 2023, with primary energy demand 20% below Nearly-Zero Energy Building requirements and 70% construction waste recovery. Photovoltaics installation in public spaces is also required.
The amendment formalises these conditions as part of Malta's recovery and resilience plan, linking disbursement of EU funds to compliance. The Council's decision updates the original implementing decision to reflect Malta's revised plan submitted in response to the EU's climate goals. The European Commission will monitor progress, and Malta must report on milestones to trigger payments. The amendment does not alter the total allocation but tightens the link between reforms and funding, affecting national authorities responsible for implementation, the construction sector, waste management operators, and building occupants who will benefit from energy efficiency improvements. The new deadlines create pressure on Malta to accelerate administrative and legislative action, with potential financial consequences if targets are missed.