Prime Minister Robert Abela met representatives of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises at the Auberge de Castille for a consultation on Budget 2027. The representatives presented proposals covering five pillars: investment and compliance, governance and fair competition, productivity driven by sound policies, energy and resources, and transport and mobility.
Abela said the Government would continue supporting strategic sectors such as energy to maintain stable prices for families and businesses, despite what he described as international geopolitical challenges and rising energy prices abroad. He said discussions were under way on both next year’s national Budget and the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034.
Highlighting digital investment, Abela said around 40,000 people had registered for the AI for All initiative and 23,000 had successfully completed training and were receiving a free AI software licence. He said investment in technology must go hand in hand with investment in workers.
Chamber representatives also referred to the announced reduction in tax on business transfers between family members, from 5% to 1.5%. They described the decision as positive and said it would support businesses in continuing to invest and contribute to economic growth.
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